Chapter 8 We have learnt that a preposition shows relation between two things. It is placed before a noun or a pronoun to show the relation between the person or the thing denoted by it in regard to something referred by it. The word Preposition means ‘that which is placed before’. Let us consider the following examples.
The word near shows the relation between the action sat and me. On shows the relation between it and the table. These words are called prepositions. The pronoun me in the first sentence is the object of the preposition near; the noun table is the object of the preposition on. Thus the noun or pronoun that follows a preposition is its object. Note:
Examples
Examples
Examples
Examples
Kinds of prepositions There are three kinds of prepositions.
Simple preposition Definition A simple preposition is a word that shows the relationship between two things without the help of another word. Examples
Explanation In the above examples in and throughout relate to the subject and the object without the help of another word. They are called simple prepositions. Similarly at, by, for, from, in, of, off, on, out, through, till, to, up, with etc are simple prepositions. Compound preposition Definition A compound preposition is formed by prefixing a preposition to a noun, an adjective or an adverb.
Explanation In the above examples along and behind are formed by prefixing the preposition a and be (by) to the adjectives long and hind, so they are called Compound Prepositions. Similarly about, above, across, along, amidst, among, amongst, around, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, inside, outside, underneath, within, without etc are all compound prepositions. Phrase preposition Definition These are groups of words that have the force of a single preposition. Examples
Explanation In the three examples above more than one word is used as a single preposition. They are called phrase prepositions. Similarly according to, agreeably to, along with, away from, in accordance with, in addition to, in case of, in lieu of, in place of, in reference to, in regard to, with regard to, with a view to, with an eye to etc are all examples of phrase prepositions. Note:
Examples
Explanation In the first sentence before is a adverb, while in the second before is an preposition. A word is a preposition when it governs a noun or pronoun while it is an adverb when it does not. Use of certain prepositions
In, used with countries and big cities. At, used with small towns and villages.
With, for an instrument and by,for the agent.
Between is used when speaking of two persons or things. Among is used when there are more than two.
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