8.1 What Is a Preposition?
A preposition links nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other words in a sentence.
Prepositions are nearly always combined with other words in structures called prepositional phrases. Prepositional
phrases can be made up of a million different words, but they tend to be built the same.
A preposition usually indicates the temporal, spatial, or logical relationship of its object to the rest of the sentence.
Examples:
In each of the preceding sentences, a preposition locates the noun book in space o r in time.
8.1.1 List of Prepositions
There are more than 100 prepositions in English. Many of these prepositions have more than one meaning. Please refer to a dictionary for precise meaning and usage.
| Aboard | It’s our first time Aboard this ship. |
| About | She will be here About six. |
| Above | He thinks he is Above everybody else. |
| Across | The Theater is Across the street. |
| After | She called After you left. |
| Against | Don't lean Against that wall, it has just been painted! |
| Along | They used to walk Along the seashore during sunset. |
| Amid | It was the only white cow Amid the others. |
| Among | He felt weird being Among twenty women. |
| Around | Stop walking Around the table! |
| As | She is as tall As her father. |
| At | Everybody is sitting At the table, hurry up! |
| Before | Do you think you will finish before midnight? |
| Behind | Have you looked for the remote behind the sofa? |
| Below | The temperature is below zero degrees. |
| Beneath | Could you give me the book beneath those papers? |
| Beside | I parked my car beside yours. |
| Besides | Do you eat anything besides hamburgers? |
| Between | I had to choose between the blue and the white car. |
| Beyond | His theory is beyond my understanding. |
| By | This book was written by Garcia Marquez. |
| Before | Do you think you will finish before midnight? |
| Behind | Have you looked for the remote behind the sofa? |
| Below | The temperature is below zero degrees. |
| Beneath | Could you give me the book beneath those papers? |
| Beside | I parked my car beside yours. |
| Besides | Do you eat anything besides hamburgers? |
| Between | I had to choose between the blue and the white car. |
| Beyond | His theory is beyond my understanding. |
| By | This book was written by Garcia Marquez. |
| Concerning | Did you read the article concerning the debate? |
| Considering | I thought he was guilty, considering the evidence. |
| Despite | How can he smile despite the circumstances? |
| Down | Could you please bring the volume down a little? |
| During | I saw you sleeping during Mr. Smith's lecture. |
| Except | I will take all the items except those two. |
| Excepting | I will take all the items excepting those two. |
| Excluding | I will write a note excluding you from this class! |
| Following | Did you listen to the concert following the speech? |
| For | Is that gift for me? |
| From | Could you pick the sofa from the store, please? |
| In | Check if my watch is in the drawer. |
| Inside | Put the milk back inside the refrigerator! |
| Into | I saw my sister running into her room, what's wrong? |
| Like | I think he rather looks more like his father. |
| Near | The cinema is near the stadium. |
| Of | Have you ever heard of that actor? |
| Off | Don't you take your jacket off, it's very cold. |
| On | I saw a pen like that on the boss' desk. |
| Onto | He jumped onto the train. |
| Opposite | His speech is clearly opposite to my ideas. |
| Outside | I'll wait for you outside the store. |
| Over | Did you see that plane that just flew over us? |
| Past | It is two blocks past that park. |
| Per | How much did you pay per kilo? |
| Regarding | She is alright, regarding what happened. |
| Round | He is saving money to go round the world. |
| Save | I liked the movie, save that last scene. |
| Since | I have been living in California since 1984. |
| Than | He is taller than his brother. |
| Through | That man is crazy, he just jumped through the window! |
| To | I am traveling to Hawaii this vacation. |
| Toward | The girl is walking toward me. |
| Towards | The girl is walking towards me. |
| Under | Is the cat still under the car? |
| Underneath | Some people put the fallen teeth underneath the pillow. |
| Unlike | His behavior is strange; it is unlike him to do that. |
| Until | Can you please wait until I come out? |
| Up | Could you please come up here? |
| Upon | I depend upon my parents for money. |
| Versus | The fight tonight is Tyson versus Foreman. |
| With | Did you go to the movies with your boyfriend? |
| Within | I can help you if the solution is within my capability. |
| Without | Don't cross a street without looking at both sides. |
A prepositional phrase is made up of the preposition, its object and any associated adjectives or adverbs. A prepositional phrase can function as a noun, an adjective, o r an adverb. Take a look.
Example
In this sentence, the preposition without introduces the noun fear. The prepositional phrase without fear functions as an adverb describing how the c hildren climbed.
