Unit- 6: Prepositions
Structure
6.0
Objective
6.1
Introduction
6.2
Definition
6.3
Kinds of Prepositions
6.3.1
Simple prepositions
6.3.2
Complex prepositions
6.4
Prepositions: Meanings/Relationships
6.5
Prepositions: Position
6.6
Prepositions: Meanings and Usage
6.6.1 About
6.6.2 Above
6.6.3
Across
6.6.4
After 6.6.5Against
6.6.6 Among (see Between)
6.6.7 As
6.6.8
At
6.6.9
Before
6.6.10
Behind 6.6.11Beside
6.6.12 Besides
6.6.13 Between and among
6.6 · 14 But and but for
6.6.15 By
6.6. 16 By and in or on
6.6.17 During
6.6.18 For
6.6.19
For and since
6.6.20 From
6.6.21
From and since
6.6.22 In
6.6.23 At, in, on
6.6.24 In and on
6.6.25
In and within
6.6.26 In and with
6.6.27 Into
6.6.28 In and into
6.6.29
Of
6.6.30 Of, from, or with
6.6.31
Off
6.6.32 On
6.6.33 Opposite and in front of
6.6.34 Over
6.6-35 On, over, and above
6.6.36 Owing to or due to
6.6.37- To
6.6. 38 To, and till or until
6.6.39 Under
6.6.40 With
6.6.41
By and with
6.6.42 Without
6.6.43 Within
6.7
Conclusion
6.8
Unit end Questions
6.0
Objective
In this unit we shall
give you a detailed analysis
of the various
preposition as used in English.
6.1
Introduction
Prepositions form an important component both in Hindi and in English while in Sanskrit most of prepositions get expressed in the appropriate िवà¤िu
of the श&द vप
6.2
Definition
A prepositon is a word usually placed before a noun or pronoun to show
place, time, cause, purpose, or means:
He
lives in Delhi.
I
will meet you at 6 p.m.
You need to leave early in order to arrive on time.
6.3
Kinds of Prepositions
i) simple
Simple prepositions
consist of only one word:
in,
at, on, for etc.
ii) complex or compound
Complex or compound prepositions consist of more
than one word: In front of, due to,
owing to, instead of etc.
6.3.1
Simple prepositions
aboard behind like/unlike save
about below minus since
above beneath near than across beside notwithstanding through
after besides of throughout
against between off till/until
along beyond on/upon times
amid but opposite to
amidst by out/outside toward(s) among despite over under/underneath
amongst down past up
around during per versus
as for plus via
at from with within
atop in round without
before inside sans worth
bar/barring concerning considering including/excluding except/excepting following pending
Note:
a) times is used as a preposition in multiplication: Ten times ten is hundred.
b) atop, sans, save.
These prepositions are rarely used
in current English.
c)
Versus is a latin
preposition which means
against-somebody/something.
6.3.2 Complex prepositions
as to onto as for out of into upto
according to along with away from because of but
for
by means of by
reason of by way of by virtue
of
in the light of with regard to in front of
due to/owing to for the sake of in favour of
in light of (American) in spite of
in search of in quest of
in the event
of in view of
with
reference to
in addition to in lieu of instead of
in accordance with in course of
in order to on behalf
of together with
with
an eye to with
a view to with respect to
6.4 Prepositions: Meanings/Relationships
A number of prepositions express the same or similar
meaning with a noun or pronoun as their
object.The same preposition may also express different relationships. Some examples illustrating this are
given below.
i) location
in,
on, at, inside, within
There was a big commotion in the restaurant. What were you doing inside the room?
Trust no one within these
four walls. Seetha is at home
in your company.
ii)
mode of
transport by, in
on
He
goes to school
on foot.
She was sent
back on horseback. I prefer travelling by road.
He
came here in a Maruti Gypsy.
iii) cause
because of, on account of, from, out of, for ... of, of
Raju had to stop formal
education because of the need
to support his family.
On account of heavy rains there have
been widespread landslides this year. Sheela hid her puppy forfear of her parents.
Out of curiosity the litttle girl
opened the box.
People
have been dying of a mysterious epidemic in the capital.
iv)
subject
matter about, on, regarding
a book regarding corruption in high
places. a talk on linguistics
the discussion on drug abuse
6.5 Prepositions: Position
i) preposition + noun or pronoun
pre
means before, so prepositions are
usually placed before
a noun or pronoun at home, about him, on the table
ii) noun or pronoun +
preposition
A preposition can also occur at the end of the sentence
as in the following
constructions:
a) question-word questions
.
A preposition placed before a question-word in an
interrogative sentence changes its position. It is usually
placed at the end of a question
particularly in spoken English:
The structure of such questions is
question-word + verb + subject + preposition
What
is this box
for?
We don't say:
For what is this
box? Similarly:
In which room
did you sleep? Which room did you sleep in? At whom are you looking?
Whom
are you looking
at? From where does he come?
Where does he come from?
b)
relative clause
A preposition placed
before a relative pronoun changes its position. It is placed
at the end of the relative clause
(adjective clause):
The house in which I live is small.
The
house I live
in is small.
The people to whom I am talking
are total strangers. The people I am talking
to are total
strangers.
Note: In such relative clauses
the relative pronoun
(which, whom) is usually left out.
c) exclamations
In exclamations too a preposition is moved to the end of the sentence:
What
a world we live in! (not, In what ...
)
What
a fellow to travel with! (not, With what ... )
d) passive voice
In the passive construction the preposition is
placed at the end of the sentence: The
case is being looked into.
Such a situation
can't even be thought of. Who was this symphony composed by?
Note: A preposition is to be placed before
a noun, because pre means before insists the prescriptive grammarian. But in current
English a sentence
ending in a preposition is considered quite
idiomatic; Latin norms
are a thing of the past.
6.6 Prepositions: Meanings
and Usage
Prepositions have a remarkable capacity for
expressing a variety of meanings. So it is necessary to know which preposition to use and in which sense in a particular
construction .
6.6.1
About
i) in connection with
1.
He told me all about the accident.
2.
He is careless about his health.
3.
What are you talking about?
ii)
subject
matterlconcerning That is a book about
wildlife. Note: compare with
on.
This is a book on grammar.
iii) approximate time
Mother
got back at about 9 p.m.
iv)
moving in
several directions (here and there) She has
been travelling about
Europe.
Note:
about and around
are interchangeable in this sense: He has been travelling about/around India.
6.6.2 Above
i)
a
position higher than something The water rose above
her neck.
ii) higher in rank,
position, superior to
A
field marshal is above a general in rank.
iii)
greater in number or value or weight or temperature
1.
