◊ GRAMMAR
A preposition is a word like `at', `in', `on', or `with' which is normally followed by a noun group, forming a prepositional phrase. The noun group after a preposition is sometimes called the prepositional object.
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Prepositions are often used in phrases which indicate place and time.
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◊ without a following noun group
There are some cases where a preposition is not followed by a noun group. The noun group it relates to comes earlier in the sentence. These cases are:
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• questions and reported questions
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• relative clauses
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See entry at ↑ Relative clauses.
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• passive structures
Amateur theatricals have already been referred to.
See entry at ↑ The Passive.
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• after a complement and `to'-infinitive
The whole thing was just too awful to think about.
See entry at ↑ 'To'-infinitive clauses.
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◊ complex prepositional object
After a preposition, you can sometimes use another prepositional phrase or a `wh'-clause.
I had taken his drinking bowl from beneath the kitchen table.
I threw down my book and walked across the room to where she was sitting.
...the question of who should be President of the Board of Trade.
◊ prepositions and adverbs
Some words that are used as prepositions are also used with a similar meaning as adverbs (that is, without a noun group after them).
I looked underneath the bed, but the box had gone.
Always put a sheet of paper underneath.
The door was opposite the window.
The kitchen was opposite, across a little landing.
The following words can be used as prepositions or adverbs with a similar meaning:
aboard, about, above, across, after, against, along, alongside, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, beyond, by, down, in, in between, inside, near, off, on, on board, opposite, outside, over, past, round, since, through, throughout, under, underneath, up, within
\Useful english dictionary. 2012.