Example
Here, the preposition throughout introduces the noun phrase the land. The prepositional phrase acts as an adverb describing the location of the rejoicing.
Example
The preposition along introduces the noun phrase the banister and the prepositional phrase along the banister acts as an adverb, describing where the s pider crawled.
Example
Here the preposition under introduces the prepositional phrase under the porch, which acts as an adverb modifying the compound verb is hiding.
Example
Similarly in this sentence, the preposition in introduces a prepositional phrase in his office, which acts as an adverb describing the location of the missing p apers.
8.2 Different Uses for Prepositions
8.2.1 Prepositions of Time (at, on, in)
At: We use at to designate specific times.
Examples:
On: We use on to designate names of streets, avenues, etc, or when something is in contact with something or can be found along a said reference.
Examples:
In: Is used for the names of land–areas (towns, counties, states, countries, and continents), and when the object of the preposition is enclosed in some place.
Examples:
8.2.3 Prepositions of Location (at, on, in) and “no preposition”
| In | At | On | No Preposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| (The) bed | Class | The bed | Downstairs |
| The bedroom | Home | The ceiling | Downtown |
| The car | The library | The floor | Inside |
| (The) class | The office | The horse | Outside |
| The library | School | The plane | Upstairs |
| School | Work | The train | Uptown |
You may sometimes use different prepositions for these locations.
8.2.4 Other Uses of at, on, in
There are some other uses for these prepositions.
On: We use on when we refer to information or communications.
Examples:
In: is used when referring to a language.
Example:
At: is used when you talk about an area of expertise or temperature degrees.
Examples:
8.2.5 Prepositions of Movement “to”and “no preposition”
We use to in order to express movement toward a place.
Examples:
Toward and Towards are also helpful prepositions to express movement. T hese are simply variant spellings of the same word; use whichever sounds b etter to you.
Examples:
With the words home, downtown, uptown, inside, outside, downstairs, u pstairs, we use no preposition.
Examples:
Grandpa went home.
They both went outside.
8.2.6 Prepositions of Time "for" and "since"
We use for when we measure time (seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, y ears).
Examples:
We use since with a specific date or time.
Examples:
8.3 Phrasal Verbs
A combination of verb and preposition is called a Phrasal Verb. The word that is joined to the verb is then called a particle. Some of these phrasal verbs can be s eparated so that a noun or a pronoun can be inserted, and others have to be used together.
Act up (no object): Misbehave (for people); not work properly (for machines).
Examples:
Act like (inseparable): Behave in a way that's like. Note: This phrasal verb is very informal.
Examples:
Add up (1. no object): logically fit together. Note: This phrasal verb is often negative.
Examples:
Add up (2. separable): find the total.
Example:
Add up to (inseparable): to total.
Example:
Ask out (separable): ask for a date.
Example:
Back down (no object): not follow a threat.
Example:
Back off (no object): not follow a threat.
Example:
Back up (1. no object): move backward; move in reverse.
Example:
Back up (2. separable): drive a vehicle backwards (in reverse).
Example:
Beg off (no object): decline an invitation; ask to be excused from doing s omething.
Example:
Blow up (1. separable): inflate.
Example:
Blow up (2. separable): explode; destroy by exploding.
Example:
Blow up (3. no object): suddenly become very angry.
Example:
Bone up on (inseparable): review or study thoroughly for a short time.
Example:
Break down (1. separable): separate something into component parts.
Example:
Break down (2. no object): stop working / functioning.
Example:
Break in (1. often no object; with an object, break into-inseparable): enter by using force (and breaking a lock, window, etc.)
Example:
Break in : (2. separable) wear something new until it's / they're comfortable.
Example:
Break in (3. separable): train; get someone / something accustomed to a new routine.
Example:
Break up (1. no object): disperse; scatter.
Example:
- What time did the party break up last night?
Break up (2. usually no object; with an object, break up with (inseparable)): end a personal relationship.
Example:
Bring / take back (separable): return something.
Example:
Bring off (separable): accomplish something difficult; accomplish something people had considered impossible or unlikely.
Example:
Bring off (separable): accomplish something difficult; accomplish something people had considered impossible or unlikely.
Example:
Bring up (1. separable): mention (as a topic of discussion).
Example:
Burn down (no object): become destroyed / consumed by fire. Note: For upright things—trees, buildings, etc.—only.
Example:
Burn up (1. no object): become destroyed / consumed by fire. Note: For people and non–upright things only.
Example:
Burn up (2. separable): cause someone to become very angry.
Example:
Butt in (no object): impolitely interrupt (a conversation, an action).
