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English Preposition Rule
There is one very simple rule about prepositions. And, unlike most rules, this rule has no exceptions.
Rule
A preposition is followed by a "noun". It is never followed by a verb.
By "noun" we include:
- noun (dog, money, love)
- proper noun (name) (Bangkok, Mary)
- pronoun (you, him, us)
- noun group (my first job)
- gerund (swimming)
A preposition cannot be followed by a verb. If we want to follow a preposition by a verb, we must use the "-ing" form which is really a gerund or verb in noun form.
Quick Quiz: In the following sentences, why is "to" followed by a verb? That should be impossible, according to the above rule:
- I would like to go now.
- She used to smoke.
Here are some examples:
| Subject + verb |
preposition |
"noun" |
| The food is |
on |
the table. |
| She lives |
in |
Japan. |
| Tara is looking |
for |
you. |
| The letter is |
under |
your blue book. |
| Pascal is used |
to |
English people. |
| She isn't used |
to |
working. |
| I ate |
before |
coming. |
Answer to Quick Quiz: In these sentences, "to" is not a preposition. It is part of the infinitive ("to go", "to smoke").
For a full list of 150 prepositions, including one-word and complex prepositions, with 370 example sentences, download the free EnglishClub e-book English Prepositions Listed.
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