Using Prepositions And Correlatives

Prepositions And Correlatives

Some things in English conform to a pattern, so all you have to do is remember the pattern and you're set. For example, if I called something a 'dode' and asked you what you'd call two of them, you'd probably come up with 'dodes,' because the pattern in English is to form the plural of a noun by adding -s to the end.

But other things don't have a pattern at all. There's no real reason why they work the way they do; they just do. In this lesson, we'll cover two of those things: prepositions and correlatives.

A preposition is a word that describes the relationship of one thing to something else. For example, prepositions like 'before' and 'after' describe relationships in time, while prepositions like 'above' and 'below' describe relationships in space.

Certain prepositions in English go with certain words just because that's the rule. For example, you say you're 'afraid of' something, not 'afraid about' something. This is not because it follows any pattern but because we all decided to say 'afraid of,' and now it's a rule.

A correlative is a word always paired with another word. For example, 'neither' always goes with 'nor.' You can't say 'neither… or;' you can't say 'either… nor.' 'Neither' and 'nor' are a pair of correlatives. Other correlatives include 'both… and,' 'either… or' and 'not only… but also.'

Correlatives are also basically about memorization. You just have to remember which words go with each other.

In this lesson, you'll get some practice working with both of these cases. They can be frustrating at first, especially for English language learners, but if you're struggling to catch them, the only solution is to practice, practice, practice, until you've got at least the common ones down.

Question 1

Question: 1

'Our hiking guide made sure that we were aware about the dangers of snakes, bears, dehydration and unpredictable weather.'

1. (as it is now)
2. aware because of
3. aware concerning
4. aware of

Explanation:

The Correct Answer:D because the correct preposition to go with 'aware' is 'of.' You're 'aware of' something, not 'aware about' it. Why? Well, that's just the way it works. You might also remember phrases like 'aware of your surroundings' to help you out.

Question 2

Question:2

'We never had trouble either from bears stealing our food and not from storms on the lakefront, but we did meet a few dangerous snakes.'

1. (as it is now)
2. nor from
3. or from
4. nor did we see any

Explanation:

The Correct Answer:B In English, we 'steer clear of' something; we don't 'steer clear from' it. Why? Just because.