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YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR PREPOSITIONS

Many prepositions, such as in, inside, on, at, over, above, under, underneath, below, near, by, next to, between, behind, in back of, in front of, and beside, can be used to express place or position in space.

Trouble Spots: in, on, at in - enclosed in a three-dimensional space in my pocket in the drawer in the library on - contact with a vertical or horizontal surface on the desk on the wall at - near or in contact with a point in space or a place whose size and shape is not relevant at the top of the stairs at the library

Other points to remember 1. In front of is the opposite of behind. Don't put the lamp in front of the picture. Don't put the picture behind the lamp. 2. Use opposite or facing for things on the other side of a room or street. There is a mirror opposite/facing the door. 1|Page

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR

In, on, at with Addresses, Geographical Locations in - before continents, countries. states, cities, neighborhoods in Europe in Poland in Illinois in Chicago in Brownsville on - before streets on Michigan Avenue also on the first floor on the corner on the north (south) side on the East (West) coast at - before street numbers at 111 Michigan Avenue

Prepositions of Time: in, on, at in - before centuries, decades, years, seasons in the twelfth century in 1126 in the 1990s 2|Page

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR in 1995 in the fall also in a day (week, month, etc.) in the past (present, future, etc.) in the morning (evening, afternoon) but at night on - before days of the week, dates with numbers, and holidays on Friday on the 13th of May on May 13 on New Year's Day also on weekends, on vacation at - before exact times at 11:45 at noon (midnight, dawn, sunrise, sunset) also at present

Check Yourself: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate prepositions - in, on, or at.

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1. 2.

3. 4.

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR __________ vacation, I like to play __________ the morning, sleep _________ the afternoon, and watch TV __________ night. __________ weekdays I get up __________ 7:00, leave my house __________ 8:00, and break for lunch __________ noon. __________ Sundays and __________ the summer I sleep a little later. According to my mother I was born __________ a Sunday __________ 3:20 __________ the morning __________ the 3rd of May. My great-grandmother was born either __________ 1887 or 1888. 1 know she was born __________ the 1880s. My grandmother was born early __________ the 20th century, __________ November 7th, 1906.

Points to remember: Prepositions of time 1. Around or about means "approximately" when used before time expressions. Europeans first began to use the decimal system around (about) 1100. 2. By means at or before a particular time. By 1600 almost everyone in Europe used the new system. 3. Through means for the entire duration of a time. She slept through the second act of the play and only woke up at intermission. Through includes the last time mentioned. Up to, until, and till do not. I was in my office through the lunch hour. (including the lunch hour.) I was in my office until, up to the lunch hour. (I left before lunch time.) 4. For in a time expression usually means the entire period of time. During usually means part of a time. I was on vacation for two weeks during the summer. 5. In time means at or before the required time. On time means the exact time. You should get to the airport in time to check your baggage. Do you expect the plane to arrive on nine? 6. Other time expressions using prepositions are listed below. 4|Page

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR in a (little) while = soon in no time = very soon once in a while = intermittently at once = immediately, for the time being = temporarily from time to time = intermittently from now on = beginning now and continuing

Check Yourself: Select the correct preposition. 1. If I finish my work (by, for) seven, I can meet you (in time, on time) for the concert. It's scheduled (for, during) eight and it always starts (on time, in time). 2. I slept (through, over) the alarm and didn't wake up (until, to) 10:00 am. 3. I'll call you some time tonight. Will you be home (around, during) eight? 4. My appointment is (at, on) 3:00, but I'll be a half hour late. I can't get there (till, at) 3:30. 5. The office will be open (for, during) two hours in the evening (during, at) September. 6. The doctor is not in his office now. Can you call back (in a little while, at once)? 7. We don't have enough room for everyone right now, but we will have more space next month. (For the time being, From now on) the two of you will have to share a desk. 8. I can't leave (at once, by now). Can you wait for a minute or two? I'll be finished with my work (in no time, in time).

