Some common expressions are used without prepositions.
Verbs without prepositions
Some verbs are normally followed by direct objects without prepositions. Examples are: enter, discuss, marry, lack, resemble, approach etc.
- We entered the compound. (NOT We entered into the compound.)
- Let’s discuss your plans. (NOT Let’s discuss about your plans.)
- She lacks tact. (NOT She lacks in tact.)
- The baby resembles its mother. (NOT The baby resembles to its mother.)
Expressions of time
A number of expressions of time beginning next, last, this, that, one, every, each, some and any are used without prepositions.
- See you next Sunday. (NOT See you on next Sunday.)
- I will never forget meeting him that evening. (NOT I will never forget meeting him in that evening.)
- Buses leave every ten minutes. (NOT Buses leave in every ten minutes.)
In an informal style, prepositions can be dropped in infinitive structures.
- I have no money to buy food. OR I have no money to buy food with.
- I have no place to go. OR I have no place to go to.
- We need a house to live. OR We need a house to live in.
Prepositions are also dropped before what time.
- What time does the train arrive? (More natural than ‘At what time does the train arrive?’)