They gangsters
were above ten in number.
2.
This fish
is above five
kilos.
3.
The temperature is above 39° Celsius
today.
iv)
beyond
the reach of something His honesty is above suspicion. She is above such
pettiness.
6.6.3 Across
i)
on the other side
of something Our college is across the main road.
ii)
moving from
one side to the other
side of something This boat will carry
you across the river.
iii)
extending from
one side to the other
side There is a rainbow across
the mountains.
6.6.4 After
i) time (later than)
She came here after 8 a.m./breakfast.
I am going home the day
after tomorrow.
ii) continuously, without stopping
Most
people catch the same bus to work day after day.
I am monitoring the progress of the work week after week.
iii) in a definite sequence:
T comes after
5 in alphabetical order.
Your
turn comes after
mine.
iv)
in search
of something (in
phrasal verbs be after and
run after) She always runs after money.
He
is now after a new job.
v)
about
(about the news or well-being of someone) John asked
after you and your family
yesterday.
vi) in the style of/on the model of
The constitution of India
is after the British model.
vii) cause (because of)
After all that I have heard of him I can't wait to meet him.
viii) concession (in spite of)
After all we've been
through, we still love each other.
6.6.5
Against
i) in opposition to
This policy is against the
poor people. She is swimming against
the current.
ii) in contact with
He
is putting a ladder against the wall.
iii) comparison or contrast
Workers' wages are low in India as against those
elsewhere. There were eighty murders this year against ninety last year.
iv)
in prevention of something
This
is an effective injection against cholera.
6.6.6
Among (see Between)
6.6.7 As
Comparison
She is as tall as him.
He
is as old as me.
6.6.8
At
i)
place (a definite point
in space) She is at home.
He
is atthe cinema.
ii)
place of learning or work or worship
She is at Oxford.
They are at office.
They are at church.
Note:
In American English
in is usually used instead
of at with a place
of learning: They are in school.
She
is in Oxford.
In
British English in means inside a building:
They
are in school i.e. They are inside the school building.
iii)
direction
(towards) He is gazing
at the sky. He
rushed at the enemy.
iv)
reaction
I am delighted at your success. He was alarmed at the news.
We were amused at his funny stories.
v)
standard or norm (used
with a noun
or adjective) He is a genius at chess.
She is hopeless at tennis. He is clever
at cards.
vi)
measurement
(price or rate) Bananas
sell at ten
rupees a dozen.
The train is running at 80 kilometers per hour.
vii)
state/condition
They are at play now. He is at work.
Note:
at indicates a temporary activity.
in indicates a permanent
occupation. (He is in the army.)
viii) age
At 90, Shridhar is hale
and hearty. (at the age of ninety)
Noam Chomsky became famous at 27. (at the age of twenty seven)
ix) time (point in time)
at
+ clock time (without the)
at + dawn or night
(without the)
at noon or midday or midnight (without the) The plane
lands at 7 0' clock.
He
left for France at night. (not, at the night)
Note:
in is used with morning
or evening or afternoon preceded by 'the.' In the evening
we will visit
the zoo. (not,
in evening).
6.6.9 Before
i)
time (earlier
than; opposite of after)
I can't leave home before
breakfast.
We buy a lot of toys a few days
before Christmas.
ii)
position (in front of; opposite of behind)
He knelt before
the king.
iii) in the presence of someone
The accused stood before
the judge.
The
clown performed before the audience.
iv) order or arrangement (opposite of after)
The salutation comes
after the address in a business letter.
Note: Byand Before
by means, not later than or upto the
time indicated, before means earlier than
the time indicated.
Finish the work by 90' clock. (not later than 90' clock) Finish the work before 9 0' clock. (by 8.59)
6.6.10 Behind
i) position (at the
back of)
The hills are beh/ndthe clouds. There is a park behind my house.
ii)
comparison (less than)
India is not far behind developed countries in science and technology.
ii)
in favour of, or support of
The whole nation is behind its army.
6.6.11
Beside
i)
next to, or by the side
of He is sitting
beside his wife. The hut is beside
the river.
ii)
in comparison with
Beside
your earlier performance, this is a vast improvement.
iii) not relevant to
Your
argument is beside the point.
6.6.12
Besides
in
addition to
There
are nine students here, besides the teacher.
We
cannot go-we have no torches. Besides it's raining.
6.6.13
Between and among
i) between + two people or things
Between is usually
used with reference to two people
or things: Aligarh is between
Lucknow and Delhi.
We have to choose between two evi Is.
ii) between + more than two people or things
a) between is used
with reference to more than
two people or things whe modified
by a definite numeral:
He divided his property
equally between his four sons.
b) between is also used with
reference to more
than two when
mutual or reciprocal relationship
is indicated:
There is a treaty of friendship between
the five great
powers. (among is not acceptable here).
iii)
between + noun + and + noun
And is always used to join two nouns or pronouns, so and cannot be replaced by to: Please see me between 4 p.m. and 5 p. m.
(not, Please see me between 4 p.m. to 5 p,m.)
iv) among + more than two people or things
among is usually used with reference to more than
two people or things a definite
number is not mentioned:
She is happy to be among her people again. He likes to work among
little children.
v) among + collective noun
among is also
used for more
than two people
or things considered as a group: He distributed sweets among the class.
She is standing among the crowd.
(between
is not possible here).
6.6 · 14 But and but for
i)
but meaning
'except' is a preposition. It is not a conjunction: None but him can tackle
this poblem. (not,
but he)
None but me passed the test. (not,
but I) Note: but indicating contrast is a conjunction:
John is tall but Rosie is short.
His writing is good but not his spelling.
ii)
but for meaning 'without
or except' for and expressing a negative condition is a
preposition:
But
for your cooperation I couldn't have arranged this function.
(If you had not
cooperated I would not have been able to arrange this function)
6.6.15 By
i) means of travel or transport
I am going to Sri nagar by bus.
i i) a
person as an agent or doer
'Adonis' is a poem by Shelley. 'Shakuntala'
was written by Kalidasa.
iii)
energy; power; natural phenomenon as an agent
In the 18th century the streets of London were lighted by oil lamps. He was struck by lightning.
vi ) part of one's
body or clothes I seized him by the collar.
She caught her by the hair.
v)
means of doing something (by + gerund) She earns
a lot by singing folk
songs.
He
amuses himself by drawing cartoons.
vi)
mode of payment
He gets his salary by cheque.
Note:
We make payment in cash or kind. (not by)
vii)
unit of
measurement (price or rate) we
buy bananas by the dozen.
