USING PREPOSITIONS CORRECTLY

When you use a preposition, be sure to choose the one that best describes the relationship between the object of the preposition and the word the prepositional phrase modifies.

1. We walked in the park for an hour.

2. We saw Louise as she ran into the park.

Walking in the park refers to “position within a place”. The preposition into means “motion from one place to another”. Here are rules to help you in deciding which preposition to use.

In/into

Use in when you mean “position within place”. Use into when you mean “motion from one place to another”.

Our class exercises in the gym.

That ball went into the net.

between/among

Use between when you mean “two things at a time”, no matter how many items there may be in the group. Use among when you mean “a group, rather than the separate individuals in it”.

Our bikes are between the shed and the garage.

You can choose between hiking, climbing, and fishing.

Rich likes sailing, among other sports.

Among her many outdoor activities, Jeannette likes gardening best.

beside/besides

Use beside when you mean “next to” or “by the side of.” Use besides to mean “also” or “in addition to.”

The runner waited beside the starting line.

Besides our time, several others competed in the race.

Do not write of when you mean have.

You could have (not of) used the pool this afternoon.

CHOOSING THE CORRECT PREPOSITIONS. Copy these sentences. Complete them by choosing the correct preposition from those given I parentheses.

1. (Beside, besides) vitamins what other nutrients are important?

2. (Between, among) the many minerals the body needs are calcium and zinc.

3. We bought vitamin supplements (in, into) that store.

4. Most people know the difference (among, between) vitamins and minerals.

5. That bottle of vitamins is (beside, besides) the lamp.

6. Don’t dissolve that vitamin pill (in, into) water, and remember to take it (among, between) meals.