English Grammar

Cases where Prepositions are omitted

We do not normally use prepositions of time (on, in, at etc) before words like last, next or this.

I met him last Sunday. (NOT I met him on last Sunday.)
I met him on Sunday.
We may discuss it next time. (NOT We may discuss it at next time.)

The use of preposition is optional in the following sentences.

I was here (in) the December before last.
The visited us (on) the day before yesterday.
She came here (in) the previous summer.
We waited there (for) two hours.

Some words which have slightly different form and meaning take different prepositions after them.

Examples are: desire for but desirous of; confidence in but confident of

I have no desire for name or fame.
She is desirous of finding a job.
I have no confidence in his ability to perform the task.
I am confident of success in the examination.

More examples are given below:

According to but in accordance with;
Sensible of but insensible to;
Affection for but affectionate to;
Ambition for but ambitious of;
Fond of but fondness for;
Neglectful of; but negligent in;
Dislike to but liking for;

Subscribe to our Newsletter