303.Have you noticed that all of these phrases, which we have been studying and using as adjectives and adverbs, begin with a littlewordlikeof,with,from,in,atorby, which connects the phrase with the word it modifies? We could scarcely express our meaning without these little words. They are connecting words and fill an important function. These words usually come first in the phrase. For this reason, they are calledprepositions, which meansto place before.
Let us see what a useful place these little words fill in our language.Suppose we were watching the play of some boys outside our windows and were reporting their hiding place. We might say:
These sentences are all alike except the prepositionsin,among,under,behindandbeyond. If you read the sentences and leave out these prepositions entirely, you will see that nobody could possibly tell what connection thebusheshad with the rest of the sentence. The prepositions are necessary to express the relation of the wordbushesto the rest of the sentence.
But this is not all. You can readily see that the use of a different preposition changes the meaning of the sentence. It means quite a different thing to say,The boys are hiding in the bushes, and to say,The boys are hiding beyond the bushes. So the preposition has a great deal to do with the true expression of our ideas.
The nounbushesis used as the object of the preposition, and the preposition shows the relation of its object to the word which it modifies. You remember that nouns have the same form whether they are used as subject or as object, but if you are using a pronoun after a preposition, always use the object form of the pronoun. For example:
In these sentences the pronouns,him,them, andherare used as objects of the prepositionsfrom,toandfor. So we have used the object forms of these pronouns.
304. The noun or pronoun that follows the preposition, and is used with it to make a phrase, is the object of the preposition. The preposition is used to show the relation that exists between its object and the word the object modifies. In the sentence above,The boys are hiding in the bushes, the prepositioninshows the relationship between the verb phrase,are hidingand the object of the preposition,bushes.
The noun or pronoun which is the object of a preposition may also have its modifiers. In the sentences used about the nounbush, which is the object of the prepositions used, is modified by the adjectivethe. Other modifiers might also be added, as for example:
The entire phrase,in the tall, thick bushes, is made up of the prepositionin, its objectbushesand the modifiers of bushes,the,tallandthick.
305. The preposition, with its object and the modifiers of the object, forms a phrase which we call aprepositional phrase. These prepositional phrases may be used either as adjectives or as adverbs, so we have our definitions:
A preposition is a word that shows the relation of its object to some other word.
A phrase is a group of words used as a single word.
A prepositional phrase is a phrase composed of a preposition and its object and modifiers.
An adjective phrase is a prepositional phrase used as an adjective.
An adverb phrase is a prepositional phrase used as an adverb.
306.Here is a list of the most common and most important prepositions. Use each one in a sentence:
307.Many of the words that are used as prepositions are used also as adverbs. It may be a little confusing to tell whether the word is an adverb or a preposition, but if you will remember this simple rule you will have no trouble:
A preposition is always followed by either a noun or a pronoun as its object, while an adverb never has an object.
So when you find a word, that can be used either as a preposition or an adverb, used alone in a sentence without an object, it is an adverb; but if it is followed by an object, then it is a preposition. This brings again to our minds the fundamental rule which we have laid down, that every word is classified according to the work which it does in a sentence. The work of a preposition is to show the relation between its object and the word which that object modifies. So whenever a word is used in this way it is a preposition. For example:He went about his business.
Here,aboutis a preposition andbusinessis its object. But in the sentence,He is able to be about,aboutis used as an adverb. It has no object.
He sailed before the mast.Here,beforeis a preposition introducing the phrasebefore the mast, which modifies the verbsailed. But in the sentence,I told you that before,beforeis an adverb modifying the verbtold.
By applying this rule you can always readily determine whether the word in question is an adverb or a preposition.
Tell whether the words printed in italics in the following sentences, are prepositions or adverbs and the reason why:
308.Sometimes we have a preposition made up of several words which we have used so commonly together that they are used as a single word and we call the entire phrase a preposition. As, for example:According to—on account of—by means of, etc.
Mark the prepositions in the following quotation. In the first three paragraphs the prepositional phrases are printed in italics. Determine whether they are used as adjective phrases or as adverb phrases. Underscore the prepositional phrases in the remainder of the quotation and determine which word is used as the object of the preposition.
