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 by
R. S. Karunaratne
Parts of speech:
More on prepositions
Prepositions are often used in writing and speech. However, there are
hardly any rules governing the use of prepositions. The best way is to
go by usage. Here are some more prepositions commonly used in English.
1. by means of
You can do something by means of an instrument, method, or process.
Children can't be protected from certain diseases by means of
vaccination.
|
They are consulting legal opinion
concerning the ownership of the land. |
2. concerning
This is used to indicate the subject matter of something already
mentioned.
They are consulting legal opinion concerning the ownership of the
land.
3. considering
This is used to show that you are taking a certain fact into account.
Considering the victories of the forces in the battlefield the LTTE
will have no future.
4. contrary to
This is used to show the opposite of something mentioned.
Contrary to high expectations, the XY party could not win more than
three seats.
5. depending on
This indicates a variable factor that will effect a situation.
Different methods are used to teach English depending on the age of
students.
6. despite
This shows an element of surprise.
Despite his age, grandfather walks two kilometres every day.
7. down
This shows the downward trend or movement towards the ground.
He was driving down the hill street when the accident occurred.
8. due to
This is used to show that something happens as a result of something
else.
The Judicial Medical Officer said the man's death was due to
excessive drinking.
9. during
This shows the duration of a time.
Four hardcore prisoners escaped during the night.
10. except/excepting
This can introduce someone or something that your main statement does
not apply to.
After the party there was nothing left except some empty bottles.
11. following
This is used after an event or as a result of that event.
The company was reorganised, following the resignation of the board
of directors.
12. for
If you do something for somebody, they stand to benefit.
The government is doing everything for the refugees.
13. from
This shows the source or provider of something.
|
A long queue formed in front of
the theatre. |
He bought a car from carmart.
14. in
This shows something is surrounded by something else.
He put all the documents in his briefcase.
15. in front of
This shows something is near the front of something else.
A long queue formed in front of the theatre.
16. in lieu of
This means instead of
He received a gratuity in lieu of a monthly pension on retirement.
17. inside
This shows you are surrounded by boundaries.
Some criminals spend most of their life inside prison.
18. in spite of
This shows surprise.
In spite of pressure from super powers, the government remained
stable.
19. into
This shows movement
The troops moved into the war zone.
20. like
This shows similarities
I lost everything and felt like a beggar.
Match the
meaning
In column 1 you find 20 commonly used verbs. In column 2 you find the meanings all mixed up.
Match each verb with its meaning and then read the key for the correct answers.
Column 1 Column 2
01. apologize A. to talk over
02. bewilder B. to make strong
03. comprehend C. to express regret
04. confess D. to tell as a secret
05. confide E. to breathe in
06. demolish F. to regard with disgust
07. devour G. to own up to a sin
08. discuss H. to spend the winter asleep
09. expose I. to annoy
10. extinguish J. to tell a secret
11. fortify K. to try hard
12. glare L. to stare in anger
13. hibernate M. to confuse completely
14. inhale N. to think quietly
15. loathe O. to eat like an animal
16. Meditate P. to become less stiff
17. pester Q. to join together
18. relax R. to pull down
19. strive S. to put out
20. unite T. to understand
Key 1. C, 2. M, 3. T, 4. G, 5. J, 6. R, 7. O, 8. A, 9. D, 10.S,
11. B, 12. L, 13. H, 14. E, 15. F, 16. N, 17. I, 18. P, 19. K, 20. Q. |
