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Tips for learning prepositions
Prepositions are one of the hardest things to learn in English. These little words can drive us mad – yes, even at advanced level. So if you struggle with them, take comfort knowing that you’re not the only one! Here are some tips to consider:
1. Prepositions can change the meaning of a sentence
Prepositions are sometimes referred to as ‘function words’ as opposed to nouns and verbs which are ‘content words’. Does this mean that prepositions are not as significant as verbs? Or that they do not provide the listener or reader with important information?
Consider this…
> My mother is in the Royal London Hospital
> My mother is at the Royal London HospitalIn this case, it is the choice of preposition which tells the listener or reader if the mother is a patient at the hospital or just visiting.
> My mother is in the Royal London Hospital (patient)
> My mother is at the Royal London Hospital (visitor)Another example:
> I can meet you at 5 o’clock
> I can meet you after 5 o’clock
> I can meet you before 5 o’clockThis shows how a preposition can completely alter the meaning of the sentence, proving that these little words must not be overlooked.
2. Prepositions: Phrasal verbs
> My friend passed away last night
> My friend passed out last night
> My friend passed by last night
I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a grasp on common phrasal verbs! Getting the preposition wrong can lead to all kinds of laughs (or tears!) So, have a go! What’s the difference in meaning in the 3 sentences above? (Hit reply to this thread!)
3. Avoid translating
One preposition in your own language might have a different translation in English depending on the context. For example, if you look up the word on in the dictionary you will be bombarded with many different definitions and uses, over 50 in fact! So it’s a better idea to learn in ‘chunks’👇 rather than translating.
4. Learn like a child! (Chunks)
Sure, you can study rules to apply, such as; use on with days of the week; in for months and years; at for specific times and holidays, but as native English speakers we do not grow up learning these rules, or even thinking about what preposition to use.
Ask an English speaking child, “Where is your mother?” They will know to say at home instead of in home or on home. This is not instinctive; it has been acquired through hearing and mimicking, which is not the same way that you have learned the language.
Children learn languages in chunks and phrases so English learners should do the same.
There is no denying that rules can help learners; however these rules for prepositions of direction, place, position and time can work only for these instances.
How can you know to use dream of, depend on or belong to? What are the rules for this?
The cold hard truth, which no learner wants to hear, is that there are none. In order to learn these types of preposition, you must learn the language like children: in chunks.
~send something to someone
~ afraid of (+ noun/-ing)
~depends on (+ noun/-ing)
~in the morning/afternoon/evening
~at noon/night/midnight5. Read, read, read!
Learning prepositions in sentences is the best way to avoid making mistakes.
Pay attention when you read and start to become aware of COLLOCATIONS: start looking closely at which prepositions follow which words. Do you notice patterns? Or variations sometimes? And if there are variations, how does the meaning change? (Is it a phrasal verb, for example?) So kind of be like a Sherlock Homes of English!
Learn prepositions in conjunction with the surrounding words, forming set expressions.
In this example knowing the dependent preposition is the only way to answer the question.
My aunt is ______from pneumonia
a. enduring
b. bearing
c. sufferingShe was ______on learning to surf
a. enthusiastic
b. keen
c. eagerIn the first example the preposition from collocates only with the verb suffer and in example two we use on with the adjective keen.
~ suffer from (+ noun/-ing)
~ keen on (+ noun/-ing)Learning prepositions as part of phrases and fixed expressions will help to improve your proficiency.
My final thoughts:
Learning prepositions in isolation is a daunting task, and more often than not there are exceptions to the rules.
Learning in phrases, however, means you will make fewer errors and be more likely to remember them in context.
What tips do you have?
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3 Replies
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Hi Kerin, thanks for sharing.
Just a couple of questions on the topic. Isn’t it also “eager on” a valid option for example n.2?
I’ve just read a title on my news feed, which says: “Working from home bolster Paolo’s love ON biscuits” (I changed the subject and object, but not the structure). I would have used FOR instead, is it still correct?
Thank you.
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No worries @Paolo
To answer you: no, eager is usually followed by ‘to’ plus the verb
I’m eager to learn surfing
OR followed by ‘for’
I’m eager for something
We can use other prepositions too. But mostly ‘to’ or ‘for’ (this is a good article https://lingohelp.me/preposition-after-adjective/eager-for-to-in-about-on/)
> love ON biscuits doesn’t sound right to me. I’d say love FOR as you said
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