THE SUNLIGHT LAY ACROSS MY BEDIn the darkone night I layupon my bed. Andin the darkI dreamed a dream. I dreamed God took my soulto Hell.And we came where hell openedinto a plain, and a great house stood there. Marble pillars upheld the roof, and white marble steps led upto it. The windof heavenblewthrough it. Onlyat the backhung a thick curtain. Fair men and women there feastedat long tables. They danced, and I saw the robesof womenflutterin the airand heard the laughof strong men. They feastedwith wine; they drew itfrom large jarswhich stood somewhatin the background, and I saw the wine sparkle as they drew it.And I saidto God, "I should like to go up and drink." And God said,"Wait." And I saw men cominginto the banquet house; they came infrom The backand lifted the cornerof the curtainat the sidesand crept inquickly; and they let the curtain fallbehind them; they bore great jars they could hardly carry. And the men and women crowdedround them, and the newcomers opened their jars and gave themof the wineto drink; and I saw that the women drank even more greedily than the men. And when others had well drunken they set the jarsamong the old onesbeside the wall, and took their placesat the table. And I saw that someof the jarswere very old and mildewed and dusty, but others had still dropsof new muston themand shonefrom the furnace.And I said to God, "What is that?" For amid the sounds of the singing, and over the dancing of feet, and over the laughing across the winecups, I heard a cry.And God said, "Stand away off."And He took me where I saw both sides of the curtain. Behind the house was a wine-press where the wine was made. I saw the grapes crushed, and I heard them cry. I said, "Do not they on the other side hear it?"God said, "The curtain is thick; they are feasting."And I said, "But the men who came in last. They saw?"God said, "They let the curtain fall behind them—and they forgot!"I said, "How came they by their jars of wine?"God said, "In the treading of the press these are they who came to the top; they have climbed out over the edge and filled their jars from below; and have gone into the house."And I said, "And if they had fallen as they climbed—?"God said, "They had been wine."I stood away off watching in the sunshine, and I shivered.And after a while I looked, and I saw the curtain that hung behind the house moving.I said to God, "Is it a wind?"God said, "A wind."And it seemed to me that against the curtain I saw pressed the forms of men and women. And after a while, the feasters saw it move, and they whispered one to another. Then some rose and gathered the most worn-out cups, and into them they put what was left at the bottom of other vessels. Mothers whispered to their children, "Do not drink all, save a little drop when you have drunk." And when they had collected all the dregs they slipped the cups out under the bottom of the curtain without lifting it. After a while the curtain left off moving.I said to God, "How is it so quiet?"He said, "They have gone away to drink it."I said, "They drink it—their own!"God said, "It comes from this side of the curtain, and they are very thirsty."And still the feast went on.Men and women sat at the tables quaffing great bowls. Some rose, and threw their arms about each other and danced and sang. They pledged each other in the wine, and kissed each other's blood-red lips.Men drank till they could drink no longer, and laid their heads upon the table, sleeping heavily. Women who could dance no more leaned back on the benches with their heads against their lovers' shoulders. Little children, sick with wine, lay down upon the edge of their mothers' robes.I said, "I cannot see more, I am afraid of Hell. When I see men dancing I hear the time beaten in with sobs; and their wine is living! Oh, I cannot bear Hell!"God said, "Where will you go?"I said, "To the earth from which I came; it was better there."And God laughed at me; and I wondered why He laughed.—Olive Schreiner.
THE SUNLIGHT LAY ACROSS MY BED
In the darkone night I layupon my bed. Andin the darkI dreamed a dream. I dreamed God took my soulto Hell.
And we came where hell openedinto a plain, and a great house stood there. Marble pillars upheld the roof, and white marble steps led upto it. The windof heavenblewthrough it. Onlyat the backhung a thick curtain. Fair men and women there feastedat long tables. They danced, and I saw the robesof womenflutterin the airand heard the laughof strong men. They feastedwith wine; they drew itfrom large jarswhich stood somewhatin the background, and I saw the wine sparkle as they drew it.
And I saidto God, "I should like to go up and drink." And God said,"Wait." And I saw men cominginto the banquet house; they came infrom The backand lifted the cornerof the curtainat the sidesand crept inquickly; and they let the curtain fallbehind them; they bore great jars they could hardly carry. And the men and women crowdedround them, and the newcomers opened their jars and gave themof the wineto drink; and I saw that the women drank even more greedily than the men. And when others had well drunken they set the jarsamong the old onesbeside the wall, and took their placesat the table. And I saw that someof the jarswere very old and mildewed and dusty, but others had still dropsof new muston themand shonefrom the furnace.
