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Grammar 66 - Prepositions 1
‘The sun shone at times during the cricket match.’ - During is a preposition.

Grammar 66 - Prepositions 1

Prepositions are important parts of the English language. Prepositions, used frequently in sentences, perform the function of describing the relation of nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence. Prepositions are useful when communication involves place, time, and direction. They are also useful when relating to objects, especially when there is more than one noun. This is the first of two High English quizzes which will help you to understand prepositions and how they describe the relation of nouns to other words in a sentence.

Prepositions are few in number. Here is a list of some and in which situations they are used:

AT, ON, IN, AROUND, INTO and BEHIND are prepositions in relation to place and time.

AFTER, ACROSS, BEHIND, TO, THROUGH, UP, AROUND, UNDERNEATH, OPPOSITE and AGAINST are prepositions in relation to direction.

DOWN, BELOW, UNDER, AFTER, ON, IN, BESIDE and ABOVE are prepositions in relation to objects.

Besides these prepositions, other prepositions are used that are not common. Look at these sentences:

‘The sun shone THROUGHOUT the cricket match.’
‘The sun shone DURING the cricket match.’

In these examples the words in capitals are prepositions. Although both appear to convey the same meaning, a closer examination of the sentences reveals that in the first sentence, the sun shone for the entire match whereas in the second sentence, there could have been periods when the sun did not shine because it went behind the clouds.

Prepositions, besides being single words, also come in groups of words, as in the following examples:

‘There is a parking place IN FRONT OF my house.’
‘The racing driver got AHEAD OF the others by the 29th lap.’

In these two sentences the words in capitals form the preposition.

Compared to verbs and nouns, prepositions are very few in number but their usage is very high. About 80 to 100 single words are prepositions and another 50 to 70 groups of words are non-single word prepositions. The quiz that follows shows us how to use prepositions to make our communication more meaningful.

1.
'The Ganges River ran ___ 2525 kilometres.'
Fill up the blank with the appropriate preposition.
for
on
at
in
'For' is the appropriate preposition, which is used for distance or time. The other options are not appropriate for distance in the present context.
2.
'Do you want some cola _________ your chicken order?'
Fill up the blank with the appropriate preposition.
in
at
in front of
along with
This is a complex preposition. Remember, prepositions have a life of their own and there can be very few general rules governing their use. The other options are not appropriate with reference to the context of the sentence
3.
'You open a door _________ its handle.'
Fill up the blank with the appropriate preposition.
along with
by means of
because of
in
This is a complex preposition. The other options are not appropriate with reference to the context of the sentence
4.
'____________________ expectations, the Indian Rupee fell in value.'
Fill up the blank with the appropriate preposition.
for
with
contrary to
between
This is a complex preposition. The other options are not appropriate with reference to the context of the sentence
5.
'The Prime Minister of India lives __ 7, Race Course Road, New-Delhi.'
Fill up the blank with the appropriate preposition.
of
on
in
at
Remember, when referring to addresses where the exact door number is given we use 'at', because, when a unique number is given to a house, there is no ambiguity about the exact location
6.
'The Prime Minister of India lives __ Race Course Road, New-Delhi.'
Fill up the blank with the appropriate preposition.
in
at
of
to
Remember, when referring to addresses where the exact door number is not given we use 'in', because there is ambiguity about the exact location and it could be any address on Race Course Road
7.
Choose the sentence with the correct preposition from the following options.
It is necessary that we debate about your proposition before we proceed.
It is necessary that we debate on your proposition before we proceed.
It is necessary that we debate your proposition before we proceed.
It is necessary that we debate in favour of your proposition before we proceed.
Note that there is no preposition used as it is not required. The other options use prepositions that are not appropriate
8.
Choose the sentence with the correct preposition from the following options.
I have been living in Bangalore since 50 years.
I have been living in Bangalore for 50 years.
I have been living in Bangalore past 50 years.
I have been living in Bangalore before 50 years.
Remember 'since' can be used if you give a particular date. For instance, 'I have been living in Bangalore since the 1st of August 1965.' The other options use the incorrect preposition
9.
Choose the sentence with the correct preposition from the following options.
The accident victim would have died if he had not been taken to hospital in time.
The Chief Minister wanted the Cabinet Meeting to start on time.
Who is the attractive person on a red dress.
Both options 1 and 2 are correct but option 3 is wrong.
Note the use of 'in' and 'on' with reference to time. 'In' is used when you refer to time during which, if some action is taken, a desired result is possible - in this case saving a person's life. 'On' is used when you refer to time which is pre-set - in this case a meeting is supposed to start at a particular time. Option 3 would have been correct if we had used 'in' instead of 'on'
10.
'The Board Chairman was not __________ your idea. It won't work.'
Fill up the blank with the appropriate preposition.
in favour of
happy with
for
All the above are correct
All the prepositions used are correct. While 'for' is a single word preposition, 'happy with' and 'in favour of' are complex prepositions
Author:  V T Narendra

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