They are paid wages by the week.
Note: the is always used
with a unit
of measurement: We buy butter
by the pound. (not by a pound)
viii)
result (because of)
The
payment was made by mistake.
We
can achieve great success by will power.
ix)
extent
We won the match by 3 goals
to nil. They won the match by 7 runs.
x) profession
She
lives by her pen.
xi)
accompaniment
She
was accompanied on the guitar by Eric.
xii)
division or multiplication of numbers 4 divided by 2 equals
2.
5
multiplied by 3 equals 15.
xiii)
dimensions or size
This room is 10ft by 20 ft. (i.e. 10ft x 20 ft)
xiv) route or passage
(via or through)
He went to Sri nagar by
the Iawahar tunnel.
He
got a promotion by the back door.
xv)
according to (by clock/watch) It is just 9 by my watch.
xvi) at the side of (beside)
She came and sat by her
husband.
xvii)
with
respect to (someone's birth, marital status, or profession.) She is an Indian by birth.
She is an Italian by marriage.
She
is a politician by profession.
xviii)
time (before)
He can finish his work by 4 p.m. He ought to get back by tomorrow.
6.6. 16 By and in or on
i) by + means of travel or transport
By is used when a mode of transport (conveyance) is not modified
by an a adjective or adjective clause:
We travel by car. (not
in)
ii) In is used when a means of transport is modified by an article,
adjective or adjective clause:
She came in her own car. (not by)
We set out in a small boat.
(not by)
The bus she was travelling in fell into a river.
(not by) On is used
instead of in with a bicycle or cycle:
He goes to school on cycle. (not in)
by + noun
is always in singular form,
in + noun can be in the singular or plural
form:
They came by car/bus/boat. (not cars/buses/boats)
They
came in a big bus. (not by)
They came in several big
buses. (not by)
iii)
on is used with
foot or horseback or pony (without a or the): He
came here on foot/horseback. (not,
on the horseback)
iv)
on is used with
a large public
vehicle as a means of travel:
They are now on the plane to Japan. (not
in)
They met on the Delhi- Mumbai
Express. (not in)
6.6.17
During
i)
whole period
of time (from
the beginning to the end) I stayed
in Solan during
the winter.
ii) within a period of time mentioned
He had had a lot of
opposition during his career as the director.
iii)
at a particular time mentioned
Robbers broke into her house during the small hours of the night.
6.6.18
For
i) purpose/beneficiary
This is a surprise gift for you.
Note:
for indicating purpose
is also used
before an indirect
object: He bought
a engagement ring for her.
She made coffee for us.
ii) function
What's this gadget for?
It's a machine for washing clothes.
iii) destination
This is a train for Jhansi. They are passengers for Pune.
iv)
price
I bought this sari for Rs. 725/-
v)
exchange
He exchanged his old cycle for a new one.
vi)
choice,preference or liking
She has a taste for classical music. He has a liking for tasty dishes.
vii)
support (opposite of against)
The External Affairs
Ministry is for a new foreign policy. They are working
for the consensus candidate.
viii)
cause (because of)
They are dancing for joy.
Kerala is famous for its hospitality.
ix)
concession (in spite of)
For all his wealth he is not happy.
For
all her qualifications Rajani fared poorly
at the interview. (for all + noun is used in this construction)
x)
representative
of or abbreviation of something He is speaking for his country; not for himself. What does CRY stand
for?
xi)
distance
She walks (for) two kilometres every day.
Note: for denoting a specific distance is usually
omitted; for is not omitted when a
vague distance is indicated:
She walks two
miles every day. but
This river flows down for miles and miles. (not, flows down miles
xii)
time (duration)
I
wi II be with you for an hour or so.
Note: a) While denoting a definite period of time
for is usually omitted:
The meeting lasted three hours.
(not, for three hours)
Would
you wait a minute, please?
(not, for a minute)
b)
for is not omitted
when it indicates that an action
began in the
pas terminated or extends
into the present
(till now):
She (has) lived here fortwenty years. (not, It has been raining
a week.)
c)
for is not omitted
when the duration
is vague. So it is not omitted in phrases like for hours; days;
weeks; months; years;
centuries; for ages; forever.
xii) time (whole period of time is mentioned)
He stayed at home for the summer.
(i .e. from the begi
nn i ng to the end)
6.6.19
For and since
i) for and since
are used with present perfect,
present perfect progressive, past perfect, and past perfect progressive forms.
Present Perfect is used for an action
that began at a definite
time in the past and extends into the present (ti II now):
He has lived in India for ten years.
India have not won the world cup in cricket since 1983. I have been here for half an hour/since 9' clock.
Present perfect progressive is used for
an action that
began at a definite time
in the past and is continuing and may extend
into the future
as well:
He
has been living in India forten years.
He
came here in a Maruti Gypsy.
i)
cause
because of, on account of, from, out of, for ... of, of
Raju had to stop formal
education because of the need
to support his family.
On account of heavy rains there have
been widespread landslides this year. Sheela hid her puppy forfear of her parents.
Out of curiosity the litttle girl
opened the box.
People
have been dying of a mysterious epidemic in the capital.
ii)
subject
matter about, on, regarding
a book regarding corruption in high
places. a talk on linguistics
the discussion on drug abuse
6.0 
Prepositions: Position
i) preposition + noun or pronoun
pre
means before, so prepositions are
usually placed before
a noun or pronoun at home, about him, on the table
ii) noun or pronoun +
preposition
A preposition can also occur at the end of the sentence
as in the following
constructions:
a) question-word questions
.
A preposition placed before a question-word in an
interrogative sentence changes its position. It is usually
placed at the end of a question
particularly in spoken English:
The structure of such questions is
question-word + verb + subject + preposition
What
is this box
for?
We don't say:
For what is this
box? Similarly:
In which room
did you sleep? Which room did you sleep in? At whom are you looking?
Whom
are you looking
at? From where does he come?
Where does he come from?
b)
relative clause
A preposition placed
before a relative pronoun changes its position. It is placed
at the end of the relative clause
(adjective clause):
The house in which I live is small.
The
house I live
in is small.
The people to whom I am talking
are total strangers. The people I am talking
to are total
strangers.
Note: In such relative clauses
the relative pronoun
(which, whom) is usually left out.
c) exclamations
In exclamations too a preposition is moved to the end of the sentence:
What
a world we live in! (not, In what ...
)
What
a fellow to travel with! (not, With what ... )
d) passive voice
In the passive construction the preposition is
placed at the end of the sentence: The
case is being looked into.
