(Text-only version of Word Wizards)
Why did that editor cross out all my of's? Why did Jan change my in to into or my into to in to? There are some rules to follow when you enter the "idiomatic preposition zone."
To illustrate, choose the sentences with the correct prepositions, and try to identify the rules governing their use:
On opening day, many Indians fans were angry at the weather
and with the weather forecaster.
On opening day, many Indians fans were angry with the weather
and at the weather forecaster.
At 12:30 p.m., we arrived at Olmsted township and then
in Cleveland too late to see the first pitch.
At 12:30 p.m., we arrived in Olmsted township and then
at Cleveland too late to see the first pitch.
There were two empty seats besides mine at
Jacobs Field.
There were two empty seats beside mine at
Jacobs Field.
Hint: I was at the game.
Dad and I divided the hot dog and fries between
us and the peanuts among the rest of our friends.
Dad and I divided the hot dog and fries among
us and the peanuts between the rest of our friends.
We went in the stadium just as the first runner
passed home plate.
We went into the stadium just as the first runner
passed home plate.
In the third inning, the manager's opinion differed with
the referee's.
In the third inning, the manager's opinion differed from
the referee's.
The 10- by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel is different than
the 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel.
The 10- by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel is different from
the 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel.
Hint: Follow American usage.
Recently, because of irresponsible behavior, many sports fans
have lost a great deal of respect and confidence for the
players.
Recently, because of irresponsible behavior, many sports fans
have lost a great deal of respect for and confidence in
the players.
For an explanation of troublesome idiomatic prepositions, see Quirks of English.
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