And I said to God, "What is that?" For amid the sounds of the singing, and over the dancing of feet, and over the laughing across the winecups, I heard a cry.
And God said, "Stand away off."
And He took me where I saw both sides of the curtain. Behind the house was a wine-press where the wine was made. I saw the grapes crushed, and I heard them cry. I said, "Do not they on the other side hear it?"
God said, "The curtain is thick; they are feasting."
And I said, "But the men who came in last. They saw?"
God said, "They let the curtain fall behind them—and they forgot!"
I said, "How came they by their jars of wine?"
God said, "In the treading of the press these are they who came to the top; they have climbed out over the edge and filled their jars from below; and have gone into the house."
And I said, "And if they had fallen as they climbed—?"
God said, "They had been wine."
I stood away off watching in the sunshine, and I shivered.
And after a while I looked, and I saw the curtain that hung behind the house moving.
I said to God, "Is it a wind?"
God said, "A wind."
And it seemed to me that against the curtain I saw pressed the forms of men and women. And after a while, the feasters saw it move, and they whispered one to another. Then some rose and gathered the most worn-out cups, and into them they put what was left at the bottom of other vessels. Mothers whispered to their children, "Do not drink all, save a little drop when you have drunk." And when they had collected all the dregs they slipped the cups out under the bottom of the curtain without lifting it. After a while the curtain left off moving.
I said to God, "How is it so quiet?"
He said, "They have gone away to drink it."
I said, "They drink it—their own!"
God said, "It comes from this side of the curtain, and they are very thirsty."
And still the feast went on.
Men and women sat at the tables quaffing great bowls. Some rose, and threw their arms about each other and danced and sang. They pledged each other in the wine, and kissed each other's blood-red lips.
Men drank till they could drink no longer, and laid their heads upon the table, sleeping heavily. Women who could dance no more leaned back on the benches with their heads against their lovers' shoulders. Little children, sick with wine, lay down upon the edge of their mothers' robes.
I said, "I cannot see more, I am afraid of Hell. When I see men dancing I hear the time beaten in with sobs; and their wine is living! Oh, I cannot bear Hell!"
God said, "Where will you go?"
I said, "To the earth from which I came; it was better there."
And God laughed at me; and I wondered why He laughed.—Olive Schreiner.
There are a number of words that are ordinarily followed by a preposition with its phrase. We make a great many mistakes in the use of the proper preposition with these words. Our spelling lesson this week covers a number of these words with examples illustrating the appropriate preposition to be used with each word. Learn to spell these words, look up their meaning in the dictionary and use each word with its proper preposition in sentences of your own construction.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
It is easy to sit in the sunshineAnd talk to the man in the shade;It is easy to float in a well-trimmed boat,And point out the places to wade.But once we pass into the shadowsWe murmur and fret and frown;At our length from the bank, we shout for a plank,Or throw up our hands and go down.It is easy to sit in a carriageAnd counsel the man on foot;But get down and walk and you'll change your talk,Asyou feel the peg in your boot.It is easy to tell the toilerHowbest he can carry his pack;But not one can rate a burden's weightUntilit has been on his back.The up-curled mouth of pleasureCan preach of sorrow's worth;But give it a sip, and a wryer lip,Was never made on earth.—Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
It is easy to sit in the sunshineAnd talk to the man in the shade;It is easy to float in a well-trimmed boat,And point out the places to wade.
It is easy to sit in the sunshine
And talk to the man in the shade;
It is easy to float in a well-trimmed boat,
And point out the places to wade.
But once we pass into the shadowsWe murmur and fret and frown;At our length from the bank, we shout for a plank,Or throw up our hands and go down.
But once we pass into the shadows
We murmur and fret and frown;
At our length from the bank, we shout for a plank,
Or throw up our hands and go down.
It is easy to sit in a carriageAnd counsel the man on foot;But get down and walk and you'll change your talk,Asyou feel the peg in your boot.