Example:
Butter up (separable): praise someone excessively with the hope of getting some benefit.
Example:
Call off (separable): cancel something that has been scheduled.
Example:
Call on (inseparable): ask someone for an answer in class.
Example:
Calm down (with or without an object; with an object, separable): become calm, less agitated or upset; help someone become calm, less agitated or upset.
Example:
(Not) care for (1. inseparable): like; want. Note: This phrasal verb is usually negative, though it may be used affirmatively in questions.
Example:
Care for (2. inseparable): take care of; supply care to; attend / watch.
Example:
Catch on (no object): develop understanding or knowledge of something.
Example:
Catch up (with) (often without an object; with an object, inseparable): stop being behind.
Example:
Check in (to) (inseparable): register for / at a hotel, conference, etc.; let someone know officially that you have arrived.
Example:
Check off (separable): make a mark to indicate that something on a list has been completed.
Example:
Check out (of) (1. inseparable): follow procedures for leaving (a hotel, etc.).
Example:
Chip in (inseparable): contribute / donate (often money) to something done by a group.
Example:
Clam up (inseparable): suddenly become quiet / refuse to talk about something.
Example:
Clam up (inseparable): suddenly become quiet / refuse to talk about something.
Example:
>Clam up (inseparable): suddenly become quiet / refuse to talk about something.
Example:
Clam up (inseparable): suddenly become quiet / refuse to talk about something.
Example:
Come to (2. no object): regain consciousness.
Example:
Count on (inseparable): depend on; trust that something will happen or that someone will do as expected.
Example:
Cross out (separable): show that something written is wrong or unnecessary by making an X across it.
Example:
Cut back (on) (often without an object; with an object, cut back on [inseparable]): use less of something.
Example:
Do in (1. separable): cause to become very tired.
Example:
Do in (2. separable): to kill; to murder.
Example:
Do over (separable): do something again.
Example:
Drag on (no object): last much longer than expected or is necessary.
Example:
Draw up (separable): create a formal document.
Example:
Drop off (separable): deliver something; deliver someone (by giving someone a ride).
Example:
Drop in (on) (inseparable): visit informally (and usually without scheduling a specific time).
Example:
Drop by (inseparable): visit informally (usually without scheduling a specific time).
Example:
Drop out (of) (inseparable): stop attending / leave school or an organization.
Example:
Draw out (separable): prolong something (usually far beyond the normal limits).
Example:
Eat out (no object): have a meal in a restaurant.
Example:
Egg on (separable): urge / encourage greatly toward doing something (usually something negative).
Example:
End up (1. no object): finally arrive at ; arrive at an unexpected place.
Example:
End up (2. no object): arrive somewhere as a result or consequence.
Example:
Face up to (inseparable): admit to; take responsibility for.
Example:
Fall through (no object): not happen. (Note: describes something that was planned but didn't happen).
Example:
Feel up to (inseparable): feel strong enough or comfortable enough to do something.
Example:
Figure out (1. separable): logically find the answer to a problem; solve a problem by thinking about it carefully.
Example:
Figure out (2. separable): understand why someone behaves the way she/he does.
Example:
- I can't figure Margie out. Sometimes she's very warm and friendly and sometimes she acts as if she doesn't know me.
Fill in (1. separable): add information to a form.
Example:
- The office needs to know your home address and phone number. Could you fill them in on this form?
Fill in (2. separable): supply information that someone doesn't know.
Example:
- I wasn't able to attend the meeting yesterday, but I understand that it was important. Could you fill me in?
- Could you fill me in on what was discussed?
Fill in for (inseparable): temporarily do someone else's work; temporarily substitute for another person.
Example:
- Professor Newton is in the hospital and won't be able to teach for the rest of the term. Do you know who's going to fill in for her?
Fill out (1. separable): complete a form by adding required information.
Example:
- Of course I completed my application! I filled it out and mailed it over three weeks ago!
Fill out (2. no object): become less thin; gain weight.
Example:
- Jerry used to be really skinny, but in the last year he's begun to fill out.
Find out (about) (inseparable): learn / get information (about).
Example:
- I'm sorry that you didn't know the meeting had been canceled. I didn't find out (find out about it) myself until just a few minutes ago.
Get across (separable): make something understood; communicate something understandably.
Example:
- Alan is really intelligent but sometimes he has problems getting his ideas across.
Get along (with) (inseparable): have a friendly relationship (with); be friendly.
Example:
- Why can't you and your sister get along? Everyone else gets along with her just fine!