Such a situation
can't even be thought of. Who was this symphony composed by?
Note: A preposition is to be placed before
a noun, because pre means before insists the prescriptive grammarian. But in current
English a sentence
ending in a preposition is considered quite
idiomatic; Latin norms
are a thing of the past.
6.1 Prepositions: Meanings
and Usage
Prepositions have a remarkable capacity for
expressing a variety of meanings. So it is necessary to know which preposition to use and in which sense in a particular
construction .
6.1.1
About
i) in connection with
1.
He told me all about the accident.
2.
He is careless about his health.
3.
What are you talking about?
ii)
subject
matterlconcerning That is a book about
wildlife. Note: compare with
on.
This is a book on grammar.
iii) approximate time
Mother
got back at about 9 p.m.
iv)
moving in
several directions (here and there) She has
been travelling about
Europe.
Note:
about and around
are interchangeable in this sense: He has been travelling about/around India.
6.1.2 Above
i)
a
position higher than something The water rose above
her neck.
ii) higher in rank,
position, superior to
A
field marshal is above a general in rank.
iii)
greater in number or value or weight or temperature
1.
They gangsters
were above ten in number.
2.
This fish
is above five
kilos.
3.
The temperature is above 39° Celsius
today.
iv)
beyond
the reach of something His honesty is above suspicion. She is above such
pettiness.
6.1.3 Across
i)
on the other side
of something Our college is across the main road.
ii)
moving from
one side to the other
side of something This boat will carry
you across the river.
iii)
extending from
one side to the other
side There is a rainbow across
the mountains.
6.1.4 After
i) time (later than)
She came here after 8 a.m./breakfast.
I am going home the day
after tomorrow.
ii) continuously, without stopping
Most
people catch the same bus to work day after day.
I am monitoring the progress of the work week after week.
iii) in a definite sequence:
T comes after
5 in alphabetical order.
Your
turn comes after
mine.
iv)
in search
of something (in
phrasal verbs be after and
run after) She always runs after money.
He
is now after a new job.
v)
about
(about the news or well-being of someone) John asked
after you and your family
yesterday.
vi) in the style of/on the model of
The constitution of India
is after the British model.
vii) cause (because of)
After all that I have heard of him I can't wait to meet him.
viii) concession (in spite of)
After all we've been
through, we still love each other.
6.1.5
Against
i) in opposition to
This policy is against the
poor people. She is swimming against
the current.
ii) in contact with
He
is putting a ladder against the wall.
iii) comparison or contrast
Workers' wages are low in India as against those
elsewhere. There were eighty murders this year against ninety last year.
iv)
in prevention of something
This
is an effective injection against cholera.
6.1.6
Among (see Between)
6.1.7 As
Comparison
She is as tall as him.
He
is as old as me.
6.1.8
At
i)
place (a definite point
in space) She is at home.
He
is atthe cinema.
ii)
place of learning or work or worship
She is at Oxford.
They are at office.
They are at church.
Note:
In American English
in is usually used instead
of at with a place
of learning: They are in school.
She
is in Oxford.
In
British English in means inside a building:
They
are in school i.e. They are inside the school building.
iii)
direction
(towards) He is gazing
at the sky. He
rushed at the enemy.
iv)
reaction
I am delighted at your success. He was alarmed at the news.
We were amused at his funny stories.
v)
standard or norm (used
with a noun
or adjective) He is a genius at chess.
She is hopeless at tennis. He is clever
at cards.
vi)
measurement
(price or rate) Bananas
sell at ten
rupees a dozen.
The train is running at 80 kilometers per hour.
vii)
state/condition
They are at play now. He is at work.
Note:
at indicates a temporary activity.
in indicates a permanent
occupation. (He is in the army.)
viii) age
At 90, Shridhar is hale
and hearty. (at the age of ninety)
Noam Chomsky became famous at 27. (at the age of twenty seven)
ix) time (point in time)
at
+ clock time (without the)
at + dawn or night
(without the)
at noon or midday or midnight (without the) The plane
lands at 7 0' clock.
He
left for France at night. (not, at the night)
Note:
in is used with morning
or evening or afternoon preceded by 'the.' In the evening
we will visit
the zoo. (not,
in evening).
6.1.9 Before
i)
time (earlier
than; opposite of after)
I can't leave home before
breakfast.
We buy a lot of toys a few days
before Christmas.
ii)
position (in front of; opposite of behind)
He knelt before
the king.
iii) in the presence of someone
The accused stood before
the judge.
The
clown performed before the audience.
iv) order or arrangement (opposite of after)
The salutation comes
after the address in a business letter.
Note: Byand Before
by means, not later than or upto the
time indicated, before means earlier than
the time indicated.
Finish the work by 90' clock. (not later than 90' clock) Finish the work before 9 0' clock. (by 8.59)
6.1.10 Behind
i) position (at the
back of)
The hills are beh/ndthe clouds. There is a park behind my house.
ii)
comparison (less than)
India is not far behind developed countries in science and technology.
ii)
in favour of, or support of
The whole nation is behind its army.
6.1.11
Beside
i)
next to, or by the side
of He is sitting
beside his wife. The hut is beside
the river.
ii)
in comparison with
Beside
your earlier performance, this is a vast improvement.
iii) not relevant to
Your
argument is beside the point.
6.1.12
Besides
in
addition to
There
are nine students here, besides the teacher.
We
cannot go-we have no torches. Besides it's raining.
6.1.13
Between and among
i) between + two people or things
Between is usually
used with reference to two people
or things: Aligarh is between
Lucknow and Delhi.
We have to choose between two evi Is.
ii) between + more than two people or things
a) between is used
with reference to more than
two people or things whe modified
by a definite numeral:
He divided his property
equally between his four sons.
b) between is also used with
reference to more
than two when
mutual or reciprocal relationship
is indicated:
There is a treaty of friendship between
the five great
powers. (among is not acceptable here).
iii)
between + noun + and + noun
And is always used to join two nouns or pronouns, so and cannot be replaced by to: Please see me between 4 p.m. and 5 p. m.
(not, Please see me between 4 p.m. to 5 p,m.)
iv) among + more than two people or things
among is usually used with reference to more than
two people or things a definite
number is not mentioned:
She is happy to be among her people again. He likes to work among
little children.
v) among + collective noun
among is also
used for more
than two people
or things considered as a group: He distributed sweets among the class.
She is standing among the crowd.
(between
is not possible here).
6.6 · 14 But and but for
i)
but meaning
'except' is a preposition. It is not a conjunction: None but him can tackle
this poblem. (not,
but he)
None but me passed the test. (not,
but I) Note: but indicating contrast is a conjunction:
John is tall but Rosie is short.
