Disguised prepositions, also known as contracted prepositions, are a subtle but important aspect of English grammar. They are prepositions that have been merged with other words, typically nouns or verbs, making them less obvious than standalone prepositions.
Recognizing and understanding disguised prepositions is crucial for accurate reading comprehension, fluent writing, and a deeper appreciation of the nuances of the English language. This article will delve into the definition, types, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with disguised prepositions, providing numerous examples and practice exercises to solidify your understanding.
This guide is beneficial for ESL learners, students preparing for standardized tests, and anyone looking to refine their grammar skills.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Disguised Prepositions
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Disguised Prepositions
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Disguised Prepositions
A disguised preposition, also known as a contracted preposition, is a preposition that has been combined with another word, usually a noun or a verb, to form a single word. This contraction often involves the preposition losing its distinct form and becoming integrated into the structure of the other word.
These prepositions are “disguised” because their prepositional function isn’t immediately apparent.
The primary function of a disguised preposition remains the same as that of a regular preposition: to show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence. This relationship can indicate location, time, direction, or manner. However, the difference lies in the form. Unlike standalone prepositions which are separate words, disguised prepositions are embedded within another word.
Consider the word “aboard.” It looks like a simple adverb, but it actually contains the preposition “on.” The original phrase “on board” has been compressed into a single word, “aboard,” where “a-” acts as the disguised form of “on”. Similarly, “about” is derived from “on by,” and “around” from “on round.”
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structural breakdown of disguised prepositions involves recognizing the original preposition and how it has been incorporated into the new word. The most common pattern involves the preposition “on” being reduced to “a-“, which is then attached to another word.
Let’s examine this pattern more closely.
The “a-” prefix, derived from “on,” is the most frequent indicator of a disguised preposition. This prefix typically precedes a location or state.
For example, the word “asleep” is formed from “on sleep,” indicating the state of being in sleep. The “a-” prefix signals the prepositional relationship.
Another structural element to consider is the historical evolution of these words. Many disguised prepositions have roots in Old English, where combining prepositions with other words was a more common practice. Over time, these combinations solidified into single words, obscuring their original prepositional components. The word “among,” for instance, comes from “on gemang,” meaning “in a crowd or mixture.”
Here’s a breakdown of the structural elements:
- Original Preposition: The underlying preposition (usually “on,” “in,” or “by”).
- Contracted Form: The preposition’s reduced form (often “a-“).
- Base Word: The noun, verb, or adjective that the preposition is attached to.
- Resulting Word: The new word formed by combining the contracted preposition and the base word.
Types and Categories
Disguised prepositions can be categorized based on the original preposition they represent and the type of word they are attached to. The most common categories include those derived from “on,” “in,” and “by,” although other prepositions can also be involved.
Let’s look at these categories in detail.
“On” as “a-“
This is the most common type of disguised preposition. The preposition “on” is typically reduced to “a-” and attached to a noun, verb, or adjective.
This form often indicates a state, condition, or location.
Examples include:
- Aboard: on board
- Asleep: on sleep
- Aside: on side
- Ashore: on shore
- Ajar: on char (slightly open)
“In”
Disguised prepositions derived from “in” are less common but still present. These often indicate inclusion or location within something.
Examples include:
- Inside: in side
- Indeed: in deed
“By”
Disguised prepositions derived from “by” are even less frequent, but they exist. These usually indicate proximity or means.
Examples include:
- About: by + out (originally “on by oute”)
Examples of Disguised Prepositions
To further illustrate the concept of disguised prepositions, let’s examine a series of examples, categorized by the original preposition they represent. Each table contains 20-30 examples.
These examples will help you recognize and understand the usage of disguised prepositions in various contexts.
Examples with “a-” (from “on”)
The following table provides examples of words with the “a-” prefix, derived from the preposition “on.”
| Word | Original Meaning (with “on”) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Aboard | On board | The passengers went aboard the ship. |
| About | On by (around) | He walked about the town. |
| Above | On above | The birds flew above the clouds. |
| Afar | On far | The ship sailed to lands afar. |
| Afield | On field | The cattle grazed afield. |
| Afloat | On float | The boat remained afloat despite the storm. |
| Afoot | On foot | The project is afoot after months of planning. |
| Afraid | On fray (frightened) | She was afraid of the dark. |
| Aghast | On gast (terrified) | They were aghast at the news. |
| Aside | On side | He stepped aside to let her pass. |
| Asleep | On sleep | The baby was asleep in her crib. |
| Ashore | On shore | The sailors went ashore for supplies. |
| Askance | On scance (sideways) | He looked at her askance, suspecting something. |
| Astride | On stride | He sat astride the horse. |
| Athirst | On thirst | He was athirst after the long hike. |
| Aweary | On weary | I am aweary of all this work. |
| Away | On way | She went away on vacation. |
| Awhile | On while | Stay awhile and rest. |
| Aright | On right | I hope everything turns out aright. |
| Around | On round | They walked around the park. |
| Aback | On back | He was taken aback by the news. |
| Adrift | On drift | The boat was set adrift by the storm. |
| Apace | On pace | The project is moving apace. |
Examples with “in”
The following table provides examples of words with “in”, often implicit in their meaning.