Get around (1. inseparable): avoid having to do something.
Example:
- Teresa got around the required math classes by doing well on a math proficiency test.
Get around (2. no object): move from place to place.
Example:
- She doesn't have a car. She gets around by bicycle, bus, or taxi.
Get around to (inseparable): do something eventually.
Example:
- I really should wash the dishes, but I don't feel like it. Maybe I'll get around to them tomorrow morning.
Get by (no object): survive, financially, in a difficult situation.
Example:
- It's going to be hard to pay the rent now that you've lost your job, but somehow we'll get by.
Get in (1. inseparable): enter a small, closed vehicle.
Example:
- Carole didn't know where she was going. She just got in her car and drove away.
Get in (2. no object): arrive.
Example:
- Do you know what time Fred's plane gets in?
Get on (inseparable): enter a large, closed vehicle.
Example:
- I'm sorry, but you're too late to say good–bye to Angela. She got on the plane about 20 minutes ago.
Get off (1. inseparable): leave a large, closed vehicle.
Example:
- When you get off the bus, cross the street, turn right on Oak Street, and keep going until you're at the corner of Oak and Lincoln Boulevard.
Get off (2. separable): be excused (for a period of time) from work, class, or other regularly scheduled activities.
Example:
- Some schools got President's Day off but ours didn't. We had classes as usual.
Get off (3. separable): make it possible for someone to avoid punishment.
Example:
- Everyone knew he was guilty, but his lawyer was clever and got him off.
Get over (1. no object): finish.
Note: for individual activities, not ones that happen again and again.
Example:
- What time do your classes get over?
Get over (2. inseparable): recover from an illness or painful experience.
Example:
- Katy was really upset when she failed the test. She thought she would never get over feeling so stupid.
Get rid of (1. inseparable): dispose of; give away or throw away.
Example:
- That shirt is really ugly. Why don't you get rid of it?
Get rid of (2. inseparable): dismiss someone; fire someone from a job; cause someone to leave.
Example:
- The treasurer of the XYZ Company was spending too much money so the company president got rid of him.
Get up (usually no object; with an object, separable): leave bed after sleeping and begin your daily activities.
Example:
- You'll have to get up much earlier than usual tomorrow. We have to leave by no later than 6:00 AM.
- I know I won't hear the alarm tomorrow. Can you get me up at 6:00 AM?
Give up (1. separable): stop doing something (usually a habit).
Example:
- He knows smoking isn't good for his health, but he can't give it up.
Go out with (inseparable): have a date with.
Example:
- You went out with Sharon last night, didn't you?
Go with (2. no object): date regularly and steadily.
Example:
- Is Gina going with Jim? I see them together all the time.
Goof off (no object): be lazy; do nothing in particular.
Example:
- A: Do you have any special plans for your vacation?
- B: No, I'm just going to stay home and goof off.
Grow up (1. no object): spend the years between being a child and an adult.
Example:
- Did you know that Frank grew up in Malaysia?
Grow up (2. no object): behave responsibly; behave as an adult, not a child.
Example:
- A: Lee really irritates me sometimes. He's really silly and childish.
- B: I agree. I wish he would grow up.
Hand in (separable): submit homework, an assignment, etc.
Example:
- You'd better get started on your report. You know that you have to hand it in at 8:30 tomorrow morning!
Hand out (separable): distribute.
Example:
- Why don't you have a course description and list of assignments? The teacher handed them out on the first day of class.
Hang up (no object): end a phone conversation by replacing the receiver.
Example:
- I'd like to talk longer, but I'd better hang up. My sister needs the phone.
Have to do with (inseparable): be about.
Example:
- This class has to do with the behavior of people in groups.
Have to do with (inseparable): be about.
Example:
- This class has to do with the behavior of people in groups.
Hold up (1. separable): raise; lift to a higher–than–normal position.
Example:
- The winner of the race proudly held his trophy up for all to see.
Hold up (2. separable): delay.
Example:
- I'm sorry I'm late. There was an accident on the freeway and traffic held me up.
Hold up (3. separable): rob; threaten someone with harm unless he/she gives her/his money or other valuable things.
Example:
- Sarah is very upset. When she was walking home last night, two men held her up and took her purse and jewelry.
Iron out (separable): mutually reach an agreement; mutually resolve difficulties.
Example:
- I know we disagree on lots of things, Susan, but we can iron them out.
Jack up (1. separable): raise / lift by using a jack.
Example:
- We'll have to jack the back of the car up before we can change the tire.
Jack up (2. separable): raise (used for prices).