His writing is good but not his spelling.
ii)
but for meaning 'without
or except' for and expressing a negative condition is a
preposition:
But
for your cooperation I couldn't have arranged this function.
(If you had not
cooperated I would not have been able to arrange this function)
6.6.15 By
i) means of travel or transport
I am going to Sri nagar by bus.
i i) a
person as an agent or doer
'Adonis' is a poem by Shelley. 'Shakuntala'
was written by Kalidasa.
iii)
energy; power; natural phenomenon as an agent
In the 18th century the streets of London were lighted by oil lamps. He was struck by lightning.
vi ) part of one's
body or clothes I seized him by the collar.
She caught her by the hair.
v)
means of doing something (by + gerund) She earns
a lot by singing folk
songs.
He
amuses himself by drawing cartoons.
vi)
mode of payment
He gets his salary by cheque.
Note:
We make payment in cash or kind. (not by)
vii)
unit of
measurement (price or rate) we
buy bananas by the dozen.
They are paid wages by the week.
Note: the is always used
with a unit
of measurement: We buy butter
by the pound. (not by a pound)
viii)
result (because of)
The
payment was made by mistake.
We
can achieve great success by will power.
ix)
extent
We won the match by 3 goals
to nil. They won the match by 7 runs.
x) profession
She
lives by her pen.
xi)
accompaniment
She
was accompanied on the guitar by Eric.
xii)
division or multiplication of numbers 4 divided by 2 equals
2.
5
multiplied by 3 equals 15.
xiii)
dimensions or size
This room is 10ft by 20 ft. (i.e. 10ft x 20 ft)
xiv) route or passage
(via or through)
He went to Sri nagar by
the Iawahar tunnel.
He
got a promotion by the back door.
v)
according to (by clock/watch) It is just 9 by my watch.
vi)
at the side of (beside)
She came and sat by her
husband.
vii)
with
respect to (someone's birth, marital status, or profession.) She is an Indian by birth.
She is an Italian by marriage.
She
is a politician by profession.
viii)
time (before)
He can finish his work by 4 p.m. He ought to get back by tomorrow.
6.6. 16 By and in or on
i) by + means of travel or transport
By is used when a mode of transport (conveyance) is not modified
by an a adjective or adjective clause:
We travel by car. (not
in)
ii) In is used when a means of transport is modified by an article,
adjective or adjective clause:
She came in her own car. (not by)
We set out in a small boat.
(not by)
The bus she was travelling in fell into a river.
(not by) On is used
instead of in with a bicycle or cycle:
He goes to school on cycle. (not in)
by + noun
is always in singular form,
in + noun can be in the singular or plural
form:
They came by car/bus/boat. (not cars/buses/boats)
They
came in a big bus. (not by)
They came in several big
buses. (not by)
iii)
on is used with
foot or horseback or pony (without a or the): He
came here on foot/horseback. (not,
on the horseback)
iv)
on is used with
a large public
vehicle as a means of travel:
They are now on the plane to Japan. (not
in)
They met on the Delhi- Mumbai
Express. (not in)
6.6.17
During
i)
whole period
of time (from
the beginning to the end) I stayed
in Solan during
the winter.
ii) within a period of time mentioned
He had had a lot of
opposition during his career as the director.
iii)
at a particular time mentioned
Robbers broke into her house during the small hours of the night.
6.6.18
For
i) purpose/beneficiary
This is a surprise gift for you.
Note:
for indicating purpose
is also used
before an indirect
object: He bought
a engagement ring for her.
She made coffee for us.
ii) function
What's this gadget for?
It's a machine for washing clothes.
iii) destination
This is a train for Jhansi. They are passengers for Pune.
iv)
price
I bought this sari for Rs. 725/-
v)
exchange
He exchanged his old cycle for a new one.
vi)
choice,preference or liking
She has a taste for classical music. He has a liking for tasty dishes.
vii)
support (opposite of against)
The External Affairs
Ministry is for a new foreign policy. They are working
for the consensus candidate.
viii)
cause (because of)
They are dancing for joy.
Kerala is famous for its hospitality.
ix)
concession (in spite of)
For all his wealth he is not happy.
For
all her qualifications Rajani fared poorly
at the interview. (for all + noun is used in this construction)
x)
representative
of or abbreviation of something He is speaking for his country; not for himself. What does CRY stand
for?
xi)
distance
She walks (for) two kilometres every day.
Note: for denoting a specific distance is usually
omitted; for is not omitted when a
vague distance is indicated:
She walks two
miles every day. but
This river flows down for miles and miles. (not, flows down miles
xii)
time (duration)
I
wi II be with you for an hour or so.
Note: a) While denoting a definite period of time
for is usually omitted:
The meeting lasted three hours.
(not, for three hours)
Would
you wait a minute, please?
(not, for a minute)
b)
for is not omitted
when it indicates that an action
began in the
pas terminated or extends
into the present
(till now):
She (has) lived here fortwenty years. (not, It has been raining
a week.)
c)
for is not omitted
when the duration
is vague. So it is not omitted in phrases like for hours; days;
weeks; months; years;
centuries; for ages; forever.
xii) time (whole period of time is mentioned)
He stayed at home for the summer.
(i .e. from the begi
nn i ng to the end)
6.6.19
For and since
i) for and since
are used with present perfect,
present perfect progressive, past perfect, and past perfect progressive forms.
Present Perfect is used for an action
that began at a definite
time in the past and extends into the present (ti II now):
He has lived in India for ten years.
India have not won the world cup in cricket since 1983. I have been here for half an hour/since 9' clock.
Present perfect progressive is used for
an action that
began at a definite time
in the past and is continuing and may extend
into the future
as well:
He
has been living in India forten years.
He has been living in Belgaum since 1980.
She has been waiting here for one hour/since 8' 0 clock. (not, she is waiting) Note: a) for or since is not used with a simple present or progressive tense: We don't say:
She
is absent for a week.
It is raining since
Tuesday. .
b) for (but not since)
is used with simple past
tense when it indicates that
an action began in the
past and terminated:
She worked here for twenty years. (She doesn't work here now.)
i)
for is used of a period
or length of time, since
is used of a point
of time: Lisy has been working here
for 10 years
since1988.
It
has been raining
for weeks since
the end of June.
People have been
demanding a e.B.1.
inquiry for a long time. We have been waiting to see you since morning.
6.6.17 From
i) starting point (place)
From
Delhi I will be flying to Hyderabad.