| Word | Original Meaning (with “in”) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Inside | In side | The cat is inside the house. |
| Indeed | In deed (in fact) | Indeed, it was a great performance. |
| Into | In to | She walked into the room. |
| Inquire | In quire (seek within) | He wanted to inquire about the price. |
| Investigate | In vestigate (track in) | The police will investigate the crime. |
Examples with “by”
The following table provides examples of words with “by”, implicit in their meaning.
| Word | Original Meaning (with “by”) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| About | By + out (on by oute) | He told me about his trip. |
Examples with “with”
The following table provides examples of words with “with”, implicit in their meaning.
| Word | Original Meaning (with “with”) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Withdraw | With draw | I need to withdraw some money. |
Usage Rules
The usage of disguised prepositions generally follows the same rules as their standalone counterparts. However, because they are integrated into other words, it’s important to understand their specific context and meaning within the sentence.
Here are some key usage rules to keep in mind.
Rule 1: Context is Key. The meaning of a disguised preposition is heavily dependent on the context of the sentence. For example, “aboard” implies being on a vehicle, so it is typically used in contexts related to transportation. You wouldn’t say, “The book is aboard the table,” unless you’re being intentionally humorous or figurative.
Rule 2: Adverbial Usage. Many words containing disguised prepositions function as adverbs. They modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about manner, place, time, or degree. For instance, in the sentence “He looked askance,” the word “askance” modifies the verb “looked,” indicating the manner in which he looked.
Rule 3: No Redundancy. Avoid redundancy by not using a standalone preposition in conjunction with a disguised preposition if the meaning is already clear. For example, it would be incorrect to say “He went aboard on the ship” because “aboard” already implies being on a ship. The correct sentence is “He went aboard the ship.”
Rule 4: Formal vs. Informal Usage. Some disguised prepositions are more common in formal writing, while others are more frequently used in informal speech. “Afar,” for example, is more formal than “away.” Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when choosing which words to use.
Rule 5: Historical Context. Understanding the historical origins of disguised prepositions can help clarify their meaning and usage. Knowing that “about” comes from “on by” can provide insight into its various senses, such as “around” or “concerning.”
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is failing to recognize a disguised preposition and misinterpreting the meaning of the word. Another frequent error is using redundant prepositions.
Let’s explore these mistakes with examples.
Mistake 1: Misinterpreting Meaning. Because disguised prepositions are embedded within other words, it’s easy to overlook their prepositional function and misinterpret the word’s meaning. For example, someone might not realize that “ashore” implies movement *to* the shore.
Correct vs. Incorrect:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The boat sailed ashore on the water. | The boat sailed ashore. | “Ashore” already implies movement towards the shore, so “on the water” is redundant. |
| She was very afar from home. | She was far from home. | “Afar” means “far away,” so “very” and “from home” are redundant. |
Mistake 2: Redundant Prepositions. Using an additional preposition when the disguised preposition already conveys the intended meaning creates redundancy and weakens the sentence.
Correct vs. Incorrect:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He climbed aboard on the plane. | He climbed aboard the plane. | “Aboard” already means “on board,” so “on” is unnecessary. |
| They went away to another country. | They went away. | “Away” already implies a departure or movement to another place. |
Mistake 3: Incorrect Word Choice. Using a word with a disguised preposition in an inappropriate context can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Correct vs. Incorrect:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The cat was asleep on the tree. | The cat was in the tree. | “Asleep” describes a state of being, not a location. |
| He looked afar at the screen. | He looked intently at the screen. | “Afar” means “far away,” which doesn’t make sense in this context. |
Practice Exercises
To test your understanding of disguised prepositions, complete the following exercises. Identify the disguised preposition in each sentence and explain its meaning.
Some sentences may not contain a disguised preposition. Provide the correct sentence if you find an error.