Example:
- The car dealer bought my old Ford for $750 and jacked the price up to $1,500 when they sold it.
Jump all over (inseparable): severely scold someone; berate someone.
Example:
- Arthur is really upset. His boss jumped all over him because he's been late for work three times this week.
Keep on (1. inseparable—followed by an –ing verb): continue.
Example:
- I'm not ready to stop yet. I think I'll keep on working for a while.
Keep on (someone) (2. inseparable): continue to remind someone to do something until he/she does it (even if this irritates her/him).
Example:
- Bill's very forgetful. You'll have to keep on him or he'll never do all the things you want him to do.
Kick out (separable): expel; force someone to leave because of his/her poor performance or unacceptable behavior.
Example:
- Jim was kicked out because he didn't pay his dues or come to meetings.
Knock out (separable): make unconscious.
Example:
- The boxing match ended when one boxer knocked the other one out.
Knock oneself out (separable): work much harder than normal or than what is expected.
Example:
- We completed the project on time because of Chuck. He knocked himself out to be sure we didn't miss the deadline.
Lay off (separable): dismiss someone from a job because of lack of work or money (not because of poor performance).
Example:
- I feel really sorry for Sally's family. Her father was laid off yesterday.
Leave out (separable): forget; omit.
Example:
- Oh, no! When I made the list of those who attended the meeting, I left your name out!
Let down (separable): disappoint.
Example:
- I know I let you down when I didn't do what I promised. I'm really sorry.
Let up (no object): become less intense or slower.
Example:
- It's been raining hard for a long time. Will it ever let up?
Look back on (inseparable): remember; reflect on / consider something in the past.
Example:
- When they looked back on their many years together, they realized that their marriage had been a very happy one.
Look down on (inseparable): hold in contempt; regard as inferior.
Example:
- It's not surprising that Fred has few friends. He seems to look down on anyone who doesn't like the same things that he does.
Look forward to (inseparable): anticipate pleasantly; think about a pleasant thing before it happens.
Example:
- I'm really looking forward to vacation. I can't wait for it to begin!
Look in on (inseparable): visit in order to check something's / someone's condition.
Example:
- My father just came home from the hospital. I plan to look in on him today after I finish work.
Look into (inseparable): investigate / get more details about something.
Example:
- Someone said there was a meeting at 9:30 but I haven't heard anything about it. Shall I look into it?
Look like (inseparable): resemble (in appearance).
Example:
- Does he look like his father or his mother?
Look over (separable): check; review.
Example:
- I think I may have some typos in this report. Could you look it over?
Look up (1. separable): find something in a reference work.
Example:
- I'm sorry, but I don't know what that word means. I'll have to look it up.
Look up (2. separable): find where someone lives or works and visit him/her.
Example:
- Thanks for giving me your brother's address. When I'm in Chicago next month, I'll be sure to look him up.
Look up to (inseparable): respect.
Example:
- Everyone looks up to Joyce because she always makes time to help others.
Luck out (no object): be unexpectedly lucky.
Example:
- Gloria was worried because she wasn't prepared to give a report at the meeting, but she lucked out because the meeting was postponed.
Make fun of (inseparable): make jokes about (usually unkindly).
Example:
- I agree that Bob looks ridiculous since he shaved his head, but don't make fun of him. You'll hurt his feelings.
Make up (1. separable): invent / create (imaginary) information.
Example:
- Judy's story is hard to believe. I'm sure she made it up.
Make up (2. separable): compensate for something missed or not done by doing extra or equivalent work.
Example:
- I'm sorry I missed the test. May I make it up?
Make up (with) (3. inseparable): reestablish a friendly relationship by admitting guilt.
Example:
- Jack and his girlfriend were very angry with each other, but last night they finally made up.
Make out (separable): see / hear something well enough to understand what it means.
Example:
- Ruth's writing is very small. I almost need a magnifying glass to make it out.
- What were the last two examples he gave? I couldn't make them out.
Make for (1. inseparable): go to or toward.
Example:
- Her teenaged children are always hungry. As soon as they arrive home from school, they make for the refrigerator.
Make for (2. inseparable): result in; cause.
Example:
- Many hands make for light work. (If many people work together, there's less work for everyone).
Mark up (separable): increase the price (for resale).
Example:
- Mrs. White's import shop is profitable because she buys things inexpensively and then marks them up.
Mark down (separable): reduce the price (as an incentive to buy).
Example:
- These shoes were a bargain! The store marked them down by 40%!
Mix up (separable): cause to become confused.
