Prepositional Errors

Double Prepositions The Double Preposition is sometimes correct and sometime incorrect. CORRECT: He stepped out of the car. He walked up to the stage. He came over to the house. Incorrect: Mother was looking out of the window. I shall be there at about ten o’clock. I put the boat up under the dock.

To Blame someone WRONG: Correct: Wrong: He blamed the accident on Max. He blamed Max for the accident. Wrong: Please don’t blame it on Jamie. Please don’t blame Jamie.

Differ from-Differ with Differ “from” means to be dissimilar. Ex: This book differs from that one. Differ “with” means to disagree with someone. Ex: Mr. Myers differs with Jake about the topic.

Different from-Different than This car is different than that car. This sentence is worded to show difference between two objects. How would we change this?

Different from-Different than This car is different than that car. Since “than” is a conjunction the sentence would technically read This car is different than that car is different. The correct answer would be: This car is different from that car.

Unnecessary use-of The preposition “of” is often incorrectly used with verbs. Listed below are some common instances of this error. Wrong: Keep off of the grass. Father was gazing out of the window. The car was alongside of the garage.

Could, Should, Must-Have Wrong: I could of had three more helpers. I should of left the lights on. I must of lost my wallet. Correct: I could have had three more helpers. I should have left the lights on. I must have lost my wallet.

Up-Separating from the verb Up-Separating from the verb. (This one can be tricky because it sounds correct) “If the preposition ‘up’ is used with a verb, it should be needlessly separated from the verb. Wrong: The highwayman held the roofer up. Correct: The highwayman held up the roofer. Wrong: The mechanic tuned the motor up. Correct: The mechanic tuned up the motor.

With, at and to One becomes angry with persons, but at situations. Wrong: I was angry at my brother. Correct: I was angry with my brother. Wrong: I was angry with the results. Correct: I was angry at the results. NOTE: To compare “to” or compare “with” are both acceptable.

To or at You would point to something abstract You would point at something concrete. Wrong: I pointed to the man in left field. Correct: I pointed at the man in left field. Wrong: He wanted to point at the future for inspiration. Correct: He wanted to point to the future for inspiration.

Involved with or in? Jerry is involved in a new course of study. In general, you are involved in a process and involved with another person.   Jerry is involved in a new course of study. Jerry is involved with his coworker. (indicates a love affair) The new mother is involved in a different kind of hobby. The new mother is involved with her aging parents. The cat was involved in chasing a mouse when I left this morning. The businessman is involved in the fraud case.