Collected Pointers for Fumblers of the English Language
Easily Confused ...: Problems with Prepositions

PROBLEMS WITH PREPOSITIONS

Rule 1. You may end a sentence with a preposition. Just do not use extra prepositions when the meaning is clear without them.

Examples That is something I cannot agree with.
How many of you can I count on?
Where did he go (to)?
Where did you get this (at)?
I will go later (on).
Take your shoes off (of) the bed.
You may not look out (of) the window.
Cut it (up) into small pieces.

Rule 2. Use on with expressions that indicate the time of an occurrence.

Examples He was born on December 23.
We will arrive on the fourth.

Rule 3. 0f should never be used in place of have.

Correct I should have done it.

Incorrect I should of done it.

Rule 4. Between refers to two. Among is used for three or more.

Examples Divide the candy between the two of you.
Divide the candy among the three of you.

Rule 5. Into implies entrance, in does not.

Examples Sally walked into the house.
Sally was waiting in the house.
Cut the pie into six slices. (The knife enters the pie.)

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