Example:
- I didn't complete the assignment because I didn't know how. The directions mixed me up.
Nod off (no object): fall asleep (usually unintentionally).
Example:
- The speech was so boring that several people in the audience nodded off before it was finished.
Pan out (no object): succeed; happen as expected (for plans). Note: almost always negative when in statements.
Example:
- I'll be here next week after all. My trip to Chicago didn't pan out.
Pass away (no object): die.
Example:
- I was very sorry to hear that your grandfather passed away.
Pass out (1. no object): faint; lose consciousness.
Example:
- When Ella heard that she'd won a million dollars, she was so shocked that she passed out.
Pass out (2. separable): distribute.
Example:
- Everyone in the room needs one of these information sheets. Who will help me pass them out?
Pick out (separable): choose; select.
Example:
- Billy's grandmother especially liked her birthday card because Billy had picked it out himself.
Pick up (separable): lift; take up.
Example:
- Those books don't belong on the floor. Will you help me pick them up?
Pick up (separable): get; buy.
Example:
- The children just drank the last of the milk. Could you pick some more up on your way home this evening?
Pick on (inseparable): bully; intentionally try to make someone upset.
Example:
- You should be ashamed of teasing your little brother, Bob! Pick on someone your own size!
Pitch in (no object): help; join together to accomplish something.
Example:
- We'll be finished soon if everyone pitches in.
Pull over (no object): drive a vehicle to the side of the road.
Example:
- When the policeman indicated that I should pull over, I knew he was going to give me a ticket.
Put away (separable): return something to the proper place.
Example:
- I just took these clothes out of the dryer. Will you help me put them away?
Put off (separable): postpone; delay; avoid.
Example:
- I can't put this work off any longer. If I don't do it soon, it'll be impossible to finish it in time.
- When will Mr. Smith agree to a meeting? I keep asking for an appointment, but he keeps putting me off.
Put on (separable): begin to wear.
Example:
- It's a little bit chilly outside. You'd better put a sweater on.
Put on (separable): try to make someone believe something that is ridiculous or untrue.
Example:
- Don't believe a word of what Jim was saying. He was just putting us on.
Put up (separable): provide someone with a place to sleep.
Example:
- There's no need for you to check into a hotel. I'll be happy to put you up.
Put up with (inseparable): tolerate.
Example:
- It's really important to come to work on time. The boss won't put up with tardiness.
Put back (separable): return something to the proper place.
Example:
- I've finished with these books. Do you want me to put them back on the shelves?
Rip off (separable): cheat; take advantage of; charge too much.
Example:
- Don't even think about buying a car there. They'll rip you off.
Round off (separable): change from a fraction to the nearest whole number.
Example:
- Round all prices off to the closest whole–dollar amounts. For example, round $33.73 off to $34.00.
Run into (inseparable): meet by chance.
Example:
- Yesterday at the supermarket, Jan ran into her former roommate. Before yesterday, they hadn't seen each other for nearly five years.
Run out of (inseparable): use the last of.
Example:
- On the way home from work, Art ran out of gas.
Set up (separable): make arrangements for something.
Example:
- You'll see Mr. Thomas tomorrow. I've set a meeting up for 9:30 AM.
Set back (1. separable): cause a delay in scheduling.
Example:
- We've had some problems with the project that have set us back at least two days. We'll give you a progress report tomorrow.
Set back (2. separable): cost.
Example:
- I wonder how much Bill's new car set him back?
Slip up (no object): make a mistake.
Example:
- You slipped up here. The amount should be $135.28, not $132.58.
Stand out (no object): be noticeably better than other similar people or things.
Example:
- Good job, Ann! Your work really stands out!
Stand up (2. separable): make a date but not keep it.
Example:
- Angela was supposed to go to the dance with Fred, but she stood him up and went with Chuck instead.
Show up (1. no object): arrive; appear.
Example:
- The boss was upset because you didn't show up. What happened?
Show up (2. separable): do a noticeably better job than someone else.
Example:
- Everyone thought Marsha would win, but Jean did. Actually, Jean really showed Marsha up.
Stand for (1. no object): represent.
Example:
- These letters seem to be an abbreviation. Do you know what they stand for?
Stand for (2. inseparable): tolerate; permit (usually negative).
Example:
- I'm not surprised that Mrs. Johnson rejected your report. She won't stand for shoddy work.
Take after (inseparable): resemble; favor (in appearance). Note: used for people.
Example:
- Both my sister and I take after our father.
Take / bring back (separable): return.
Example:
- This book is due tomorrow. I guess I should take it back to the library.
