Prepositions

ABOUT I want you to tell me about your work. Can you recommend a good book about life in the sixteenth century? I am thinking about you all the time you are away. You ought to be certain about a matter before you speak of it. I'll see you at about six o'clock. That is all right for you but what about me? What about that money you promised me? I've not had it yet. No matter what we discuss, he knows all about it. I wish I were as sure about any one thing as he is about every single thing. I go about the country a good deal and have seen many things. You will be warm enough if you move about. Don't rush about. Go slowly and quietly. This is not screwed down firmly; it moves about when you touch it. I don't know much Spanish; just enough to find my way about in Spain. There are a lot of men without work; they just stand about at street corners. You are very untidy; you leave all your books lying about instead of putting them away. Is Miss Smith anywhere about? He tried to order me about, but I soon told him he was not my master. There is about $20 difference between this car and that one. Richard plays about in school instead of working. The ship is about to leave. ABOVE We flew above the clouds. You can just see our house above the trees. Henry's work is well above the average. He was above George in the examination list. Brown's business is not doing well; he is finding it difficult to keep his head above water (= to remain solvent). William is above meanness (= he wouldn't ever be mean). There were above 100 people at the meeting. In the above examples (in the examples above) you can see the usage of 'above'. That car cost above 2,000. Think about what I have told you; but, above all, don't breathe a word of it to Henry. ACROSS The tree had fallen down across the railway line. Brown's house is just across the road from us. You cross a cheque by drawing two lines across it and writing /& Co./ like this. Unless there is a boat at the river edge you won't be able to get across. I ran across (= met unexpectedly) our friend Smith yesterday. AFTER I'll see you after dinner. I ran after the boy but couldn't catch him. They came to England after us (= later than we did). Life is just one trouble after another. He goes on day after day, week after week without any change. You see I was right after all (= despite what you said). I came here at six o'clock and George came shortly after that. I'll try to pay you the money the week after next. That's no use, I want it the day after tomorrow at the latest. If my wife goes away for a week, who's going to look after me and the children? Leave the work now; we can do it after. I came here at six o'clock and George came shortly after. AGAINST He who is not for us is against us. I am tempted to leave my work but I'm fighting against the temptation. It is against the law to leave your car there. He rested his bicycle against the wall. I'll do what you order me, but it is against my will. AMONG (AMONGST) You can see my house among the trees. I bought three hundred eggs and there was not a single bad one among them. Livingstone spent many years among(st) the peoples of Africa. Shelley is among (= one of) the world's greatest poets. The Browns' children are always quarrelling among themselves. Share these sweets among the five children and see that each one gets a fair share. NOTE Between is generally used for two, among for more than two, e.g. The sweets were divided between the two children'. But this distinction is not always strictly observed, e.g:The tables in that restaurant are so close together that there's hardly room to move between them. AT I shall be at home tonight at any time you like to call. He lives at Torquay in Devon. 1 I'll see you at school tomorrow at nine o'clock. 2 Begin at the beginning of the story. Will he be at the meeting tonight? The boys threw a snowball at the old man. 3 The angry man shouted at the boys. 3 Henry's remarks were so witty that everyone laughed at them. Look at your books; don't look at me. You should knock at the door before entering the room. I was surprised at the progress he had made. He is very good at football. The country was at peace then; now it is at war. This was sold at 4d. a pound, but that was really at a loss not at a profit. I had my hair cut at the barber's and bought a writing-pad at the stationer's. At the very most he can't be more than eighteen years of age. He is always at his best/worst when fighting against difficulties. You might at least have sent me word that you were coming. The car went at full speed. I don't like to travel by car at night. At any rate we know the worst now. I will fight you one at a time, not two at a time. You ought to hear at the latest by Friday. At first sight I thought you were your brother. This train stops at all stations. Shakespeare died at the age of fifty-two. At first it seemed very easy but it soon got more difficult. He is at work on a new book. I shall see you again at Christmas /at Easter. Do what I tell you, at once! We arrived at his house the next day. NOTES 1. At is generally used for small towns; in is used for large cities, regions and countries, e.g. He lives in London/Middlesex/England. 