Prepositions

I know most of you are logophiles in one way or another. That's why your eyes light up whenever I write terms like regolith on the blackboard. Okay. You're probably aware that every language is a repository of memories, beautiful metaphors and wondrous concepts. Memories? Concept? Metaphors? Yes. If you don't believe me simply think of these three etymologies:

• The origin of the English word enthusiasm is the Greek term enthousiázein, whose exact meaning was possessed by a god. Yes. In English, if you are enthused you are in touch with the divine.

• In Spanish the word anhelar (obviously related to the English verbs exhale or inhale) means to have trouble breathing. Therefore its current meaning (to long for something) is suggestive of a situation in which a strong desire will barely let a person breathe.

• Last but not least, consider the term consider. There is no consensus on its actual etymology but a tantalizing hypothesis interprets the original term (considerare) as a combination of cum (i.e. with) and  sidus (i.e. star), which leads us to contemplate the notion that to consider an idea consists basically in examining it "while looking up at the stars".

Isn't all this fascinating? Indeed, it is... Words can have that power, which is why many advanced students relish the acquisition of new vocabulary. They collect words as though they were precious gems. That said, their grammar sometimes leaves much to be desired. This is the reason why I would like you say a thing or two about the lowly prepositions.

I know. Prepositions are not sexy. Some may say: "Who cares if we're supposed to say FOR or TO? Listeners will get the message". Right? Well, maybe not. I could argue that, sometimes prepositions make all the difference. Just check out the comic strip below:

           © Bill Waterson

Likewise, arriving ON time is not the same as arriving IN time. I know. I know. The context can often dispel any misunderstanding. However, I don't think I need to remind you that no self-respecting advanced learner should ever rely on the context alone. It just goes against the grain, doesn't it? Occasionally a confusing use of a preposition can make your interlocutor stop listening to you (so they can figure out what you meant) and if those arguments mean little to you just remember that, as a teacher I can tell you it's always kind of disappointing to hear a student bandy about fancy words like obstreperous, sialoquent, nudiustertian or mercurial in sentences that fail to include the right prepositions. So remember that you should learn prepositions in several positions:

• After a noun: Human beings have an instinctive sense FOR cause and effect
• Before a noun: I grew up ON a farm. He's stuck IN a rut. 
• After an adjective: eligible FOR, indifferent TO, hopeless AT, absent FROM
• After a verb: to comply WITH the rules, to marry INTO money,
• Within an idiom: lay claim TO, you hold me TO a high standard, a pie IN the sky, look ON the bright side of life, you lay the groundwork FOR...

Every now and then you may have options: Thanks for coming AT/ON such short notice, different TO/FROM, etc. but, more often than not there is an appropriate preposition for every sentence. So, remember: it's perfectly okay to learn big words, but please make sure that you have a handle ON your prepositions. Don't put them ON the back burner.