- Yes, you can borrow my pen, but don't forget to bring it back to me when you're finished.
Take care of (1. inseparable): provide care for; watch one's health.
Example:
- Lois has been taking care of her father since he returned home from the hospital.
Take care of (2. inseparable): make arrangements (for something to happen); take responsibility for.
Example:
- Will you take care of making reservations for our flight to Boston?
Take off (1. separable): remove (something you're wearing).
Example:
- Please take your hat off when you go inside a building.
Take off (2. no object): leave; depart (often suddenly or quickly).
Example:
- Was something wrong with Jill? She took off without saying good–bye.
- When does your plane take off?
Take up (separable): begin (a hobby or leisure–time activity).
Example:
- A: Do you like to ski?
- B: I've never been skiing, but I think I'd like to take it up.
Tell (someone) off (separable): speak to someone bluntly and negatively, saying exactly what she/he did wrong.
Example:
- Julie was really angry at Bob; she told him off in front of all of us.
Tick off (1. separable): irritate someone; make someone upset or angry.
Example:
- It really ticks her off when someone is late for an appointment.
Tick off (2. separable): show that something has been completed by putting a tick (check) beside it.
Example:
- Here are the things you need to do. Tick each one off when you finish it.
Throw out (1. separable): discard; put in the garbage.
Example:
- This food smells bad. You'd better throw it out.
Throw up (usually no object; with an object, Separable): vomit.
Example:
- Paul was so nervous about his job interview that he threw up just before he left for it.
Try on (separable): wear something briefly to check its fit, how it looks, etc.
Example:
- I'm not sure that jacket is large enough. May I try it on?
Try out (for) (inseparable): try to win a place on a team or other organization.
Example:
- I know you want to be on the football team. Are you going to try out for it?
- If you like to sing, you should try out for the choir.
Turn around (1. usually no object): move so that you are facing the opposite direction.
Example:
- Everyone turned around and stared when I entered the meeting late.
Turn around (2. separable): move so that someone / something is facing the opposite direction.
Example:
- I don't want this chair facing the window. Will you help me turn it around?
Turn around (3. separable): make changes so that something that was unprofitable is profitable.
Example:
- The company was doing poorly until it hired a new president. He turned it around in about six months and now it's doing quite well.
Turn down (1. separable): decrease the volume.
Example:
- Your music is giving me a headache! Please turn it down or use your headphones!
Turn down (2. separable): refuse.
Example:
- I thought I could borrow some money from Joe, but when I asked, he turned me down.
Turn in (1. separable): give / deliver / submit to someone.
Example:
- I've written my report, but I haven't turned it in.
Turn in (2. no object): go to bed.
Example:
- I'm pretty tired. I guess I'll turn in.
Turn in (3. separable): report or deliver wrongdoers to the authorities.
Example:
- Two days after the robbery, the thieves turned themselves in.
Turn off (1. separable): stop by turning a handle or switch.
Example:
- I'm cold. Do you mind if I turn the air conditioner off?
Turn off (2. separable): bore; repel (very informal).
Example:
- That music turns me off. Please play something else!
Turn on (1. separable): start by turning a handle or switch.
Example:
- It's cold in here. I'm going to turn the heater on.
Turn up (1. separable): increase the volume.
Example:
- I can barely hear the TV. Can you turn it up a little?
Turn up (2. no object): appear unexpectedly.
Example:
- We were all surprised when Pam turned up at the party. We didn't even know she was in town.
Wait on (1. inseparable): serve (usually customers in a restaurant, shop, etc.).
Example:
- I want to make a complaint. The person who just waited on me was very impolite.
Wait for (inseparable): wait until someone / something arrives or is finished with something else.
Example:
- When will Kenny be finished with work? I've been waiting for him for almost an hour!
- I'm tired of waiting for the bus. I guess I'll take a taxi instead.
Wake up (1. no object): stop sleeping.
Example:
- I usually wake up around 5:00 AM each day.
Wake up (2. separable): rouse someone; cause someone to stop sleeping.
Example:
- I have an important meeting tomorrow and I'm afraid I won't hear my alarm. Will you wake me up at 6:00 AM?
Watch out for (inseparable): be careful of; beware of.
Example:
- There's a school at the end of this block. Watch out for children crossing the street.
- If you take that road, watch out for ice during the winter.
Wear out (1. separable): wear something / use something until it can no longer be worn / be used.
Example:
- I need a new pencil sharpener. I wore this one out.
Wear out (2. separable): cause to become exhausted; cause to become very tired.