2. I shall see you on November 5th /on Sunday /on Christmas Day/at 3 o'clock, in the afternoon. 3. Compare: Throw the ball to John (but not to hit him). Shout to him (because he is far away). BEFORE Come and see me tomorrow any time before five o'clock. I met Smith yesterday, but I knew him long before that. Before long you will find this work quite simple. My appointment is not until 10.15; you go in before me. That happened in 400 B.C. (before Christ). I have been here before. My family are coming here for a holiday, so I came two days before to make all arrangements. The Headmaster congratulated the boy before the whole school. William went and stood before the fire. BEHIND The garage is behind the house. He put his hand behind his back so that I couldn't see what was in it. Never say any thing behind a person's back that you wouldn't say to his face. He stood just behind me. This train is behind time (= is late). His ideas are all behind the times (= out of date). Two of the wounded soldiers couldn't keep up with the rest of the men and fell behind. Richard is a long way behind with his work. They are two months behind with the rent. He looked round the railway carriage before he got out to make sure he had not left anything behind. WIFE (to husband trying, clumsily, to fasten her dress – the sort that fastens at the back). 'Hurry up; have you never hooked up a dress behind before?' HUSBAND: 'No; you never had a dress before that hooked behind.' BELOW The temperature today is below freezing point. Sign your name below mine on this document. In boxing it is a foul to hit below the belt. The cost of the whole work was below $20. Write your name in the space below. From the Empire State Building we looked at New York below. The sea is very rough and breaking over the deck; I think I'll go below. BENEATH The daffodils were growing beneath the trees. He had two pillows beneath his head. We climbed the hill; the valley lay beneath. NOTE Beneath is often used figuratively, e.g. What he said is beneath contempt. Richard is far beneath Henry in intelligence. She married rather beneath her. (= she married someone of inferior social position.) BESIDE Go and sit beside Richard. The man who spoke was standing just beside me. The church at Stratford is beside the river. He was beside himself with rage (= almost mad). What you have said is quite beside the mark /point /question (= irrelevant.) BESIDES There are many others besides me who disagree with what you say. He thinks there is no one besides himself to be considered. NOTE Beside = near by, at the side of. besides = in addition to. BEYOND The woods go for about two miles beyond (= further on than) the river. He lives in a small house, about four miles beyond Oxford. The explanation you give is quite beyond me (= I can't understand it). He is living beyond his means (= spending more than he earns). BY Let us have a walk by the seashore. Come and sit by me; there's plenty of room. You go and sit by the side of George. If you put those two books side by side you will see which is the bigger. I did this work all by myself. He often goes for long walks by himself. Although he knows me quite well he, passed me by as if I were a complete stranger. These things are made by machinery, not by hand. I go by his office every day. I know him by sight but not to speak to. By this time next year you ought to have a very good knowledge of English. This train is late; it ought to have been in by now (by this time). By next Friday, I ought to have finished the job. Multiply the amount by ten and then divide by three. He earns his living by selling matches. This little girl is afraid to cross the road; take her by the hand and see her across. Did you come by train or by car (by land, by sea or by air)? I like motoring by day but not particularly by night. What he said took me completely by surprise. By the way, don't forget our meeting next Wednesday. He is going to Brussels by way of Dover and Ostend. Don't judge a man by his clothes. You won't do this all at once; do it little by little. You must try to learn some of these things by heart. He landed the aeroplane all right, but it was more by good luck than good management. What do you mean by taking my hat? I'm sorry, I took it by mistake. He is by far the best teacher I have ever had. You must begin by learning a few simple rules - though you'll probably end by taking no notice of any of them. That music was composed by Beethoven. The book I read was 'David Copperfield', by Charles Dickens. These cigarettes are sold by weight, 4s. 6d. an ounce. Sugar is sold by the pound, petrol by the gallon. He is paid by the hour, so if it rains and he can't work he gets no money. He won the race by about two yards. The pupils came into the classroom one by one. I want a piece of paper 3 inches by 5 inches. The house was struck by lightning. 