Common mistakes in the use of prepositions | Part 3

Incorrect: She did not ask any question to him.
Correct: She did not ask him any question.

Incorrect: I will ask the time to that man.
Correct: I will ask that man the time.

When ask is followed by two objects, the indirect object (the person) usually comes first, without a preposition.

Incorrect: From our class he did best.
Correct: He did best in our class.

Incorrect: The new semester begins from June 1st.
Correct: The new semester begins on June 1st.

Incorrect: Phone me in lunch time.
Correct: Phone me at lunch time.

Incorrect: We usually go out at the evening.
Correct: We usually go out in the evening.

The prepositions at, on and in can be used for time. The rules are given below.

At + clock time
In + part of day
On + particular day
At + weekend, public holiday
In + longer period

Incorrect: He rides in a cycle.
Correct: He rides on a cycle.

Incorrect: He sat in a bench.
Correct: He sat on a bench.

Incorrect: He rides on a car.
Correct: He rides in a car.

Use on when the meaning is clearly 'on top of'. Examples are: on the table, on the desk, on the floor, on a horse etc. Use in when 'on top of' is not appropriate. Examples are: in an aeroplane (US in an airplane), in a car, in a train etc.

Common mistakes in the use of prepositions | Part 3

See also