Idiomatic Preposition
- Article graphics | Credit Devika Panikar
Examples of Prepositional Idioms
Idiomatic prepositions are prepositions that are used in specific ways or with certain words to convey meaning that goes beyond their literal definition. These prepositions are often used in fixed phrases, idioms, or expressions.
Idiomatic prepositions may not always follow strict grammatical rules but have established meanings or usage patterns. These idiomatic prepositions can be challenging for learners of English because they often don't translate directly from one language to another. Here are some examples of idiomatic prepositions:
Run out of
This phrase means to deplete your supply of something. For example,
- I ran out of milk, so I need to buy some more.
Count on
To rely on or trust someone. For instance,
- You can count on John to help you with the project.
Look forward to
To anticipate or be excited about something that will happen in the future. For example:
- I look forward to seeing you at the party.
Put up with
To tolerate or endure something unpleasant.
- I can't put up with his constant complaining.
Take care of
To attend to or look after something or someone.
- I need to take care of the kids while you're at work.
Get rid of
To eliminate or dispose of something.
- I need to get rid of these old clothes.
Keep up with
To stay informed about or maintain the same pace as something.
- It's challenging to keep up with all the latest technology.
Go through
To experience or endure a difficult situation.
- She had to go through a lot of hardship to achieve her goals.
Hear from
To receive communication from someone.
- I haven't heard from him in a while.
Fall for
To be deceived or tricked by someone.
- Don't fall for his excuses; he's not being honest.
Other forms of idiomatic preposition are explained below.
| On the same page | This means to be in agreement or have a shared understanding. |
|---|---|
| In the heat of the moment | This suggests that something happened impulsively or without much thought during an emotionally charged situation. |
| By the way | This is used to introduce a tangential or unrelated topic in a conversation. |
| Under the weather | This means feeling ill or not in good health. |
| In the nick of time | This means just in time, at the last possible moment. |
| On cloud nine | This indicates extreme happiness or joy. |
| In the dark | This means being uninformed or unaware of something. |
| On the fence | This implies being undecided or unsure about a decision. |
| With flying colors | This means to succeed or perform exceptionally well. |
| In the long run | This suggests considering the future or the ultimate outcome of a situation. |
These are just a few examples of idiomatic prepositions in English. They often have specific meanings that may not be immediately obvious from the individual words in the phrase, so it's important to learn them in context.