Prepositions of Manner, Agent, Instrument, and Purpose Using by: 1. By can show ways of travelling: by car, by bus, by subway, by train, by plane (by air), by boat (but on foot). The museum is a few miles away. You could get there by car, or I can give you directions on how to go by subway. 2. By can be used to show ways of sending a message: by mail, by airmail (by air), by telegram, by telephone. 5|Page

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR If you want to send a letter to another country, you had better send it by air. If you send it by surface mail, it will take several weeks. 3. By can be used to show how something is made: by hand, by machine (also handmade, machine made). Clothing, originally, made by hand in the small villages in my country, is now made by machine. 4. By can show the person who performs an action. The song "This Land Is Your Land," written by Woody Guthrie and recorded by many folk singers, is one of my favorites. Using with: 1. With can show the instrument or tool used to perform an action. The early settlers made most of their furniture by hand, with simple tools. You can't open the front door with the back door key. 2. With can show things that go together. Without has the opposite meaning. Do you take coffee with cream or without? With your meal or after?

Using in, as, and for 1. In can show a technique or a material used to produce something. Writing: in ink, in pencil, in capital letters, in italics Painting: in oil, in watercolour Sculpture: in clay, in wood, in bronze, in stone Movies: in black and white, in colour You can write the first draft of your essay in pencil, but the second must be written in ink. 2. As can show the job someone has, or the role an actor plays. During college I have worked as a waitress and as a clerk in a store. 6|Page

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR The film stars Laurence Olivier as Hamlet. 3. For can show the purpose of something or tell who benefits. My parents saved money for their children's education. They didn't buy many things for themselves.

Check Yourself: Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition 1. Picasso, an extremely versatile and prolific artist, painted both _________ oil and _________ watercolor, and sculpted _________ clay and _________ plaster. Some of his sculpture was also cast _________ metal. 2. Of course, it's faster to travel from Chicago to the West Coast _________ air, but you see much more of the country _________ train or _________ bus. 3. The beautiful sweater I saw is made entirely _________ hand, but it costs much more than I can afford. Because most clothes are made _________ machine these days, handmade clothes are becoming more and more expensive. 4. Shall I order pizza _________ sausage, _________ mushrooms and green peppers, or _________ any extra ingredients? 5. I need to buy a present _________ my cousin's wedding, and a small gift _________ my nephew's birthday. If I have any money left, I'll buy something new _________ myself. 6. If your package has to get there fast, you'd better send it _________ air, or even express mail. If you send it _________ surface mail, it might take a week. 7. My brother worked part-time _________ a stock clerk and _________ a night watchman to help pay for his education. 8. Most of the Beatles' songs have been recorded _________ other artists, but I still like the originals, sung _________ Lennon and McCartney. 9. It's faster to make a bookcase _________ power tools, but it can be more satisfying to work _________ an ordinary saw, hammer, and nails. 10. Although many people remember Sean Connery _________ James Bond, the role has been played _________ several different actors.

Adjective and Preposition Combinations Examples: I'm afraid of thunder. He's good at tennis. 7|Page

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR Do you think most people are kind to others? Do you think most people are grateful for help? He's bad at swimming. She's proud of learning English. Comments: Notice that certain prepositions usually follow certain adjectives. We say that a person is afraid of something, good at something, kind to someone, grateful for something. Adjective + preposition combinations are often followed by gerunds (swimming, learning). A gerund has the same form as the present participle (verb + -ing) but is used in the same way a noun is used. There are many adjective + preposition combinations in English. Listed below are some of the most common ones. afraid of (someone or something) good to (someone) angry about (something) grateful for (something) angry at/with (someone) happy about/with (something, someone) anxious about (something) hard for (someone) anxious for (something)* honest about (something) ashamed of (someone, something) honest with (someone) bad at (something) kind to (someone) jealous of (someone) capable of (something) mad at (someone), mad about (something) careful with/about (something) patient with (someone) careless with/about (something) polite to (someone) considerate of (someone) proud of (something, someone) courteous to (someone) sad about (something) difficult for (someone) 8|Page