It is easy to sit in a carriage
And counsel the man on foot;
But get down and walk and you'll change your talk,
Asyou feel the peg in your boot.
It is easy to tell the toilerHowbest he can carry his pack;But not one can rate a burden's weightUntilit has been on his back.
It is easy to tell the toiler
Howbest he can carry his pack;
But not one can rate a burden's weight
Untilit has been on his back.
The up-curled mouth of pleasureCan preach of sorrow's worth;But give it a sip, and a wryer lip,Was never made on earth.
The up-curled mouth of pleasure
Can preach of sorrow's worth;
But give it a sip, and a wryer lip,
Was never made on earth.
Dear Comrade:
In this lesson we are completing our study of the preposition. The preposition is one of the last parts of speech which we take up for study and it is also one of the last parts of speech to be added to our vocabulary. The child does not use the preposition when it first begins to talk. It uses the names of things; words of action; words that describe objects and actions. It does not begin to use prepositions until it begins to relate ideas.
The relation of ideas means that we are thinking; combining ideas into thoughts. Then we begin to need prepositions, which are words of relation, connecting words, expressing the relationship between ideas. The measure of the fullness and richness of our lives is the measure of our understanding of the world about us, of the relationship existing between the different phases of that world and of our relationship to it all.
So words do not mean much to us until we can relate them to our own lives and our own experiences. When you look up a word in the dictionary, do not study the word alone; study also the thing for which it stands. A person with a good memory might acquire a vocabulary by sheer feat of memory; but what good would it do unless each word could be related to practical experience? It is only in this way that words becomealiveto us. We must have an idea, a concept and knowledge of the thing for which the word stands.
So let us use our dictionary in this way. Do not be satisfied when you have looked up a word simply to know how to spell and pronounce the word and understand somewhat of its meaning. Do not be satisfied until it has become a live word to you. Have a clear image and understanding of just what each word stands for. Use the words in sentences of your own. Use them in your conversation. Make them a part of your every-day life.
Do not pass over any of the words in the lesson without understanding their meaning. Study the poemAbou Ben Adhemin this week's lesson. After you have read it over a number of times, close the book and rewrite the poem in prose in your own language. Then compare your version with the poem. Note where you have used different expressions and decide which is the better, the words used in the poem or your own words. Rewrite it several times until you have a well-written version of this poem.
Exercises such as this will increase your vocabulary and quickly develop the power of expression. No power can come in any department of life without effort having been expended in its acquisition. Our great writers have been careful students. Robert Louis Stevenson says that he has often spent a half a day searching for the particular word which he needed to express precisely the idea in mind. Stevenson is a master of the English and this power came to him by this sort of studious and earnest work.
Yours for Education,
THE PEOPLE'S COLLEGE.
309.Things are not always to be judged by their size. Sometimes the most important things are very small and unimportant in appearance. A great machine is before you. You see its giant wheels, its huge levers. These may seem to be the most important parts of the machine, but here and there throughout this great machine are little screws and bolts. These bind the giant parts together. Without these connecting links, the great wheels and levers and revolving belts could not work together. Let a little bolt slip out of its place in the mechanism, and the great wheels stop, the throbbing machinery comes to a standstill. No work is possible until this little bolt has been replaced.
So in our sentence building, theprepositionis the bolt that joins words together. The importance of the preposition in a language increases just in proportion as the nation learns to think more exactly and express itself more accurately.
We found in our last lesson that by changing a preposition we can change the entire meaning of the sentence. A man's life may depend upon the use of a certain preposition. You may swear his life away by bearing testimony to the fact whether you saw himwithinthe house, orwithoutthe house; orbeforedark, orafterdark.
310.The preposition is an important word in the sentence. We can use it to serve our purpose in various ways. We have found, for instance, that we can use it:
First, to change an adjective into an adjective phrase. As, for example:
Second, to change an adverb into an adverb phrase. As, for example:
Third, to express a meaning which we can express in no other way; as, for example,They are fighting for their country. There is no single word which we can use to express the meaning which we express in the phrase,for their country.
311.So the preposition has given us a new means of expression,the prepositional phrase. We can, by its help, use a phrase in place of an adjective to modify a noun or a pronoun, and in place of an adverb to modify a verb or an adjective. And we can also use the prepositional phrase to express relationship which we cannot express by a single adjective or adverb.
