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
- For, from
- Since, during
- Under, below
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.
Understanding correct use of confusing prepositions
1. “Between” and “among” Prepositions:
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.
2. “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.
3. “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.
4. Prepositions “with” and “by”
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.
5. “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.
6. “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.
7. “For” and “From” prepositions
For: duration of time
The preposition ‘for’ is used to indicate a duration of time. It is often followed by a specific period, such as minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years.
Example of “for” preposition :
I have been studying for two hours.
She has lived in London for five years.
I will be on vacation for two weeks.
It is raining for two hours.
From: starting point of a period of time
The preposition ‘from’ is used to indicate the starting point of a period of time. It is often followed by a specific time or date.
Examples of “from” preposition
The meeting will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM.
We will be on vacation from July 1st to July 15th.
The meeting will take place from 2 PM to 5 PM.
Office Windows are open from 9 am to 5 pm.
8. “Since” and “During” prepositions
Since: starting point of a period that is still continue
The preposition ‘since’ is used to indicate the starting point of a period of time that continues until the present moment. It is often followed by a specific time or date.
Examples of “Since” preposition
I have known him since 2010.
Boys have been playing here since morning.
He has been studying English since he was a child.
He is studying since morning.
I have been studying since morning.
She has been living in Paris since 2015.
During: specific period of time
The preposition ‘during’ is used to indicate when something happens within a specific period of time. It is often followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Examples of during preposition
I saw her during the concert.
He fell asleep during the movie.
She sleeps during movie.
We had a great time during the summer.
9. “Under” and “below” prepositions:
Under: “Under” typically refers to a position that is physically beneath or covered by something else.
When referring to an object that is physically covered (physical position) or beneath another object, use ‘under.’ For example:
The book is under the table.
The cat is hiding under the bed.
Also “under”is used to show the control over other thing.
For example:
Team is working under the leadership of Rohit.
Here are some examples of preposition “Under”:
Gary tries to get his weight under control.
Doctors should treat every patient in emergency prescribed under new law.
You need to learn how to play under pressure.
The child is hiding under the blanket.
Below: On the other hand, ‘below’ is used to describe the position that is lower or less elevated object. When comparing the position of two objects, use ‘below’ to indicate a lower or less elevated position.
For example:
The temperature is below freezing.
The plane is flying below the clouds.
When describing an object’s position in relation( relative position) to the surface level, use ‘below.’
For example:
The fish are swimming below the water’s surface.
The treasure is buried below the ground.
Here are some examples of preposition “below”:
People blow poverty line have equal right on state resources.
This movie was below average
The temperature dropped below freezing last night.
The airplane flew below the radar.
The sun set below the horizon.
The performance of team in the world Cup is below average. (Less than expected)
Today, temperature is below normal.
10. “In”, “on”, “at” prepositions:
I have already posted a separate blog on in, at and on prepositions. Please go through the link given beside for more details. Mastering in on at prepositions
This is not all about but some how knowledge about confusing prepositions we often use in our day to day English conversation. Hope, this will help you.
Describing functions of Preposition