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR sorry about (something) eager for (something) sorry for (someone) easy for (someone) successful at (something) fond of (someone, something) sure of/about (something, someone) good at (something) worried about (something, someone)

Check Yourself: Without referring to the list, fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition. 1. I was afraid _________ dogs until I got a puppy of my own. The little dog was eager _________ affection. It was easy _________ anyone to be fond _________ him. When he died _________ an accident, I was sad _________ it for months. Everyone in the family felt sorry _________ me. 2. 1 have to train new employees in my office. The work is hard _________ people to learn, and not everyone can be good _________ it right away. I try to be considerate _________ everyone's feelings and not get mad _________ anyone who is trying, but I can't always be patient _________ people who don't try. 3. I'm proud _________ learning to speak English as well as I do. It wasn't easy _________ me. I knew I was capable _________ doing it from the beginning, but I wasn't completely sure _________ my ability to stick with it. It's difficult _________ me not to be jealous _________ people who seem to learn without any effort. 4. Children in my country were trained to be polite _________ every adult. Even when we were angry _________ our parents, we would have been ashamed _________ saying so. I think it is important for children to be courteous _________ older people, and I'm grateful _________ being brought up that way. 5. It's sometimes difficult to be honest _________ everything you do. It's particularly difficult to be honest _________ yourself.

Prepositions + Noun Combinations Many prepositions appear in fixed expressions or idioms. For example, we always say someone is in a hurry, that workers are on strike. We do not choose in and on because of their meaning but because those prepositions always occur in those expressions. There are many such fixed expressions using prepositions in English. Below are several common expressions in which the preposition in or on is used with nouns. Using in, and on with Nouns in Fixed Expressions 9|Page

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR 1. We say in a language (in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, etc.) The dictionary gives definitions in English and in Spanish. 2. We say in a book (a newspaper, a magazine, essay, story, etc.), but on the radio, on television, on the telephone. Many people prefer to watch the news on television; others like to read the more detailed accounts that appear in the newspapers. 3. We say in the rain (snow, sun), in good (bad, nice, rainy, snowy, sunny, cloudy, clear) weather, but on a clear (sunny, cloudy) day. In bad weather I usually drive to work; on a clear day, I like to walk. 4. We say in to refer to an item of clothing that someone is wearing. The man in the red sweater is in two of my classes. 5. We say in a loud (soft, high, low, clear, steady, unsteady, etc.) voice, in a whisper. Maxine spoke in a loud voice. Another child spoke in a whisper. 6. We say in a good (bad, terrible, pleasant, etc.) mood. I always wait until my mother is in a good mood before I tell her any bad news. 7. We say in style, in fashion, in good (bad, poor) taste. Out of style, out of fashion to mean the opposite. Not everything that is in style is in good taste. 8. We say in (good, bad, poor) health when we refer to people: in (good. bad, wonderful, terrible, etc.) condition/shape when we refer to things and sometimes People. My grandfather walks two miles every day to stay in good health. He's in good shape for his age. If you can find a used car in good condition, you should buy it.

Inseparable Verb and Preposition Combinations

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YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR English contains many examples of verbs which are normally followed by particular prepositions. Listed below are several common verb + preposition combinations. (dis) agree with belong to depend on /upon dream about /of hope for insist on / upon laugh about listen to look for object to plan on talk about talk to think about

Practice: After reviewing the verb + preposition combinations listed above, complete the following sentences by using an appropriate preposition. Use the name of a friend or classmate as subject. 1. __Yolanda__ is very active in student affairs. _She_ belongs _to_ several different organizations. 2. __________ and I like to talk __________ current affairs. Even though he/she disagrees __________ me on almost every issue, I like to talk __________ him/her whenever I can. 3. __________ dreams __________ becoming famous some day. 4. __________ has very firm opinions. He/She always insists __________ stating a point of view and is not bothered when anyone objects __________ his/her ideas. 5. __________ plans __________ continuing his/her education. He/She is thinking __________ applying to several different schools and hopes __________ a scholarship to at least one of them. 6. __________ is looking __________ a job that pays well and is interesting. 7. __________ is very reliable. You can always depend __________ him/her to keep __________ promises. 8. Since __________ is both talented and hard working, I think he/she will succeed __________ anything he/she chooses to do. 9. I like to listen __________ my friend speak. He/she has such a nice voice. 10. __________ never takes him/herself too seriously. He/she laughs __________ his/her problems.

