Problems with Prepositions

 Problems with Prepositions

Rule 1. You may end a sentence with a preposition. Just do not use extra prepositions when the meaning is clear without them. Examples: Correct: That is something I cannot agree with. That is something with which I cannot agree. Correct: Where did he go? Incorrect: Where did he go to? Correct: Where did you get this? Incorrect: Where did you get this at? Correct: I will go later. Incorrect: I will go later on. Correct: Take your shoes off the bed. Incorrect: Take your shoes off of the bed. Correct: You may look out the window. Incorrect: You may look out of the window. Correct: Cut it into small pieces. Incorrect: Cut it up into small pieces.

Rule 2. Use on with expressions that indicate the time of an occurrence. Examples: He was born on December 23. We will arrive on the fourth.

Rule 3. Of should never be used in place of have. Correct: I should have done it. Incorrect: I should of done it.

Rule 4. Between refers to two. Among is used for three or more. Examples: Divide the candy between the two of you. Divide the candy among the three of you.

Rule 5. The word like may be used as a preposition and in informal writing, as a conjunction. In formal writing, use as, as if, or as though rather than like as the conjunction. Examples: Prepositional usage You look so much like your mother. Conjunction usage You look like you are angry. OR You look as if you are angry.