Although prepositions are small words, they are very important ones. In this lesson, we will explain some common mistakes in the use of prepositions.
Incorrect: Although he is clever, he lacks of experience.
Correct: Although he is clever, he lacks experience.
Incorrect: The train is now approaching to Boston.
Correct: The train is now approaching Boston.
Incorrect: We were not allowed to enter into the house.
Correct: We were not allowed to enter the house.
Explanations
The verbs lack, approach and enter are directly followed by objects without prepositions. Other verbs that do not normally take prepositions are: discuss, marry and resemble.
Incorrect: See you on next Friday.
Correct: See you next Friday.
Incorrect: I will never forget meeting her on that afternoon.
Correct: I will never forget meeting her that afternoon.
Explanation
Prepositions are not used before a number of common time expressions beginning next, last, this, one etc.
Incorrect: Of what color are her eyes?
Correct: What color are her eyes?
Incorrect: He is of just the right height to be a good soldier.
Correct: He is just the right height to be a good soldier.
Explanation
Expressions containing words like height, weight, length, size, color, age etc., are usually connected to the subject by the verb be without a preposition.
Incorrect: I am going to home.
Correct: I am going home.
Explanation
We do not use to before home.
Incorrect: To where shall I send it?
Correct: Where shall I send it to?
Explanation
The structures where …to?, what…like? and what…for? have a fixed word order. It is not possible to move the preposition to the beginning of the clause.