Verb and Preposition Combinations with Idiomatic Meanings In the previous examples, the meaning of the verb + preposition combination was clear from the meaning of the individual words. However, in many cases verbs and prepositions combine to produce expressions with new meanings. Compare the following. Examples: 11 | P a g e

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR She ran into the room and closed the door. I ran into someone I hadn't seen for years. (run into: meet by chance) Comments: The verb and preposition keep their basic meaning. The combination has a meaning that cannot be guessed from the meanings of the individual words. The following are among the many verb + preposition combinations that have an idiomatic meaning. count on: drop by: get along with: get over: get together (with): look like: put up with: take care of: run into: rely on, depend on visit without advance notice have a good relationship with recover from Meet Resemble Tolerate care for meet by chance

Practice: Fill in the blanks with an appropriate verb + preposition expression from the above list. Some people don't realize that my cousin and I are related. I don't (resemble) __look like__ her very much even though we have the same color hair. We have different personalities, but we (have good relations with) __________________ each other very well. We often (meet) __________________ to chat. Sometimes she'll (visit) __________________ my apartment on her way home from work. We live in the same neighborhood, so sometimes we will (meet by chance) __________________ each other at the supermarket. We have good times together, but even more important is the fact that she's always been someone I could (rely on) __________________ When I was sick last year she (cared for) __________________ me. She walked my dog while I was in the hospital. Even after I was home it took me a long time to (recover from) __________________ my illness, and I was feeling so bad 12 | P a g e

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR that I probably wasn't a very pleasant person to be with. My cousin (tolerated) __________________ me nevertheless. I'll always be grateful to her.

Separable Verb-Preposition Combinations Some verb + preposition combinations may be separated by noun objects and must be separated by pronoun objects. Examples: (a) You need to look up the word in a dictionary. Or (b) You need to look the word up in a dictionary. You need to look it up. Not (c) You need to look up it. Comments: A noun object such as word can follow the verb + preposition combination (a), or it can come between the verb and the preposition (b). When the object is a pronoun, the pronoun must separate the verb and the preposition.

Some Common Separable Verb-Preposition Combinations cut … out cut … down call … up call … off look … up 13 | P a g e = stop an activity = reduce or lessen an activity = use telephone = cancel = search for information in a reference work

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR look … over put … on put … off think … up think … over try … on try … out turn … on turn … down turn … down turn … off turn … out turn … up = examine = put clothes on body = postpone, delay = invent = consider = try clothing to see if it fits = try other items to see if they are suitable = start flow of electricity, water, etc. = reduce volume = reject = stop flow of electricity, water, etc. = extinguish light = increase volume

Practice: Construct imperative sentences by adding an appropriate preposition. Example: Cut __down__ the noise. (reduce) 1. Look ____________ the next chapter. (examine) 2. Cut ____________ the talking. (stop) 3. Turn ____________ the radio. (lower volume) 4. Call ____________ the meeting. (cancel) 5. Put ____________ your coat. (get dressed) 6. Think ____________ your plans. (consider) 7. Turn ____________ the light. (extinguish) 8. Look ____________ the word in the dictionary. (search) 9. Call ____________ the members. (telephone) 10. Turn ____________ the TV. (increase volume) 11. Put ____________ the meeting. (postpone) 12. Turn ____________ the water. (stop flow) 13. Think ____________ a new idea. (invent) 14. Turn ____________ the job offer. (refuse) 14 | P a g e