'Give me the cup; let go; by heaven I'll have it.' (Shakespeare, Hamlet) NOTES 1. By is generally used for the he agent; with for the instrument, e.g. The lock was opened by the thieves with a skeleton key. The drawing was done by the artist with a very fine pen. 2. By expresses the limit of time within which something is to be (done). BUT (= EXCEPT) Who but Richard would have said such a thing. I could answer all the questions but one. There was nothing in the cupboard but a few biscuits. Isn't there anything but rolls and coffee for breakfast? I haven't told this secret to anyone but you. Mr. Brown lives in the next house but one to us. DOWN Let us walk down the hill together. The boy, fell down the stairs and broke his arm. I like to walk down Regent Street and look at the shops there. The sun goes down in the west. The little girl has fallen down. Richard wasn't down for breakfast this morning until ten o'clock. Get down off that wall; you can jump down. The plane dropped down 5,000 feet into the sea. We all knelt down in church. I didn't feel very well so I went to lie down. I don't like to look down from a great height. Sit down, there is plenty of room for every one. I pushed the cork under the water but it wouldn't stay down. The arrangement for sending letters abroad seems to have broken down. His house was burnt down last night. The picture was printed upside down. Write these notes down in your notebook. A good many trees were cut down to build ships. He insulted me so I knocked him down. The sleeve of my coat is too short; I will ask the tailor to let it down an inch. Your coat collar is turned up at the back; shall I turn it down? The wind/fire/ has died down. DURING He was Prime Minister during the years 1910-15 and during that time he had to deal with many difficult problems. NOTES During means (i) 'throughout the duration or continuance of, e.g. The sun gives light during the day, the moon during the night. (ii) 'in the course of; "at some point within', e.g. I heard thunder several times during the night. He was in the army during the war. You will have to do a lot of work during the holidays. 2. During is not used when the idea of duration is expressed by the noun (or equivalent) that it governs. In that case /or must be used, e.g. He went to America / or (not during) three years. During that time he studied American commercial practice. Or, more simply, during answers the question, 'When?' For answers the question, 'How long?', e.g. 'When were you there?' 'During the war.' 'How long were you there?' 'I was there/or three years.' EXCEPT We have lessons every day except Saturday and Sunday. Everyone was present except Henry and me. This essay is good except for the careless mistakes. He is a good student except that he is occasionally careless. FOR That Company has 10,000 men working for it. It is time for our lesson to start. This fresh air is very good for you. This medicine is good for a cough. Don't wear that suit to work in the garden; it is too good for such dirty work. It's a good thing for you that you live in England; in some countries you would have been shot for saying that. I've no respect at all for him; he is a real good-for-nothing. He doesn't care for working at all. He repeated the conversation that he had heard word for word. The train for Liverpool leaves from No. 6 platform. I bought a car for 20', it was a real bargain. You were lucky; I had to pay £150 for mine. I don't like this book that I borrowed; will you please change it for another one. He is always looking for something for nothing. I wouldn't give away that ring for anything in the world, so once and for all don't ask me again. I think he is ill; send for the doctor. If you don't see what you want in our window, ask for it. He who is not for us is against us. I'm all for helping people who really need it. I have two cars, one for business and one for pleasure. He was sent to prison for stealing. John got a prize at school for English. The accident happened because I couldn't see for the fog. I'm doing this for your sake, not for my own. He didn't do that for fear of punishment or for hope of reward but because he thought it was right. William is big for his age. It is very warm for the time of the year (for October). I shall stay in London for about three weeks. 1 You can go for miles and miles in Scotland and see nothing but heather-covered hills. He has worked for hours at that essay. I think that is enough about this preposition for the present (for the time being). NOTES 1. For is used when the duration of time is measured; since when the starting point is given. (See since, p. 299.) 