If I want to tell you that I see a bird in yonder tree, such an expression would be impossible without that little prepositionin. By the use of various prepositions, I can express to you the relationship between the bird and the tree. I can tell you whether it isunderthe tree, orinthe tree, oroverthe tree, or flyingaroundthe tree, ornearthe tree. By the use of the various prepositions, I can express accurately the relationship that exists between thebirdand thetree.
Look up the list of prepositions in Section 306, on page 184. Use the following pairs of words in sentences and use as many different prepositions as you can to express the different relationships which may beexpressedbetween these words. For example, take the two words,manandhouse. You may say:
312.The preposition shows the relation between two words. In this way it enables us to use a noun or a pronoun as a modifying word. For example, in the sentence given above,I see the bird in the tree, the prepositioninshows the relationship betweenbirdandtree, and makes oftreea modifying word. It expresses a different meaning than if we used the wordtreeas an adjective. For we do not mean that we see a tree bird, but a bird in a tree. So with the help of the prepositionin, we have usedtreeas a modifying word.
But the prepositioninalso governs the form of the word that follows it. Since nouns have the same form whether they are used as subject or object, this does not mean any change in the form of the nouns. But pronouns have different forms for the subject and object, so when we use a pronoun with a preposition, we must use the object form. There are seven object forms of the personal pronouns, and after a preposition, always use one of these object forms.
313.Be careful to always use the object form of the pronoun following a preposition. Observe this also in the use of the relative and interrogative pronoun "who." The object form is "whom." For example:
314.The preposition generally precedes its object. This is the reason it was given its name,preposition, meaningto place before. Sometimes, however, the preposition is separated from its object. This is often true when it is used with an interrogative or relative pronoun. With these pronouns, the preposition is often thrown to the end of the sentence. For example:
The sentence,To whom shall I give this letter, is grammatically correct; but in ordinary usage we use the form,Who shall I give this letter to?
While the rule calls for the object form of the relative pronoun after a preposition—so that the use ofto whomis grammatically correct—in common usage we use the subject form of the pronoun when it is used so far away from the preposition which governs it. So we find this use common. For example, instead of saying,For whom is this letter?we say,Who is this letter for?
315.In poetry also, we often find the object coming before the preposition. For example:
"The interlacing boughs betweenShadows dark and sunlight sheen,Alternate, come and go."
"The interlacing boughs between
Shadows dark and sunlight sheen,
Alternate, come and go."
Boughsis here the object of the prepositionbetween, but in this poetic expression the object is placed before the preposition. Note also in the following:
"The unseen mermaid's pearly song,Comes bubbling up the weedsamong.""Forever panting and forever young,All breathing human passion farbeyond."
"The unseen mermaid's pearly song,Comes bubbling up the weedsamong."
"The unseen mermaid's pearly song,
Comes bubbling up the weedsamong."
"Forever panting and forever young,All breathing human passion farbeyond."
"Forever panting and forever young,
All breathing human passion farbeyond."
316.After an interrogative adjective, the preposition is also often thrown to the end of the sentence. As, for example:
With these few exceptions, however, the preposition usually precedes its object, as:
317.Review Lesson 4, in which we studied the possessive use of nouns. You will recall that we make the possessive form of the nouns by the use of the apostrophe ands. But instead of using the possessive forms of the name of inanimate things; that is, things without life, we generally denote possession by the use of a phrase. Thus we would say,The arm of the chair, instead of,The chair's arm; or,The roof of the house, instead of,The house's roof.
318.We also use a possessive phrase when the use of a possessive form would give an awkward construction. As, for example:Jesus' sayings. So many hissing sounds are not pleasant to the ear and so, we say instead,The sayings of Jesus.
319.We use a phrase also where both nouns are in the plural form. In many words, there is no difference in the sound between a single noun in the possessive form and a plural noun in the possessive form. We can readily tell the meaning when it is written, because the place of the apostrophe indicates the meaning, but when it is spoken the sound is exactly the same. As, for example:
Written out in this way, you know that in the first instance I am speaking of the hats belonging to one lady, but in the second instance of the hats belonging to two or more ladies. But when it is spoken, you can not tell whether I mean one lady or a number of ladies. So we use a phrase and say,The hats of the lady; or,The hats of the ladies. Then the meaning is entirely clear.
