Words that are used as adverb particles, but not as prepositions

The following words are used only as particles (that is, they do not take an object): away back backward(s) downward(s) forward(s) out [except informally > App 25.31] and upward(s). The children rang the bell and ran away

BAA Words that can be used as prepositions or conjunctions

Some words can be used as prepositions (when followed by an object) or as conjunctions (when followed by a clause): e.g. after as before since, till until [> 1.44-53]:

/ haven t seen him since this morning (preposition)

/ haven t seen him since he left this morning (conjunction)

When used as conjunctions, as well as but, except and than can be followed by a bare infinitive [> 16.1 ]:

/ ve done everything you wanted except (or but) make the beds

Some problems for the learner in the use of prepositions

English uses more prepositions than most other European languages, partly because 'case' [> 1.1] is no longer expressed by noun endings. This may cause problems of choice because:

- many English prepositions have nearly the same meaning: e.g. beside by near next to, or: above on top of over

- a single preposition in the student's mother tongue may do the work of several English prepositions. So, for example, there may be one

8 Prepositions, adverb particles and phrasal verbs

preposition to cover the meanings of by, from, and of, or at, in, on and to, particularly after 'movement verbs' [> 8.7].

- some prepositions (e.g. at) perform different functions. For
example, they express relationships in time (at six o'clock), space
(at the bank) and other relationships as well.

Movement and position