Preposition

Preposition

A prepositionis a word that shows the relationship of a noun or a pronoun to some other word in the sentence. Prepositions are important because they point out different relationships. Crystal (2000) describes preposition as a word which expresses the relationship of one word with another, usually (but not always) of a noun, a pronoun   or participle

1.      Preposition of time

Consist of in, on, at. In is used with parts of the day, with months, season and years. On is used to designated days of the week and with dates that have numerals. While at is used to designate specific times of day or night. For example: (1) That building was completed in 1989 (2) He watches television in the morning (3)On Friday we go to mosque.  (4) His birthday is on the fourth of March (5)they arrived at 8 o’clock.

2.      Preposition of place and position

It consists of to, at, in, on, into, around, all over, and throughout. To is used for movement from one place to another; at is used when we are talking about an address, a public place or building or in reference to smaller places. In which is used with cities, countries, and large divisions’ countries and also used to describe the physical location of something as part of a larger thing or place, enclosure, being surrounded, by something; On is used in contact with the top surface of another object; Into which is used to denote motion or direction towards the inside of something; around that means near or on all side of; all over means in all parts of; throughout that means in all parts of.For example: (1) she walks to the school every day. (2)Her mother is staying at 87 Elm Street. (3)Mrs. Dona is staying at big hotel in Bengkulu (4) the book is in the bag. (5)They walk into the room.

3.      Preposition of direction and motion

Consist of across and around.Across means from one side to the other side.Around means in circular motion. Besides this meaning, it also conveys the idea of indefinite motion, or motion in various directions. For example: (1) do not go across the street in the middle of the block. (2) We walked around the town looking for all the sights.

4.      Preposition of manner, agent, or instrument

Consist of by, in and with. By, with its following noun, expresses the agent, that is the person or thing that performs an action. It is most often used with the passive voice; in and with that express manner, or material used. For example: (1) this collage was established by the state in 1872. (2) He spoke more in sorrow than in anger. (3) He looked at his Bank balance with satisfaction.