2. In negative sentences looking towards the future for is used for a period of time, before for a point of time, e.g. He will not be here for an hour yet. He will not here before seven o'clock. FROM This train starts from Plymouth and goes to London. What country do you come from? You can just see my house from here. They walked from one end of the island to the other in three hours. He read that book from beginning to end in an hour. He works from morning to night without resting. You must try to look at the matter from my point of view. I grew those plants from seed. The brothers are so alike I can't tell one from the other. Where did you get that idea from? I am going away from home for about three months. Are you going far from here? I want to save you from making the mistake that I made. They suffered terribly from cold and hunger. Stop that boy from spoiling the book. When I advise you to do this I am speaking from experience. He never makes any provision for the future; he just lives from hand to mouth. The plane rocked from side to side in the fierce wind. The man went from door to door trying to sell brushes. From time to time I will examine you on the work you have done. IN, INTO I have twenty students in my class in this room. Ottawa is in Canada. He carried a bag in his hand. I don't think there is anything in that idea. What news is there in the papers this morning? He came on Monday at ten o'clock in the morning. I read that in a book. You will not easily find as good a workman as Brown; he is one in a thousand. I am in trouble with my teacher over some careless work. There were not many people at the meeting - about ten or twelve in number I should think. I want you to arrange these in order, putting the largest first, then the next, and so on. He spoke in a whisper. He is the best student in my class. She is the happiest woman in England. He lives in London: I live at Watford. I began work here in January in the year 1940. The bird carried the worm in its beak. I was right in the middle of the crowd and could see nothing. Stand in front of me, you will see better then; there will be nothing in the way of your view. I can never talk easily with him; we seem to have nothing in common. Why are you in such a hurry? If I were in your place I should wait for a time; it is in your own interest to do so. Our preparations had to be made in secret but they were in time, and we are in readiness now for whatever happens. We shall do it in some way or other; I'm not quite sure how. To be in debt is to be in danger. I'll never see you in want of money while I have any. In time of war we have to agree to things we should refuse in time of peace. 'A stitch in time saves nine' and 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.' (Proverbs.) I will give you a new hat in place of the one that I damaged. I am putting the matter in the hands of my lawyer. In case of fire ring up Watford 999. He is always in good health and is never in need of a doctor. You have never been in love or you wouldn't speak like that. We are in sight of land now and will soon be in port. You are in a bad temper this morning, aren't you? Tell me in one word (in short) what you want. The matter, in itself, is not important; in fact I was going to take no notice of it. In reply to your letter I beg to inform you that in addition to what he owes you he is also in debt to me, and in all he owes about $3,000. He walked into 3 the room in which we were sitting. He wouldn't take advice, and now he has got into difficulties. The tree trunk was sawn into small logs for burning. Turn this from English into Spanish. He is always getting into trouble owing to his carelessness; he is in trouble with his teacher now. He felt in his pocket to see if he had any money in it. Has the nine o'clock train come in yet? Go in, don't wait outside. I want to, but I can't get in. I don't think I'll go to the cinema; I want to stay in and read. You must call in and see us sometime. Is Mr. Smith in? I've given you the lesson, but it will take some time for it to sink in. A party of us are going to the theatre; would you like to join in? The maid will take these plates away now and bring the pudding in (bring in the pudding). Who took the letters in this morning (took in the letters)? Here's a hammer; will you knock this nail in (knock in this nail)? I've put tea in the teapot; will you pour in the water (pour the water in)? I'm packing my bag, but I can't get all my clothes in. The conductor on the bus helped the old lady in. He opened the door and let the dog in and then locked him in. I've opened the bag; put your stuff in. If there is one thing I hate, it is filling in (or filling up) income-tax forms. The examination is over now; give in your papers to the examiner. The train arrives in London at 6 o'clock. We shall never give in (give in = surrender). I shall be ready in five minutes. 4 NOTES 1. On for the day; at for a point of time; in for a portion of the day. 2. At for a place thought of as a point on the map; in for a place thought of as an area. Thus, in always for large cities. 3. In denotes position or rest; into denotes motion. 