320.Sometimes we want to use two possessives together, and in this case it is better to change one of them into a phrase; for example,This is my comrade's father's book. This is an awkward construction. Say instead,This is the book belonging to my comrade's father.
321.Do not overlook the fact, however, that the phrase beginning withofdoes not always mean possession. Consider the following examples and see if there is not a difference in meaning:
In the first instance, I mean the history of Wilson's life is interesting; in the second instance I mean the history belongs to or written by Wilson is interesting. So there is quite a difference in the meaning. The phraseof Wilsonused in the first example does not indicate possession.
Note the difference in meaning between the following sentences:
Would you say:
322.Prepositions are usually very small and seemingly unimportant words, yet we make a great many mistakes in their use. It is these little mistakes that are most difficult to avoid.
Notice carefully in your own speech this week, and in the conversation which you overhear, the use of the prepositions. Notice especially the following cautions:
1. Do not use prepositions needlessly.We often throw a preposition in at the close of a sentence which we have already used in the sentence, and which we should not use again. The little prepositionatis most frequently used in this way. See how many times this week you hear people use such phrases as:
The lastatis entirely unnecessary. It has already been used once and that is enough. We also useatandtoat the close of sentences beginning with an interrogative adverb, where they are not necessary. For example, we say:
The correct form of these sentences is:
Do not useatandtoin this way, they are entirely superfluous and give a most disagreeable sound to the sentence. Do not close a sentence with a preposition in this way.
2. Do not omit the preposition where it properly belongs.For example, we often say:
We should say,The idea is of no use to me.
We should say,I was at homeyesterday.
3. Do not use the prepositionofwith a verb that requires an object.The noun cannot be the object of both the verb and the preposition. As, for example:
Rememberandapproveare both incomplete verbs requiring an object, and the nounsseeingandactionare the objects of the incomplete verbsrememberandapprove. The prepositionofis entirely superfluous. The sentences should read:
Other verbs with which we commonly use the prepositionofin this way are the verbsacceptandrecollect. As, for example:
These sentences should read:
323.We make a great many mistakes also in the choice of prepositions. For example, the prepositionbetweenrefers to two objects and should never be used when you are speaking of more than two, thus:
This is correct, but it is incorrect to say:
We cannot settle a quarrel between adozenpeople. When there are more than two, use the wordamong. We can perhaps attempt to settle a quarrelamonga dozen people.Betweenrefers to two objects,amongrefers to more than two. For example:
324.Do not confuse the use ofinandinto. When entrance is denoted useinto. As, for example:
Often the use ofinwill give an entirely different meaning to the sentence. For example:
325.Do not usebelowandunderto meanlessorfewerin regard to an amount or number.Belowandunderhave reference to place only. It is correct to say:
But it is incorrect to say:
Say instead:
326.Do not misuseoverandabove. These prepositions have reference only toplace. They are incorrectly used to meanmore thanorgreater than.
It is correct to say:
It is incorrect to say:
These sentences should be:
327.In our first lesson on prepositions, we had a list of verbs and the correct preposition to use with these verbs. There are a few words which we use very commonly in which the meaning is slightly different according to the preposition which we use in connection with the verb. Foreigners especially who are learning the English language have great difficulty with the prepositions. Here are a few of these common words:
Adapt.Withadaptwe can use either the prepositiontoorfor. For example; we adapt ourselvestocircumstances, that is, we accommodate or conform ourselves; but a thing can be adaptedfora certain purpose.
Agree.We can use the prepositionswithandtowith the verbagree, but with different meanings. For example, we say, We agreewithyou about a certain matter; and, We agreetothe proposal which you make.
Ask.We ask a favorofa person. We ask a friendfora favor. We askaboutsome one or thing that we wish to hear about.
Charge.There are several prepositions we can use with the verbcharge. Your grocer charges youforthe things that you buy. If you run an account you are chargedwitha certain amount. These things are chargedtoyou; but in war the enemy chargesuponyou.
Compare.One thing is comparedwithanother in quality, but it is comparedtoanother when we are using the comparison for an illustration.
Complain.We make complainttothe managerofthe things we do not like.