Exercise 1: Identifying Disguised Prepositions
In the following sentences, identify the disguised preposition (if any) and explain its meaning or function in the sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The sailors went ashore after months at sea. | Ashore: On shore; indicates movement to the shore. |
| 2. She was afraid of the dark. | Afraid: On fray (frightened); describes a state of fear. |
| 3. He walked about the city, exploring every corner. | About: On by (around); indicates movement around the city. |
| 4. The book is on the table. | No disguised preposition. |
| 5. They climbed aboard the train. | Aboard: On board; indicates being on the train. |
| 6. The project is afoot, and we need to act quickly. | Afoot: On foot; indicates that the project is underway. |
| 7. He looked askance at the stranger. | Askance: On scance (sideways); indicates a suspicious or distrustful look. |
| 8. She went away on vacation. | Away: On way; indicates departure. |
| 9. The boat was adrift after the storm. | Adrift: On drift; indicates being without direction or control. |
| 10. The dog is inside the house. | Inside: In side; indicates location within the house. |
Exercise 2: Correcting Sentences with Redundant Prepositions
Correct the following sentences by removing redundant prepositions.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He climbed aboard on the ship. | He climbed aboard the ship. |
| 2. They went away to another country. | They went away. |
| 3. The boat sailed ashore on the beach. | The boat sailed ashore. |
| 4. She looked afar in the distance. | She looked afar. |
| 5. He was afraid from the monster. | He was afraid of the monster. (No disguised preposition to correct) |
| 6. The project is afoot on the ground. | The project is afoot. |
| 7. They went about around the block. | They went about the block. |
| 8. The cat is asleep on the bed. | The cat is asleep. |
| 9. He looked askance to the side. | He looked askance. |
| 10. The car is inside of the garage. | The car is inside the garage. |
Exercise 3: Using Disguised Prepositions in Context
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word containing a disguised preposition.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The ship sailed _______ to find new lands. | afar |
| 2. The child was fast _______ in his bed. | asleep |
| 3. The project is now _______, and we must proceed with caution. | afoot |
| 4. He glanced _______ at the suspicious character. | askance |
| 5. The castaways were finally _______ after days at sea. | ashore |
| 6. She moved _______ to let him pass. | aside |
| 7. The balloon drifted _______ in the wind. | away |
| 8. The missing sailors were found _______ in a small boat. | adrift |
| 9. The inspector will _______ into the matter. | inquire |
| 10. It was _______ a pleasure to meet you. | indeed |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring the etymology and historical evolution of disguised prepositions can provide a deeper understanding of their usage and nuances. This involves delving into Old English and Middle English texts to trace the origins of these words and how their meanings have shifted over time.
Furthermore, analyzing the subtle differences in meaning between words with similar disguised prepositions can enhance one’s vocabulary and writing skills.
For example, consider the subtle difference between “aside” and “apart.” Both involve the preposition “on,” but “aside” implies a temporary movement to the side, while “apart” suggests a more permanent separation. Understanding these subtle distinctions requires careful attention to context and a broad vocabulary.
Another advanced topic is the use of disguised prepositions in figurative language and idiomatic expressions. Many idioms contain disguised prepositions, and their meanings are often not immediately apparent from the individual words.
For instance, the phrase “to be taken aback” uses “aback,” which means “on back,” but the idiom itself means “to be surprised or shocked.”
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about disguised prepositions:
Q1: What is the difference between a disguised preposition and a regular preposition?
A1: A regular preposition is a separate word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence. A disguised preposition, on the other hand, is a preposition that has been combined with another word, typically a noun, verb, or adjective, losing its distinct form.
Q2: How can I identify a disguised preposition?
A2: Look for words that start with “a-” (derived from “on”), or words where you suspect a preposition might be embedded. Consider the word’s meaning and whether it implies a prepositional relationship. Understanding the etymology of the word can also be helpful.
Q3: Are all words starting with “a-” disguised prepositions?
A3: No, not all words starting with “a-” are disguised prepositions. Many words start with “a-” for other reasons, such as being derived from different prefixes or having different etymological origins. For example, “amuse” does not contain a disguised preposition.
Q4: Why is it important to learn about disguised prepositions?
A4: Understanding disguised prepositions can improve your reading comprehension, writing fluency, and overall grammar skills. It allows you to recognize subtle nuances in language and avoid common mistakes, such as using redundant prepositions.
Q5: Can disguised prepositions function as different parts of speech?
A5: Yes, many words containing disguised prepositions function as adverbs, adjectives, or even verbs, depending on the context. For example, “aside” can function as an adverb (“He stepped aside”) or an adjective (“an aside comment”).
Q6: How do I avoid using redundant prepositions with disguised prepositions?
A6: Pay attention to the meaning of the word containing the disguised preposition. If the prepositional relationship is already implied, avoid using an additional preposition. For example, instead of saying “He went aboard on the ship,” say “He went aboard the ship.”
Q7: Are disguised prepositions more common in formal or informal English?
A7: Some disguised prepositions are more common in formal English (e.g., “afar”), while others are more common in informal English (e.g., “about”). The level of formality depends on the specific word and the context in which it is used.
Q8: Where can I find more examples of disguised prepositions?
A8: You can find more examples of disguised prepositions by reading widely, consulting dictionaries and grammar guides, and paying attention to the language used in various contexts. Etymological dictionaries can also provide valuable insights into the origins and meanings of these words.
Conclusion
Disguised prepositions are an integral part of the English language, adding depth and complexity to its structure. While they may seem subtle, understanding their function and usage is crucial for mastering English grammar.
By recognizing the origins of these words and paying attention to context, you can improve your reading comprehension, writing skills, and overall linguistic proficiency.
Remember to practice identifying disguised prepositions in various texts, avoid redundant prepositions, and consider the level of formality when choosing which words to use. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the nuances of disguised prepositions and enhance your command of the English language.
Keep exploring and learning, and you’ll continue to uncover the fascinating intricacies of English grammar.