4. Where referring to time, in denotes the close of a period; within denotes a time less than the close of a period LIKE It was just like him to say that. I don't feel like dancing (= I don't want to dance). Don't look at me like that. I can't speak Spanish like you (= as you do). Your shoes are just like mine. There's nothing like exercise for making you warm. This stuff looks like gold; perhaps it is gold! NEAR Mr. Thompson lives near me; his house is near the station. We are near the end of the story. Don't go far away, stay somewhere near. Henry is sitting near the window, next to John. NOTE Near expresses proximity, next means 'immediately before or after'. OF This box is made of wood. My shoes are made of leather. His house was built of brick. He said he was going to make a singer of me, but I thought he was trying to make a fool of me as I knew I could never make a success of music. We can't get everything we want from life; we must just make the best of it. Go and get me a packet of cigarettes. That is a very good field of potatoes. Get me a piece of wood, a pound of nails and a pot of paint. I'll give you half of what I earn, but I don't get a lot of money. I wish I could give you the whole of it. Elizabeth is fond of going to dances. Three of them attacked me. The children of the poor were cared for. The writing of that book took him ten years. The doctor cured me of my illness. The ship was wrecked within a mile of the coast. That is a real work of art. He gave me a piece of good advice. Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It was a story of adventure and romance. What is the advantage of doing this? What is the cause of your bad temper? He has travelled over the whole of England. The city of Edinburgh has seen some strange scenes in its history and so has the Tower of London. What did Mr. Brown die of? Have you heard anything of Smith lately? We often speak of him and think of him. What do you think of this sonata of Beethoven's? You are sure of a good welcome at my house; we are fond of visitors. I sat at the back of the room, the important people sat at the front of the room. His name was at the top of the honours list; mine was at the bottom of it. That was because I played instead of working. In spite of his ill-health Johnson did very well. It is very good of you to take so much trouble. He is a friend of mine (ours, yours, John's). OFF Water was streaming off the roof. Keep off the grass. I can't get this ring off my finger. Turn off the main road here and you will come to the lake. He took his hat and his coat off. Is the gas on or off? I picked up the box and the top fell off. There is a little smell in the new cloth but it will soon wear off. I had a headache this morning but it soon passed off. He has a very good income. I wish I were as well off - though I must say I am not so badly off as some people. Lorenzo ran off with Shylock's daughter and his money. Shall we set off for our walk now? I've studied music on and off (i.e. at intervals) for about twenty years. That ship is two or three miles off; it won't see us. It's time the children were off to bed. I'll come to the station to see you off. His wealthy aunt disliked him so she cut him off with a shilling (i.e. left him only a shilling in her will). We finished off a very good dinner with coffee and cigarettes. The judge let the prisoner off with a warning. The gun went off unexpectedly. That fellow is always showing off (= he's always thinking of the effect he is making). I wish you would pay off this big debt. He helped his wife off with her coat. If you don't pay this electricity account the company will cut your supply off. Turn that tap off and switch the light off. I thought I could get the agreement signed, but the whole business is definitely off now. ON He put the book on the table and he sat on a chair. There were water colours on the walls of the room. Put the stamp on your letter in the right-hand corner. He came on Saturday. 1 I came on the 15th of May. He had a new hat on his head, a new coat on his back, new gloves on his hands and a ring on his finger. Vegetarians live on vegetables, fruit and nuts. The war was fought on land, on sea and in the air. Did you come here on foot? No, I came on horseback. The town is on the River Mersey, on the left bank. There are shops on both sides of the street. We live on the north side of the city; they live on the south side. I am planting the apple trees on the left and the pear trees on the right of the path. What are your ideas on the subject? Could you give us a little speech on this subject? They are at Blackpool on holiday; I went on business. The house is on fire. I think it was set on fire on purpose. There are goods on sale in all the shop windows. I thought I would sell my car but on second thoughts I changed my mind, and on the whole I think I was wise. On the contrary I think you were unwise; prices may go up, but, on the other hand, they are much more likely to go down. On getting his telegram I set off immediately for London. What I do will depend on the help you can give me. He shot the bird on the wing (i.e. while it was flying). On my honour, I did not do it. Have you got your coat on and your hat on? Did you leave the electric light on when you went out of the room? Is there anything good on at the cinema tonight? If I've nothing much on (= am not busy), I'll go. Time is getting on; it's getting on for eleven o'clock; we had better go home now. My father is getting on in years (= growing old); he's nearly seventy. How are you getting on (= progressing) with your English? I don't like Smith; I can't get on (= have friendly social relations) with him at all. No, he and I have never got on together. Come on; let's get