Have you ever encountered a sentence that just didn’t sound right, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on why? Chances are, it was due to the use of disguised prepositions. Disguised prepositions are tricky little words that often masquerade as verbs, adjectives, or adverbs, making them difficult to identify. However, once you understand their definitions, rules, and examples, you’ll be able to use them more effectively in your writing.
What are Disguised Prepositions?
Disguised prepositions are prepositions that are used as other parts of speech, often verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. They are called disguised because they are not easily identifiable as prepositions, and can be mistaken for other words in a sentence. Some common disguised prepositions include “about,” “at,” “by,” “for,” “from,” “in,” “of,” “on,” “to,” and “with.”
Rules for Using Disguised Prepositions
- Always use a preposition after a verb that requires one.
- Avoid using prepositions at the end of sentences, unless it’s necessary for clarity.
- Use the correct preposition for the specific context, as some prepositions can have multiple meanings.
- Use prepositions to create phrasal verbs, which can add depth and nuance to your writing.
Common Examples of Disguised Prepositions
- “She walked over to the store.” In this sentence, “over” is a disguised preposition because it is used as an adverb to modify the verb “walked.” The sentence could also be written as “She walked to the store,” but using “over” adds more detail to the action.
- “He is from France.” In this sentence, “from” is a disguised preposition because it is used as an adjective to describe the subject “he.” The sentence could also be written as “He is French,” but using “from” adds more specificity to the subject’s nationality.
- “The book is on the shelf.” In this sentence, “on” is a disguised preposition because it is used as an adjective to describe the location of the book. The sentence could also be written as “The book is on top of the shelf,” but using “on” is more concise.
List of common disguised prepositions:
- About
- Above
- Across
- After
- Against
- Along
- Among
- Around
- As
- At
- Before
- Behind
- Below
- Beneath
- Beside
- Between
- Beyond
- By
- Concerning
- Despite
- During
- Except
- For
- From
- In
- Inside
- Into
- Like
- Near
- Of
- Off
- On
- Onto
- Out
- Outside
- Over
- Past
- Regarding
- Round
- Since
- Through
- Throughout
- To
- Toward
- Under
- Underneath
- Until
- Up
- Upon
- With
Frequently Asked Questions about Disguised Prepositions
- Q: How do I know if a word is a disguised preposition? A: Look for words that are often used as prepositions, but are not being used to show a relationship between two nouns. Instead, they may be modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb.
- Q: Is it okay to end a sentence with a preposition? A: It’s generally better to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition, but sometimes it’s necessary for clarity. In these cases, it’s acceptable to do so.
- Q: Can I use prepositions to start a sentence? A: It’s not considered good grammar to start a sentence with a preposition, but sometimes it can’t be avoided. In these cases, try to rephrase the sentence to avoid starting with a preposition.
Conclusion
Disguised prepositions can be confusing, but with an understanding of their definitions, rules, and examples, you can use them effectively in your writing. Remember to use the correct preposition for the specific context, and to avoid using prepositions at the end of sentences unless it’s necessary for clarity. Using prepositions to create phrasal verbs can add depth and nuance to your writing, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. By mastering the art of disguised prepositions, you’ll be able to write more concisely and expressively, making your writing more engaging and effective. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how it can elevate your writing to the next level!