Questions tagged [prepositions]
Prepositions are function words like "to", "over", "through", "in". The meaning of a sentence can be dramatically altered by choosing the wrong preposition. Questions need to include enough information for the intended meaning to be deduced.
4,251 questions
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'Denote something as "X" ' vs 'denote something by "X" '
This question "Denoted by" or just "denoted"? discusses whether we need to say "denoted by" or just "denoted".
I am wondering whether it is grammatically ...
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Ambiguity in "register a case … against": does it target the accused or the victim? [migrated]
I came across this sentence in a newspaper, and I wanted to know if this sentence has two meanings. The sentence is :
We have registered a case of trespassing, unlawful assembly, and mischief against ...
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Does there need to be an "of" in the construction "as [adjective] [of?] a [noun] as possible"? [duplicate]
Which of these two phrases is grammatically correct and why?
"as fast a reply as possible"
"as fast of a reply as possible"
The second phrase sounds perhaps a bit more natural to ...
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Why does CGEL categorize "around" and "about" as a preposition and an adverb, respectively, when used before a numeral?
I thought CGEL (2002) categorized both around and about as prepositions when used before a cardinal numeral (e.g., around /about six). Even Brett Reynolds, who I know is a university professor, wrote ...
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Usage of the preposition 'on' to indicate location: any changes in BrE?
In BrE, the preposition "on" is typically used to indicate a specific location, such as streets, avenues, or other exact addresses, as in: "I live on Cornmarket Street".
And yet, I ...
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Why are cars in late 1970s and early 1980s suddenly "in the street" instead of "on the street"?"
Looking at Google Ngrams, there has been a steady shift from 'in the street' to 'on the street' over the last 200 years. For example:
However, in the case of cars, there is a weird peak between 1970 ...
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What does 'to' mean in this sentence? [closed]
What does "to" mean in this:
Roared out by hundreds of voices to the tramp of marching feet, it was terrifying
From 1984
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Is the phrase "is submitted <something>" without a preposition correct?
I am following a Coursera course on something related to Large Language Models (LLMs). In the Module quiz, one question reads:
An LLM is submitted a prompt that asks whether[...]
This strikes me as ...
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'A lot of salespeople are shouting at the market': is this statement ambiguous?
Is the title an ambiguous sentence, or has it only one correct meaning, where the salespeople are arguing with the market?
I think it has two meanings:
[1] the salespeople are shouting and they ...
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'MET (WITH)', 'ASK (FOR)': verbal phrase idiomaticity
(A) MEET: (transitive and intransitive) 1. to experience something such as a difficulty, challenge, or success:
All our attempts met with failure.
(B) MEET WITH (transitive)
3. to experience ...
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Is “like” a preposition in the following title?
I’m trying to decide whether I should capitalize “like” in accordance with Chicago style for title case. Is it functioning as a preposition in this essay title?
What Is It Like to Be a Bat?
What Is It ...
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Unclear use (usage) of preposition 'for'
While studying woodworking techniques, I came across this sentence:
Many of the wonderful antique pieces of furniture that have survived for us to enjoy today utilized lumber that was "rift-sawn&...
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Preposition stranding: Adverbials with noun phrases
According to Swan, M. (2017) PEU (BrE)
During and since are not normally put at the ends of clauses.
Jose’s the person I’m angry with.
Since when have you been working for her?
In adverbial ...
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Is there a nuanced difference between “concerned with” and “concerned about”? [duplicate]
In formal and academic writing, I often encounter both phrases:
“The study is concerned with the effects of climate change.”
“The researchers are concerned about the rise in sea levels.”
At first ...
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'With': ambitransitive verbs and the meaning of 'with' in 'teeming with wildlife' etc
(Intransitive) My nose was running with snot
(Transive) My nose was running snot (into my mouth)
Is there a specific meaning of with here?
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