(Illustrated 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 prepostions, see Quirks of English.