The procession is from
the Boat Club to India Gate.
ii) starting point in time
She
is on leave from 15 January.
He lived in Shillong from 1980 to 1990.
Note: from ...
taltill expresses duration, so does from ... through
used more in American English.
There is a small difference in meaning, however:
from ... to/till means, from a point upto, whereas
from ... through
means, from a point upto and including.
We work from Monday to
Saturday. (Saturday not included)
We
work from Monday through Friday. (Friday included)
iii) origin or source
This gentleman is from Vienna. This is a letter from
my friend. This is a quotation from
'Hamlet'.
iv)
separation or removal
We draw water
from a nearby tank. Leaves are falling
from this tree.
They regularly borrow books from the
public library.
v)
distance (between two places)
It is more
than two kilometres from here to the top of the hill.
The
bus stop is just a kilometre from
my house.
vi)
lower
limit (of number, price, weight) She has to type from
20 to 25 letters a day.
Apples
are available from Rs 30 to Rs 60 a dozen.
vii) cause
He is suffering from fever/cold.
The shoot-out victim
died from his injuries.
vi i i) protection/prevention
He saved the child from kidnappers.
This new mask reduces risk from air pollution.
ix)
point of view
From
a financial point of view your project is not viable.
x) considering or judging
From his appearance he seems to be innocent. From what they
say it seems
to be a nice place.
xi)
material
Soap is made from coconut
oil.
Most Ayurvedic medicines are made from herbs.
6.6.18
From and since
i) from and since
indicate a point
in time:
He has been
ill since Monday. He wi II be absent
from Monday.
ii)
since is always used
with reference to past time,
not present or future time: She has been watching TV since 7 p.m. (not,
from)
He has written ten letters since
morning. (not, from)
from is used with reference to present/future time
as well: He will report
for work from
Monday. (not since)
iii)
from is used to indicate the
time at which
an action starts: The tournament will be on from Monday.
iv) from is also
used in combination with to or til/:
She has to work from
9 a. m. to/till5 p.m. (since is not possible here).
6.6.19 In
i)
place
(within an area, i.e., within enclosures or boundaries) They are working in the fields.
He lives in Agra.
In is always
used with a large town;
city; state; province; country; continent;
world, or universe.
ii)
place (indicating volume or capacity
of a container) In
the cage, we saw a hungry lion.
There is milk in this bottle.
The
pronunciation of words is given in a dictionary.
In a newspaper, one often
gets to read views, not news.
iii)
profession
or occupation He is in the army/airforce. She is in business/politics. Iv) state or condition (static) She is in the canteen.
He
is in troublelin a spot.
Everything was in a mess
when the new vice- chancellor took over, He is in good/poor health.
v) othes or colours
Today, she is in jeans/tights/shorts. They are all in black/white/red.
vi)
form, shape or order
They are standing in
rowslcircles.
This novel will be telecast
in thirteen episodes. The runs were being
scored in ones
and twos. Arrange the names
in order of merit.
vii)
medium
He is writing
the answers in ink.
He can speak
in English.
viii)
means of travel/transport He came here in a red car.
We were taken to the venue in 3
buses.
ix)
mode of payment
They
are paid wages in cash/kind.
Payment
will be made in dollar/rupee.
x)
quality of a person mentioned
You will always
find a friend
in Mr Ray. The poet
in her is alive.
xi)
part of something
There are 11 players in a team. There are twelve
months in a year.
xii)
reference
(about) India is rich
in manpower.
He is weak in mathematics.
xiii)
time (during
a period of time)
She got back in the
morning/evening.
He will finish his new novel in a
week/month.
xiv)
time (within
a period/length of time)
You can learn Engl ish
in a few months. She will leave
for home in a few
hours.
Note:
a) within means
'before the time
ends'. He will come here
within a few hours.
b) in and after
In meaning after
or at the end of is used
with a period oftime, after
not used in this
sense:
He will leave
for home in a few minutes/in an hour. (not,
after) After is used with a point
of time.;
He will leave for home after lunch/after 2 p.m. ('In' is not possible in this sense)
6.6.20
At, in, on
i)
at indicates a definite point
within an area: He is at home.
Call me at my office.
ii)
in
indicates an area within enclosures/boundaries:
He is in the building.
She lives in England/Europe.
iii)
in indicates volume as well:
There are some eggs in this basket. I saw a cellular phone
in his pocket.
(iv)
on indicates surface:
There are pictures
on the wall.
~ There are cats on the roof.
Drinks are on the field now.
v)
at + noun (temporary activity) He is at play. temporary activity They are at work.
vi)
in + noun
(permanent activity/occupation/profession) She is in politics. permanent activity
They are in the army.
6.6.21
In and on
i) on + day or date
He will go home on Sunday.
I was born on September 5.
ii) on + time + date
The delegation lands on
the morning of March 5.
The
ceremony starts on the even i ng of Apri I 7.
But note: The delegation
lands in the morning. (without date)
iii)
on + day + time
They are arriving on Sunday morning. I begin the work
on Monday evening.
But note:They are arriving in the
evening.
iv) in time/on time
In time means,a little before the time scheduled or arranged, on time
means, strictly according to a time-
table arranged already:
He got back in time for lunch. The train arrived
on time.
v)
on a chair (without arms) or in a chair
(with arms) He is sitting on a chair, listening to the news.
He is sitting in an armchair, looking
quite relaxed.
6.6.22
In and within
i) in indicates at the end
of a period of time:
He will get back home in a week. (at the end of the week)
ii) within indicates before
the end of a period
of time:
He
will get back home within a week. (before the end of the week)
6.6.23
In and with
i) with + a pen or a pencil
With is used before pen and pencil
to express means
or instruments when
these nouns are preceded by a:
She
is writing with a pen/pencil. (not, in a pen/pencil)
ii) in + pen or pencil
'pen' and 'pencil'
without 'a' take in to express medium: We often write
in pencil/ball point
pen. (not, with)
6.6.24
Into
i)
place
(entrance or movement to a place inside from
outside) She came into
my room without
permission.
He is driving into
the lake!
ii)
change in
shape or form Translate this into English.
A caterpillar changes into a
butterfly.
iii)
change in
state or condition She got into trouble.
He flew into a rage.
6.6.25
In and into
i) in indicates a static position:
He
is in his room. (not, into)
ii)
into indicates motion or movement within an area from outside: He came into my room. (not,
in)
iii)
in indicates a state or condition:
He is in a good
mood. (not, into)
iv)
into
indicates a change in state condition: He flew into a rage. (not, in)
6.6.26 Of
i)
relationship or ownership He is a cousin of mine.