on (= continue) with these prepositions: if you keep on trying, you'll master them. Lookers-on see most of the game. The rain came on at about five o'clock in the afternoon. Help me on with my coat. Switch the light on, please, and then turn the hot water on for my bath. I'll see you later on; I'm too busy now. You are further on with the work than I had expected. You carry on (= continue) with the work while 1 have a rest. I had lunch on the train. NOTE On is used for dates and for particular days or specified parts of days, e.g. On May 1st; on Wednesday; on Christmas Day; on Saturday afternoon. (Compare in and at.) OVER The dog jumped over the table. Someone left a box in the garden and I fell over it in the dark. The aeroplane flew over the house. Give me a blue sky over my head and a green road under my feet and I am happy. An overcoat is a garment that we wear over our other clothes. More people have laughed over and cried over the books of Dickens than of perhaps any other writer, English is being spoken all over the world. You don't need to pay back the money you borrowed, all at once; the repayment can be spread over a number of years. Will you look over this exercise (or look this exercise over) that I have done, and see if it is correct? I am sorry I overlooked your letter (= did not notice it). There are over thirty people in this room. I don't want to make a decision at once; I will talk it over with my wife. You came too late; the football match is all over (== finished). I tried to waken the man but he just turned over and went off to sleep again. He said that he felt so strong he could push a house over. I know a visit to the dentist is unpleasant; but come along, let's get it over. If you will come to our factory I shall be very glad to show you over it. His work was done so badly that I told him to do it over again. I have told you over and over again not to make that mistake. I gave the children two apples each and I had three left over. You will get $50 a year over and above your usual salary. He is just getting over his severe illness. NOTE Over is used with a considerable number of verbs, as an Inseparable Particle, e.g. overlook, overturn, overflow, overeat, overload, overpower, overtake, etc. PAST He walked past the door. The door was open when I walked fast. It is past three o'clock; it is nearly a quarter past. The situation is past (= beyond) hope / cure / control / belief. ROUND (AROUND) Drake sailed round the world in 1577-80. The earth moves round the sun. Would you like to walk round my garden? Come into the garden and walk round. SINCE He has lived in England since 1 1949. He came to England in 1949 and has been here ever since. They had waited since four o'clock. Things have changed very much since the last time I wrote to you. The church was destroyed by the bombing in 1940 but has since been rebuilt (has been rebuilt since). NOTE Since is used when a STARTING POINT in time is given compare with for which is used when the DURATION of time is measured. Since refers to the whole period from a point of time in the past up to the present moment or a given moment in the past, so it is almost always used with a Perfect tense. THROUGH The ball went through the window. The river flows through the town. We walked through the village. Go through (= examine) these papers carefully. I saw through (= was not deceived by) his trick. George has got through (= passed) his examination. He worked all through his holidays. It was through (= owing to) Fred's carelessness that the money was lost. The street is thronged with people; do you think we can get through? The soldiers were surrounded by the enemy but managed to break through. Your clothes are wet through with the rain. He got that job through (= by the help of) his uncle. NOTE Through suggests one more dimension than across, e.g. He walked across the fields and through the woods. TO I am going to America on Friday. I have already sent my luggage to the station. Come on, children; time to go to bed and go to sleep. Does this road go to Edinburgh? That coat is quite wet; hold it to the fire for a few minutes. He looks to me for help. It is now five minutes to six. He read the book from beginning to end. Will you lend your book to George, please? Did you send that letter to him? I prefer this book to that one. This one is superior to that. You can't compare this to that. He's a very wealthy man; a few hundred pounds is nothing to him. You must set to work on that job as soon as possible. I offered him money for the use of the bicycle, but to my surprise he refused it. Is that tea quite to your taste or do you need more sugar? No more sugar, thank you; it is exactly to my liking. I live quite close to the church; in fact next door to it. According to you there is nothing more to be done. Don't talk all round the question; come to the point. You will soon get used to his way of speaking. Let's drink to his success. TOWARDS A plane crossed the coast flying towards London. I'll pay you something towards what I owe you. He has never shown a really friendly spirit towards George. That is the first