Module 21: Preposition

PREPOSITIONS

 

Function: A preposition connects a noun structure to some other words in the sentence. The noun structure may be:

1.       A noun             : The jeweler showed the diamond ring to his wife.

2.       A pronoun        : The jeweler showed the diamond ring to her.

3.       A gerund phrase: The jeweler did not object to showing the diamond ring to her.

4.       A noun clause  : The jeweler showed the diamond ring to whoever might be a potential buyer.

 

Prepositional Objects

Some verbs take objects that are introduced by prepositions.

At                    : glance, laugh, look, marvel, rejoice, shudder, smile, stare
Of                    : approve, beware, consist, despair, smell
Of or about    : boast, dream, speak, talk, think
For                  : call, hope, long, look, mourn, pray, wait, watch, wish

 

Supply the preposition required after each verb.

1.       He kept glancing impatiently … his watch.

2.       We should beware … those who flatter.

3.       The room smells … paint.

4.       The old man spoke … the hair-raising experience he had had as a spy.

5.       Listen! Do you hear someone calling … help?

6.       Do not embarrass him by laughing … his mistakes in English.

7.       Sometimes I despair … ever finishing this job.

8.       Those people long … the day their country will be free again.

9.       Do not sate … her, just look … her quickly.

10.    We rejoiced … his miraculous escape.