We all know the Importance of prepositions in English grammar vey well. But, there are some groups of confusing prepositions which create dilemma in our mind while using them in sentences. Improper use of preposition may dilute sense of sentence as well as communication. So , understanding of correct use of some confusing prepositions becomes inevitable.
List of some confusing prepositions
- Between, among
- Till, by
- In, within
- With, by
- Since, for
- In, at, on,
- In, into
Similarly, There are many groups of confusing prepositions but we are going to discuss here few of them in academic perspective. So let’s see one by one.
The art of mastering the confusing prepositions
1. Between and among:
Between is used when we are talking about two things or persons. We can also use between for more than two things or persons when we know their exact number.On the contrary, among is used for more than two things or persons.
Useful Examples of between and among in sentences:
- You have to be quick between the wickets.
- Umpires resolved the dispute between two teams.
- Price money will be distributed equally between winning team members.( more than two but known number )
- Differences are created deliberately among various classes of society during the election period.
- Cops identified offenders among passengers.
Now, let’s understand the difference between till and by prepositions.
Till and by prepositions
Till indicates time “not earlier than” whereas by indicates “not later than” prescribed time.
Examples of till and by in sentences
- The procession keep going till 10 O’ clock. (up to 10 O’ clock)
- Our exams will over by this week. (not later this week)
- He will be here by tomorrow.
In and within Prepositions
Both are prepositions of time. In suggest at the end of specific time and within indicates before the end of given time
Examples of In and within in sentences:
- I will pay the premium in this month. (at he end of this month)
- Results will be declared within a week. (anytime before end of the week)
With and by prepositions
Furthermore, with and by are prepositions of different category. With is used for instruments whereas by shows agent or doer of the specific action.
Examples of with and by prepositions:
- Red Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in Delhi.
- He goes office daily by his own car.
- Workers are clearing the snow with spades.
- I always write answers with my favourite pen.
Since and from prepositions
Since and from are prepositions of time. Since indicates point of time , on the other hand, from shows period of time.
Examples of since and from prepositions:
- I am waiting for you since morning.
- Audience is listening him with pin drop silence for two hours .
- We have been in Las Vegas for ten years.
- He is in pain since last night.
Prepositions In, At, On
In, At, and On are prepositions of place as well as time. Here, we see them as of place.
In : Enclosed area as well larger territories like Continents, states,
At : fixed location, town, village, station etc.
On: On specific surface
Examples of prepositions of Place In, At, and On:
- We live in Australia.
- We are waiting for you at the college canteen
- Why did he put my birthday cake on the ground?
- Parrot is in the cage.
in and into prepositions
In: is used for enclosed surfaces , area or volume whereas
Into: shows movement from outside to inside of something
Examples of in and into prepositions:
- He kicked the ball into the goal post.
- Car plunged into the bushes suddenly.
- Jackal ran away into the forest.
- Burglars broken into the bank.
This is all about Correct Use Of Confusing Prepositions in English Language.Prepositions of Time: usages and examples/Prepositions of Place: uses and examples/Mastering in on at prepositions/Types and examples of Prepositions