Example:
- I had four different meetings today. They wore me out.
Work out (1. no object): exercise (usually in a gym, etc.) to build muscles, body tone, etc.
Example:
- Instead of eating lunch on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Sheila goes to the recreation center to work out.
Work out (2. separable): solve a problem / resolve a difficult situation (usually by working together).
Example:
- I know we disagree on many points, but I believe we can work things out.
Wrap up (1. no object): wear enough clothes to keep warm.
Example:
- It's really cold today. Be sure you wrap up when you leave the house.
Wrap up (2. separable): finish something; bring something to a conclusion.
Example:
- We've been talking about the problem for nearly three hours. I hope we'll be able to wrap the discussion up soon.
Write down (separable): record something in writing.
Example:
- Could you tell me your e–mail address again? I want to write it down.
Write up (separable): record; report in writing.
Example:
- You'll need to make a report on your business meetings. Be sure you write them up as soon as possible after you return from your trip.
Zonk out (no object): fall asleep quickly because of exhaustion.
Example:
- I intended to go shopping after work, but I was so tired that I zonked out as soon as I got home.
Excercise 1
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
Excercise 2
Complete the following sentences. Use each word once with a preposition.
rely
listen
look
live
laugh
glance
paid
happen
Example:
- 1. That man reminds me my grandfather.
- 2. You must this CD. You'll love it.
- 3. I the newspaper to see if there was anything interesting in it.
- 4. When you went to the theater with Paul, who the tickets?
- 5. The bus service isn't very good; you can't it.
- 6. What are you ? I don't understand what is so funny!
- 7. It's a very inexpensive country. You can very little money there.
Excercise 3
Complete the sentence with a preposition (if a preposition is needed).
Example:
- 1. Don't listen what he says. He is stupid.
- 2. What happened the picture that used to be on that wall?
- 3. You wouldn't dream it.
- 4. I dreamt Ann last night. We were dancing together at a party.
- 5. The accident was my fault, so I had to pay the damages.
- 6. I didn't have enough money to pay the bill.
- 7. You know that you can always rely me if you need any help.
- 8. The man sitting the opposite side me on the train kept staring me.
- 9. She doesn't eat very much. She lives bread and water.
- 10. When are you going to meet your professor to discuss your paper?
Excercise 4
Place the appropriate preposition after hear/heard.
- 1. Did you hear the accident last night?
- 2. Jill used to write to me fairly often, but I haven't heard her in a long time.
- 3. Q. Have you read any books by James Hudson? James Hudson? No, I've never heard him.
- 4. Thank you for the letter. It was nice to hear you again.
- 5. Do you want to hear our vacation?
- 6. The town I come from is very small. You've probably never heard it.
Excercise 5
Place the appropriate preposition after look.
- 1. When I looked my watch, I couldn't believe that it was so late.
- 2. The police are still looking the seven-year-old boy who disappeared.
- 3. When we go out on evenings, a neighbor looks the children.
- 4. I'm looking Tom. Have you seen him?
Excercise 6
Complete the following sentences. Use each word once with a preposition;
belong
apply
apologize
die
concentrate
believe
crash
depend
Example:
When I realized that I had the wrong umbrella, I apologized for the m istake.
- 1. I was driving along when the car in front of me suddenly stopped. Unfortunately, I couldn't stop on time and I the back of the car.
- 2. Does this bag you?
- 3. Don't try and do two things at once. one thing at a time.
- 4. Jane is still unemployed. She has several jobs but hasn't had any luck yet.
- 5. Are you playing tennis tomorrow? I hope so, but it the weather.
- 6. If you smoke, there is a greater chance that you will lung cancer.
- 7. I don't ghosts. I think people only imagine that they see them.
Excercise 7
Complete these sentences with a preposition (if a preposition is needed).
Example:
There was an accident this morning. A bus collided against a car.
- 1. He loves to complain. He complains everything.
- 2. Our neighbors complained us the noise we made last night.
- 3. She doesn't have a job. She depends her parents for money.
- 4. You were very rude Tom. Don't you think you should apologize him?
- 5. Are you going to apologize what you did?
- 6. Jill and I run the park every morning.
- 7. He decided to give up sports in order to concentrate his studies.
- 8. I believe hard working. It's worth it.
- 9. A soccer team consists eleven players.
- 10. It is terrible that some people are dying hunger while others eat too much.
*Extra Activity 7
Now that you have completed the Finding Out about Grammar Step by Step 1 and presented Unit 21, you are ready for Finding Out About Grammar Step By Step 2.