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR

Additional separable verb-preposition combinations do … over fill … in fill … out hand … out / pass … out hand … in / turn … in hand … back look … over make … up read … over take … out / check … out take … back = do again = give information =complete form = distribute to students = give work to teacher = return work to students = read quickly = complete missing work = read again = borrow books from library = return books to library

Practice: Unscramble the words below to make questions. 1. how often / teachers / do / homework / assignments / hand out / ? How often do teachers hand out homework assignments? Many teachers hand them out every day. 2. students / at the beginning of class / their work / do / or / hand in / at the end of class? 3. their work / what happens / students / on time / don't turn in / when? 4. many teachers / do / to read over / ask you / your assignments / you / before / hand them in? 5. usually have / a few minutes / at the end of class / the next day's assignment / to look over / do you / and / about it ask questions? 6. mistakes / cross out / of your papers can you / on the final copy? 7. the teachers / do / hand back / with corrections / assignments? 8. supposed to / are you / all / on tests / the answers / fill in? 9. make up / can you / missing work / you are / absent / if? 10. do / over / assignments / can / you / your grade / to improve? 11. have to / a form / fill out / a library card / to get / do you? 12. books / students / take out / can / how many / at one time? 13. you / can / dictionaries / check out? 14. took out / a book / today /, would I / have to / bring back / when? 15 | P a g e

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR

Check Yourself: Cross out the preposition that should not be used in each sentence. 1. The plane circled (around/over/through) the city before landing. 2. Please stop (on/at/by) my office for a minute after class. 3. Go (up/down/through) the street and then take the turn (in/on/to) your left just before you get to the bridge. There is a gas station (at/in/on) the next corner, and my apartment is across the street (facing/opposite/in front of) the station. 4. There is a nice path (along/facing/beside) the river that you can take. 5. If we have some time after we arrive, let's walk (around/over/through) the neighbourhood to see what it looks like. 6. My bed is near the wall (in front of/facing/opposite) the door. 7. If you hang the Picture (over/above/behind) the radiator, we can all see it. 8. Drive (toward/at/in the direction of) the center of town but turn right (into/at/by) the river. 9. If you want to park your car in the parking lot, go (through/by/in) the entrance on your left and back (in/into/on) the nearest empty space. 10. If you have some time, please stop (by/through/at) my office. There is something I want to show you. 11. I just saw your friends go (into/onto/in) the store a minute ago. 12. Please take the dirty dishes (off/out from/away from) the table.

Prepositions: Complete the following sentences with an appropriate preposition. 1. This book belongs ___________ Theodore. (This book belongs to Theodore.) 2. We all went ___________ a walk ___________ the park. 3. We bought this car ___________ August. 4. We plan to trade it ___________ a new one ___________ the spring. 5. We looked everywhere ___________ the pen which Guy lost. 6. Nan usually sits ___________ this desk. 7. I make a lot of errors ___________ spelling. 8. The man walked quickly ___________ the room and sat down. 9. She spends a lot ___________ time ___________ her English. 10. We read ___________ the accident ___________ the newspaper this morning. 11. I must write a letter ___________ my aunt. 12. She went ___________ the corner store ___________ some groceries. 13. Lea sits ___________ front ___________ me at the meeting. 14. The boat ___________ moved slowly ___________ the coast. 15. Everyone ___________ laughed ___________ William's story. 16. The woman smiled ___________ me pleasantly. 16 | P a g e

YOU AT YOUR VERY BEST WWW.AMERICANTEACHERCLUB.COM.BR 17. He thanked me ___________ my interest ___________ the matter. 18. How much did they pay ___________ their new home? 19. They buy everything ___________ credit. 20. They told me all ___________ their trip ___________ South America. 21. He left the office ___________ once, as soon as he heard ___________ the accident. 22. Please pick ___________ those papers which are ___________ the floor. 23. He never comes ___________ club meetings ___________ time. 24. We live a long way ___________ the airport.

25.

What time do you get ___________ every morning?

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