Problems with Prepositions
Prepositions are words that often show direction; for example, below, above, over, under, around, through, in, out, between, among, to, toward(s). Other common prepositions include of, for (also sometimes a conjunction), from, with, like (also sometimes a verb).
Rule: You shouldn’t use or end a sentence with an unnecessary preposition, i.e., when the meaning is clear without the preposition. Sentences may end with necessary prepositions.
Correct: That is something I cannot agree with.
With is a necessary preposition.
Incorrect: Where did he go to?
Correct: Where did he go?
To is unnecessary because the meaning is clear without it.
Rule: Don’t follow like with a subject and verb because prepositions are followed only by nouns that act as the object of the preposition. Use as or as if or as though instead of like when a subject and verb follow.
Correct: I wish I could be more like her.
Incorrect: It doesn’t look like she will show up for dinner.
Correct: It doesn’t look as if (or as though) she will show up for dinner.
Pop Quiz
Which sentence is correct?
1. A. Where did you get this at? B. Where did you get this?
2. A. I will go later on. B. I will go later.
3. A. Take your shoes off the bed. B. Take your shoes off of the bed.
4. A. Cut it up into small pieces. B. Cut it into small pieces.
5. A. I look like my sister. B. I look as my sister.
Pop Quiz Answers
1. B
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. A
July 19, 2008 at 4:21 am
Hmmm. I was always taught that one should never end a sentence with a preposition. For instance, the sentence, “That is something I cannot agree with” should be changed to read, “That is something with which I cannot agree.” Are both correct? Is the latter correct in more formal documents, while the former in more informal situations?
Thanks.
July 20, 2008 at 12:51 am
Hi, Joel.
It’s really just a myth that we can’t end sentences with prepositions, even in formal writing.
September 8, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Can you please clarify the following: Should it be “The details follow or follows”?
September 8, 2008 at 2:39 pm
“The details follow” because it is like saying “They follow.” See the Subject and Verb Agreement page of Grammarbook.com.
October 9, 2008 at 10:16 am
Which is correct?
Is my child the right age for school, or is my child at the right age for school?
Is the word “at” an unnecessary preposition?
October 9, 2008 at 2:01 pm
The word “at” is an unnecessary preposition here.
October 10, 2008 at 1:38 am
Why is “at” considered unnecessary?
Thanks!
October 10, 2008 at 4:15 am
I can’t answer that as I’m not a linguist. It’s not wrong, just unnecessary.
January 15, 2009 at 6:45 am
Which is the correct usage of a preposition? We will meet on tomorrow. we will meet tomorrow.
Another example would be: The testing will begin on tomorrow. The testing will begin tomorrow.
January 15, 2009 at 9:20 am
Do not use “on” with either sentence.
We will meet tomorrow. The testing will begin tomorrow.
April 28, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Hi!
I’m confused.
Is it “tackle on a step-by-step manner” or “tackle in a step-by-step manner.”
April 29, 2009 at 2:12 pm
“tackle in a step-by-step manner”
May 14, 2009 at 9:44 am
Hi!
When is it appropriate to use toward vs. towards? My sentence is…
He behaved in an inappropriate manner toward his supervisors.
Should it be toward or towards?
Thanks,
Tish
May 14, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Either “toward” or “towards” is correct.
July 7, 2010 at 11:56 am
When is it appropriate to use a comma before the word “because”? For example, could you use a comma before “because” in the following sentence?
She ran the race as fast as she could because she wanted to show everyone how thoroughly she had trained.
Thanks.
July 7, 2010 at 3:40 pm
The word “because” follows an independent clause and begins a dependent clause. Do not use a comma when the independent clause comes before the dependent clause. See Rule 9 under Commas.