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To is a preposition. It is also used as part of the infinitive (the to-infinitive): Does this train go to Cambridge? (preposition) I’d like to see that film. (to-infinitive) To as a preposition: destination or direction We can use to as a preposition to indicate a destination or direction: We’re going to Liverpool next week. Does he want to come to the park with us? The dog ran to us as soon as […]
on/to the other side of (line): across and overAcross and over can both be used to mean ‘on or to the other side of a line, river, road, bridge, etc’.His village is just across/over the border.See if you can jump across/over the stream. high things: over preferredWe prefer over to say ‘on/to the other side […]
Prepositions are not normally used before infinitives in English. After verb/ noun/adjective + preposition, we usually use the -ing form of a following verb. He insisted on being paid at once, (NOT He insisted on to be paid ..-.) I don’t like the idea of getting married, (NOT … the idea of to get married.) […]
Prepositions can be followed by conjunctions in some cases but not in others.indirect speech: prepositions dropped before thatPrepositions are not used directly before the conjunction that. In indirect speech – after words that refer to saying, writing, thinking etc –prepositions are usually dropped before that-clauses. Compare:I knew about his problems.I knew that he had problems.(NOT […]
introductionA preposition often connects two things: (1) a noun, adjective or verb that comes before it, and (2) a ‘prepositional object’ – a noun phrase or pronounthat comes after the preposition.This is a present for you. He’s looking at her.I’m really angry with Joe. They live in a small village.In some structures, we may put […]
This is a list of some common expressions in which we do not use prepositions, or can leave them out.discuss, enter, marry, lack, resemble and approachThese verbs are normally followed by direct objects without prepositions.We must discuss your plans, (NOT … discuss about your plans.) Conversation stopped as we entered the church, (NOT .. .-entered […]
This is a list of a few expressions which often cause problems. For other preposition + noun combinations, see a good dictionary.at the cinema; at the theatre; at a party; at university What’s on at the cinema this week?a book (written) by Joyce; a concerto (composed) by Mozart; a film (directed) by Orson Welles (NOT […]
It is not always easy to know which preposition to use after a particular noun, verb or adjective. Here are some of the most common combinations which cause difficulty to students of English. Alternatives are sometimes possible, and American and British usage sometimes differ. There is only room for very brief notes here; for more […]