DEFINITION:
A word is a preposition when we use it before a noun or pronoun to show position or direction. The preposition performs a double duty. It
1) connects and
2) points out relationship.
That is to say, it joins a substantive (
any word or group of words functioning as a noun), which usually follows it with another
word in the sentence; it indicates what the one has to do with the other.
In the sentence:
They live in a house, the preposition
in joins the noun
house with the verb
live. We know what
They live means, and we know what a house is. The preposition explains what the one has to do with the other. If we remove the preposition, the part of the meaning is lost; the remaining nouns, verbs, and other parts of speech sound jumbled.
1. Candles were lighted early.
2. Candles were lighted
in the evening.
3. Oil
candles were lighted.
4. Candles
of oil were lighted.
The word
in makes the connection between
lighted and
evening, and that the whole phrase
in the evening serves to name the time just as
early does in the first sentence.
Of in the fourth sentence shows the relation between
oil and
candles. ©
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