She is a friend of Rani's.
ii)
possession
of a quality He is a man of letters.
He is a man of his word.
This
is work is of the highest calibre.
iii) part of something
The key of this lock
is missing. The brake of this car is weak.
iv)
part of whole (of an institution or organization) ./ Rajiv is a member
of this club.
~
Mini
is a teacher of this
school. .
v)
origin or source
The plays of Rabindranath Tagore are as great as his poems. The people of this country
are wise.
vi) cause
They died of cholera.
She
is proud of her noble birth.
vii) concerning (about)
The results of the examination have not been
announced yet. John Smith is a teacher
of English.
viii) measurement
She bought 5 kilos/pounds offish. Give me a sheet of paper.
ix)
distance
There is a swimming pool within 2 kilometres of my house. This town is to the south of Patna.
x)
time
Their first child
was born within
a year of their marriage. I made many resolutions on the first
of January.
xi)
age
He
is a boy of eighteen (years).
xii) material
This is a house of stone.
This
window is made of glass.
Note:
with, not of is used to indicate an ingredient:
We make sweets with sugar.
xiii) collection of people
or things
Here is a bunch of keys that will unlock
any door. This is a team of international players.
6.6.27 Of, from, or with
i)
of + noun denotes
a material used in the
process of making
something: This door is made of glass.
These chairs are made of wood.
ii)
from + noun, too denotes a material used
in the process of making
something but the material
changes its form as a result:
Butter is made
from milk. Wine is made from
grapes.
iii) with + noun indicates an ingredient i.e., one of the materials
used in making something:
We
can make a house with brick.
Pudding
is made with milk. (not,of or from)
6.6.28
Off
i)
separation
(away from something) She fell off the horse/ladder.
Keep
off the grass, please.
ii) at a distance from something
My
house is off the main road.
iii)
state or condition (not
engaged in an activity)
He is off duty now.
It is off
season now for coolers.
Off
is the opposite of on
Turn off the light.
Switch off the fan, please.
6.6.29
On
i)
static position (in contact with
the surface; touching something) There is a cap on his head.
There
are cups on the table.
ii) close to a place
There is a market here
on the main
road. There are trees
on either side
of this canal.
iii)
means of travel (public
vehicle in transit) they are on the train to Puri.
He is on the plane
to Amsterdam. note: in/on
in indicates a static position, on indicates
movement/in transit She is sitting in
the bus/plane.
She is on the plane to Bangalore.
iv) poossessioti (havi ng)
I have no money on me at
the moment.
V) means (with
the help of an instrument) she is playing
rap music on the guitar.
I spoke to her on the telephone.
vi)
support oneself
with the help
of something he has to live on a small
pension.
students find it difficult to live on
their meagre stipends.
vii)
statee of
being; professional activity He
is on tour today.
Thet are on holiday.
viii)
cause
He has acquitted on the verdict
of the jury. The driver stopped
the bus on my request. We congratulated her on her success.
ix)
direction
You can see the zoo on
the left.
He
pulled a dagger on the traveller.
there is now a focus on eradicating corruption in public life.
x)
membership of an institution or organization (part
of something) He is on the staff
of our college.
She is on the finance committee.
xi)
concerning (about)
Everything you wanted
to know on dinosaurs is here in this book. This is a film on how to take good care of cats.
xii)
time (on + day,
date or special
occasion) She goes home
on Sundays.
He will get
back on the morning of June 5. On weekends we go to the gym.
6.6.30 Opposite and in front of
i) opposite means on the other side
There is a restaurant opposite my house. The library is opposite the park.
ii) in front of indicates nearness
(opposite of behind)
In front of the museum,
there is a statue of a great
man. Right in front of the main
building stands an old banyan
tree.
6.6.31 Over
i) position (higher than;
not in contact with the surface)
When it started drizzling, someone held an umbrella
over our heads. Many in our country
have no roof over their heads.
over and above are interchangeable in
this sense.
ii)
position
(in contact with, and covering someone or something) There is a carpet over the floor.
She spread a blanket over her husband. (above is not possible here).
iii)
position (on the other
side)
May I go over the lawns and
collect my th i ngs? Can
we come overto
your house this
evening?
iv)
position (from
one side to the other) There is a long
bridge over this river.
v)
in every
part of something (allover + noun) There is water allover
the playing field.
The
police conducted a search all over the premises.
vi) cause
The brothers often quarrel over their ancestral property.
vii) control or authority
In this office there is
no one over Mr Rao.
The
Chairman of the Board presided over the meeting.
viii) more than
This road is over 500 miles/kilometres long.
She
is overforty now. (Over can be replaced by above in this sense)
ix) period of time (during)
We can sort
out our problem
over lunch/a cup of tea. Think about what
I told you,
over the weekend.
6.6-35 On, over, and above
i) on indicates contact
of one thing with another;
in contact with, i.e., touching
a thing: .
She placed her hand on his head. The cups are on the table.
ii) over indicates absence
of contact; not touching a thing i.e., higher than something:
There is a spider over his head. (not on)
A
lamp is hangi ng over the door. (not on)
ii) over and above
can often be interchanged in this sense:
A
plane is hovering over/above the field.
iii)
Above, like
over can mean
more than (in price, age,
or weight): She is above twenty.
This suitcase weighs above 70 kilos.
6.6.36 Owing to or due to
Both are compound prepositions, meaning because of. They can come in any position in the sentence:
1. The accident was due towing
to the driver's carelessness.
1. Due to/owing to foggy weather,
the flight was cancelled.
3.
Her success due to/owing to her hard work is an inspiration for all.
6.6.37- To
i) destination (towards)
They are going to school/college. She is going to the market/hospital.
Note: to/from
to is the
opposite of from
because from means
away from a place:
They
are going home
from school/college.
ii)
direction
(in the direction mentioned) There is a river to the north of this town. There is an ocean to the south
of this country.
Note:
to/on
to indicates direction, on indicates nearness (close
to a place) There are houses on either
side of this road.
iii) person
I gave a ring to Mary, on her birthday. They offered a job to John.
iv) place (from one place to another)
They are travelling from Karwar to Hampi.
A bee moves
from flower to flower.
v)
state or condition (change
of state) We were moved to tears by her story. Here is a classic
case of rags
to riches.
vi) comparison
He prefers football
to cricket. He is senior
to me. She prefers swimming
to running.
