Avoid Using Preposition IF...

Expressions without Preposition

1.       The following words do not take a preposition after them-barring, considering, concerning, during, notwithstanding, pending, regarding, respecting, touching; as—

Barring a few incidents, the atmosphere was otherwise peaceful.

Notwithstanding his weak position, he stood his ground manfully.

Considering his age, he should be given light punishment.

Pending the resolution of UNO, the two parties have agreed to maintain peace.

2.       No preposition is used before expressions of time beginning with next, last, this, that, every, any, all, each, today, before, tomorrow, yesterday; as—

I met him last Sunday.

I will see him next week.

He returned this morning.

Come any day you like.

The meeting lasted all night.

They stayed here all week.

He promised to come today.

I will help you tomorrow.

I was busy that evening.

He stood there all day long

We almost always leave out the preposition before phrases beginning with last, nest, this, that, also before today, yesterday, tomorrow. (The phrases at this/that time, on this/that occasion are however normal.)

G Leech & Svartvik

3.       When used in the active voice the following verb do not take any preposition after them; as—

accompany, afford, answer, ascend, ask, assist, attack, benefit, climb, combat, describe, discuss, enter, examine, inform, investigate, love, obey, order, pervade, pick, precede, reach, recommend, request, resemble, resign, resist, sign, succeed, violate.

He accompanied me.

He attacked his enemy.

He resisted all temptation.

I ordered his dismissal.

Don’t violate the rule.

I have examined the answer books.

Let’s discuss this problem.

He reached his destination.

He investigated this case.

He has signed the document.

He asked me several questions.

An uneasy calm pervades here.

4.       Expressions containing words like height, length, shape, size, color, age, area, volume are usually connected to the subject of the sentence by the verb be, without a preposition; as—

He is the same age as me.

What color are his eyes?

Both the buildings are the same size.

You are the same weight as you were last year.

He is the right height to be a boxer.

It is the same shape as your box.

5.       We use a/an instead of a preposition in expressions such as three times a day, fifty miles an hour, twenty rupees a kilo, and similar expressions; as—

Take this medicine three times a day.

He drives his car fifty miles an hour.

He sells coal two rupees a kilo.

He fasts twice a week.

6.       The preposition at is usually left-out in (at) what time…?

What time does he get up? What time does the Delhi Express arrive?

7.       The preposition to is not used before home provided the word home is preceded by come, go, arrive, get, bring, send, take: as—

Let’s go home.

He comes home daily.

When does he get home?

They brought the dead home.

But we say,

My brother is at home.

I shall go to his home.

Pray, stay at home.

They will come to Ravi’s home.