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? (Answers at bottom of blog)

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.

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Wordplay

In a democracy, it’s your vote that counts; in feudalism, it’s your Count that votes.

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English In A Snap: 68 One-Minute English Usage Videos
View Jane’s 68 one-minute video lessons that are available FREE. Learn all about who and whom, affect and effect, subjects and verbs, adjectives and adverbs, commas, semicolons, quotation marks, and much more by just sitting back and enjoying these easy-to-follow lessons. Tell your colleagues (and bosses), children, teachers, and friends.
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Pop Quiz Answers

1. B
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. A

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