Our team won the match by 3 goals to 2.
vii) rate
My car does 40 kilometres to the litre.
viii)
about
(approximate range) He must be 4 to 5 years old. This work will
take 2 to 3 hours.
ix) concerning
You have a right to appeal against
this judgement. Voters should have a right to recall their representatives.
x) time (before)
It is 15 minutes to 9. It is a quarter to 9.
Note:
a) past or after
past is used in British
English: It is ten past nine.
In American English
after is also
used though past
is the more frequent: It is ten after nine.
b)
to or of
to is used
in British English: It is ten to nine.
of is used
in American English. It is ten of nine.
xi) time (inclusion)
The exhibition will be open
from1 a in the morning
to 6 in The market
is open from
Monday to Saturday
.
6.6. 38 To, and till or until
i) from to (time or place)
from to construction is used for both time and place: I work from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
I am available from Wednesday to Friday. Travelling from Agra
to Iaipur by bus takes
6 hours.
He
keeps moving from place to place.
ii) from till or until (time)
from till or until is used only for time, not place:
He wanders from
morning till evening. (not, He wanders from street till street)
Note:
Till and Until
(time)
Both of them mean'up to the time
specified', so there is no difference in meaning.
a)
Till or Until: preposition of time
Both are used with a point in time, but
till is usually
preferred: You can book your tickets from
3 p.m. till 5 p.m.
I
may have to stay here till next week.
The current trend
is to avoid until in sentences like
these, particularly in the from
... till construction:
She waited here from nine
to/till ten. (not, until)
b)
Till or Until: conjunction of time
Both
are used to express duration, so they answer the question-how long?
Until + subordinate clause is the more
usual when the
subordinate clause is placed
at the beginning of a sentence:
Until sufficient warning
is given the police can't
open fire. (not till)
The
police can't open
fire until sufficient warning is given.
Until you tell the truth I can't help
you. (not till)
When a sentence begins with
the main clause,
both till and until are equally
acceptable:
Please wait here
till/until the bus comes.
I have got to stay at
home till/until father gets back.
6.6.39
Under
i) below something (indicates place or position)
The mafl hid the files
under his coat. The guests are sitting
under a tree.
ii) below (in rank or authority)
The council of ministers
has to function under the Prime Minister.
In
i) and ii), under is opposite of above/over
iii) below (a specified age)
This
film is not meant for those under eighteen.
iv)
state (of
something or someone) This road is under repair.
My house is sti II under
construction.
v)
according to
Under the rules,
you can't get
any concession. Under the new legislation, age limit can be relaxed. Your case is under consideration.
The
situation is now under control.
6.6.40
With
i) in the company of
She has gone
for a walk with her child.
He
is living with his aunt.
Note:
'with a child'
means 'in the
company of one's/a
child. with child'
means 'to be pregnant'.
ii) and or together with.
He
likes bread with chicken curry.
She
is suffering from fever with cough.
The
swindler with all his associates, was arrested yesterday.
iii) possession (having a quality or characteristic)
He is a boy with
blue eyes. This is a house with a garden.
iv)
means (an inanimate noun as an instrument)
Remove the lid with an opener.
We can cut cloth with scissors.
His blood pressure has been kept under control with drugs.
v)
ingredient
(one of the materials used in making something) We make
a house with
brick/stone.
We can make a cake with eggs.
vi) support (for)
We are with you in your
struggle.
The
whole nation stood with the government in its hour of crisis.
vii) opposition {against)
She had a quarrel with
her neighbour last
night. India playa test
match with England
next week.
viii)
reaction
He is angry with Mary/her.
Note: In British English with is always
used when the cause or stimulus is a
person.
In American English
at is the more usual
preposition: He is angry at Mary/her.
At is used in British
English as well
as in American English when
the cause of a reaction
is not a person:
He is angry at the delay.
I am delighted at your success. (with is not possible here).
ix) separation
It is really
painful to part with someone
you love. I can't afford
to dispense with
his services.
x)
manner
The village headman listened to the farmers with
patience. She can speak English with
ease.
Note: with + noun is equivalent to an
adverb of manner:
Handle
glass with care. (Handle glass carefully)
xi) cause
He
is trembling with fear/cold.
xii)
a member
or employee of an organization He is now with an insurance company.
iii) after
The meeting came
to a close with a vote of thanks.
With
these words I declare the
function open.
xiv) concession (with all or only + noun)
With only a week to go you ought to work hard
for your exam. With all his financial liabilities he can't give
me a loan.
xv)
concerning (about)
He is pleased
with his success. She is angry with her
children.
6.6.41 By and with
i) by + noun (to express
the agent or doer in the passive)
By can be used
with agent or doer, i.e.
a person or a country, an institution, an organization, a mechanical device
or a natural phenomenon.
1.
Floods were caused by heavy rain.
2.
He was struck by lightning.
3.
This bill
has been passed
by Parliament.
4.
The Test Match has been won by Australia.
5.
This industry
is controlled by the government.
6. The whole town
was destroyed by fire.
(with is not acceptable in these sentences).
ii) with + noun
(indicating an instrument)
The gardener cuts the grass with a lawn mower. The sailor rowed
the boat with
a pair of oars.
He drove the nail into the wall with
a hammer.
In
these examples, with can be replaced by using, but not by by.
6.6.42
Without
i) not in the company of
She came here without her husband.
I can't live without my pets.
ii)
absence of a quality
This old man is without
any teeth/hair. This is a sentence without
sense.
iii)
absence of means or instrument
We can't see without eyes.
A bird can't fly without wings.
iv) absence of material
We can't make an omelette
without eggs.
(v)
absence of means of travel or transport
We can't travel fast without
a car/bus/train. We can't
fly to Ahmedabad without a plane.
Note:
without is the opposite of by (means of travel)
vi) absence of necessaries or comforts We can't live without air/water/food.
Note: without (opposite of within) meaning 'outside'
is archaic. Outside is used instead in
current English.
There
is a river outside the town. (not without)
6.6.43
Within
i)
time (before
a specified period
of time) She got back within a month.
He is going to buy a car within a
week.
Note: in and within
in
indicates at the end of (after)
She
got back in a week. (after a week)
She
got back within a week. (before a week)
ii) distance (not further
than a specified place)
My college is within a mile/kilometre of the main road. There is a tomb within 2 miles/kilometres of my house.
iii) limit (within limits)
|
This medicine is within the reach of even poor
people. These grapes
are not within
the reach of children.
6.6
Conclusion
We have made an indepth study of the preposition in English in this unit.
6.7
Unit end Questions
1. Name some
of the prepositions of place
and location with examples.
2 Differencriate between the usage of between- among, in – within, in-after, by –with going examples.
