1. The use of prepositions is difficult to master because there aren’t many rules for how to use them. Mostly you learn them through listening and reading.

2. Phrasal Verbs A phrasal verb consists of verb plus a particle (like a preposition). The preposition can completely change the verb meaning. Examples from your book include: turn on, turn in, turn over, turn down, turn out Find a good source of phrasal verbs, such as the grammar books from Betty Azar (Fundamentals of English Grammar, Understanding and Using English Grammar)

3. Phrasal Verbs Continued… Other examples: Call in, call out, call down. Get up (physically raise your body up and wake up), get down (dance, slang). A preposition can change the meaning of a sentence. To look at someone (stare) is different than to look after (care for) someone. Care for (take care of) is different than care about (love).

4. Prepositions of Place, Time and Position There are rules that govern some prepositions of place, time and position They are located on page 258 in Writing Clearly. Ex: “in” is used for month, year, but “on” is used for day of the week and date. Ex: “in” is used for time of day, but “at” is used for specific time of day. Study these rules to learn the basics.

5. Other Ways to Learn Prepositions Memorize your phrasal verbs. Memorize adjective-preposition combinations, such as “angry at,” “disgusted with,” “frustrated with.” Ask English speakers for advice. Read and speak English – a lot! Practice prepositions on the internet. http://writing.umn.edu/docs/sws/quicktips/prepositi ons.pdf http://writing.umn.edu/docs/sws/quicktips/prepositi ons.pdf

6. Questions from Students Which is correct? (Call off from work or call in for work?) Neither is correct. Call in to work is correct. It means to call work and request something, such as time off. Can I say: “I’m studying in the library” or “I’m studying at the library?” Both can be correct. More common is “I’m studying at the library.” I’m studying in the library is only used when you want to emphasize your physical location of inside, versus outside.

7. Watch this… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4jIC5HLBdM