Comply.We complywiththe request of another, but he does a thingincompliancewiththat request. Do not use the prepositiontowith compliance.
Correspond.With correspond, we use either the prepositionwithorto. For example, I may correspondwithyou, meaning that I communicate with you by letter, but one thing correspondstoanother, meaning that it is like the other.
Disgust.We are disgustedwithour friends sometimesatthe things which they do. We are disgustedwithpeople andatthings.
Reconcile.With reconcile, we use either the prepositionwithorto. For example, I may become reconciledwithyou; that is, I am restored to friendship or favor after an estrangement. But we reconcile one thingtoanother; that is, we harmonize one thing with another.
Taste.We have a tasteformusic, art or literature, but we enjoy the tasteofgood things to eat. When taste refers to one of the five senses, use the prepositionof, but when you use it to mean intellectual relish or enjoyment, use the prepositionfor.
Mark all of the prepositional phrases in the following poem:
THE ANGEL OF DISCONTENTWhen the world was formed and the morning starsUpon their paths were sent,The loftiest-browed of the angels was madeThe Angel of Discontent.And he dwelt with man in the caves of the hills,Where the crested serpents sting,And the tiger tears and the she-wolf howls,And he told of better things.And he led them forth to the towered town,And forth to the fields of corn,And told of the ampler work ahead,For which his race was born.And he whispers to men of those hills he seesIn the blush of the misty west;And they look to the heights of his lifted eye—And they hate the name of rest.In the light of that eye does the slave beholdA hope that is high and brave;And the madness of war comes into his blood—For he knows himself a slave.The serfs of wrong by the light of that eyeMarch with victorious songs;For the strength of the right comes into their heartsWhen they behold their wrongs.'Tis by the light of that lifted eyeThat error's mists are rent;A guide to the table-lands of TruthIs the Angel of Discontent.And still he looks with his lifted eye,And his glance is far away,On a light that shines on the glimmering hillsOf a diviner day.—Sam Walter Foss.
THE ANGEL OF DISCONTENT
When the world was formed and the morning starsUpon their paths were sent,The loftiest-browed of the angels was madeThe Angel of Discontent.
When the world was formed and the morning stars
Upon their paths were sent,
The loftiest-browed of the angels was made
The Angel of Discontent.
And he dwelt with man in the caves of the hills,Where the crested serpents sting,And the tiger tears and the she-wolf howls,And he told of better things.
And he dwelt with man in the caves of the hills,
Where the crested serpents sting,
And the tiger tears and the she-wolf howls,
And he told of better things.
And he led them forth to the towered town,And forth to the fields of corn,And told of the ampler work ahead,For which his race was born.
And he led them forth to the towered town,
And forth to the fields of corn,
And told of the ampler work ahead,
For which his race was born.
And he whispers to men of those hills he seesIn the blush of the misty west;And they look to the heights of his lifted eye—And they hate the name of rest.
And he whispers to men of those hills he sees
In the blush of the misty west;
And they look to the heights of his lifted eye—
And they hate the name of rest.
In the light of that eye does the slave beholdA hope that is high and brave;And the madness of war comes into his blood—For he knows himself a slave.
In the light of that eye does the slave behold
A hope that is high and brave;
And the madness of war comes into his blood—
For he knows himself a slave.
The serfs of wrong by the light of that eyeMarch with victorious songs;For the strength of the right comes into their heartsWhen they behold their wrongs.
The serfs of wrong by the light of that eye
March with victorious songs;
For the strength of the right comes into their hearts
When they behold their wrongs.
'Tis by the light of that lifted eyeThat error's mists are rent;A guide to the table-lands of TruthIs the Angel of Discontent.
'Tis by the light of that lifted eye
That error's mists are rent;
A guide to the table-lands of Truth
Is the Angel of Discontent.
And still he looks with his lifted eye,And his glance is far away,On a light that shines on the glimmering hillsOf a diviner day.
And still he looks with his lifted eye,
And his glance is far away,
On a light that shines on the glimmering hills
Of a diviner day.
Mark all of the prepositions in the following poem. Write the entire phrases and mark the word which is the object of the preposition. For example, in the phrase in the second line;from a rich dream,dreamis the object of the prepositionfrom; andaandrichmodify the noundream.