step towards getting the matter cleared up. It was somewhere towards five o'clock when he came. NOTE Towards expresses, 'in the direction of, but not 'arrival at' a place. Compare: He went to London yesterday. The aeroplane flew towards the sun. UNDER Don't stand under (underneath) a tree during a thunderstorm. He doesn't owe very much, it's under $10. It is raining heavily; come under my umbrella. I can't use my office at present; it is under repair. You can't sign that; you are under age (not twenty-one). I did that under orders. I came to Piccadilly Circus by Underground. I have under-lined all your mistakes. Under (in) the circumstances I will not give you any extra work. When Lord X goes abroad he travels under the name of Mr. Brown. Here is a tree that we can shelter under. The cost will be $2 or under. In the struggle for life the weakest go under (i.e. fail or die). I like beef underdone rather than overdone. It was very late when I got to bed last night and I feel very much underslept this morning. UNTIL, TILL He waited till (until) all the students were quiet before he began the lesson. I shan't see you now till Friday. NOTE There is very little difference in use between until and till. To begin a sentence, until is more frequent than till. In short conversational phrases, till is perhaps more usual. UP He ran quickly up the ladder. They walked up the hill to their house. Is the lift going up or down? I was up at five o'clock this morning. Wake up; it's seven o'clock and time to get up. Hang your hat up here. My friend was very ill; I sat up all night with him; my brother will stay up tomorrow night with him. The soldiers blew up the bridge. Hurry up or you will be late. Will you break up this wood for the fire, please? You walk far too fast; I can't keep up with you. That stream never dries up even in the middle of summer. I've dropped my book; will you please pick it up for me? There are a lot of weeds in my garden; I'm going to pull them up. Put your hands up or I shoot! Cover up the food or the dust will get on it. You go on; I'll soon catch you up. Cut up the meat for little Margaret; she can't use a knife and fork very well yet. If you can't do the puzzle at first don't give it up; you will do it in time if you try. You have worked very well so far; keep it up. You could see there was someone at home, the house was all lit up. You ought to lock up these jewels in a strong room. Some girls take longer to make up their minds than to make up their face. I can't buy that car just yet but I am saving up for it. He was very angry and tore up the letter. Tie up the dog; he might attack Smith's cat. After dinner Susan washes up (the dishes). John has made up a little song. Who has used up all my toothpaste? Harry's parents died when he was young and his aunt brought him up. Ring me up some time tomorrow. You have got the story all mixed up. He turned the box upside down. It's up to you (Colloquial = It is your duty) to do your best. What are you up to? (Colloquial = 'What are you doing?' Usually with the suggestion that it is something wrong.) I know you are up to no. good. What's up? (Colloquial or slang = 'What's the matter?') Time's up. (= You have no more time now.) WITH Can you come and stay with me for a time, and bring your wife with you? Have you all brought your books with you? Leave your hats and coats with the attendant. He has been with that firm for a long time now. Compare this cheese with that and you will see the difference. The box of eggs was marked 'With Care'. It is with great pleasure that I give you the prize. Orders for the new car came in with a rush. He went away with a smile and a song. The tide came in with great speed. With all his faults he was a kind-hearted fellow. I hope he hasn't met with an accident. A man with plenty of money has plenty of friends. He walked along with his hat on the back of his head. Sleep with your windows open but with your mouth shut. I've brought my brother along with me to help. With regard to that [...]... we shall have to do without it But a car is something I can't do without Of course I know you will work hard; that goes without saying They left the party without so much as saying goodbye Put in the prepositions or adverbs that have been omitted: (1) The man who spoke was standing …………… me (2) There are others ………… me who believe that (3) Put the two books side ………… side (4) Everyone was listening... …………… a rush (64) He walked …………… his hat …………… the back …………… his head (65) …………… regard …………… that business, I don't want to do anything more ………… it, but I'll keep …………… touch …………… you Put in the prepositions or adverbs that have been omitted: (1) The man who spoke was standing …………… me (2) There are others ………… me who believe that (3) Put the two books side ………… side (4) Everyone was listening . have never got on together. Come on; let's get on (= continue) with these prepositions: if you keep on trying, you'll master them. Lookers-on see. saying. They left the party without so much as saying goodbye. Put in the prepositions or adverbs that have been omitted: (1) The man who spoke was standing