ADVERBS AND PREPOSITIONS

307. Many of the words that are used as prepositions are used also as adverbs. It may be a little confusing to tell whether the word is an adverb or a preposition, but if you will remember this simple rule you will have no trouble:

A preposition is always followed by either a noun or a pronoun as its object, while an adverb never has an object.

So when you find a word, that can be used either as a preposition or an adverb, used alone in a sentence without an object, it is an adverb; but if it is followed by an object, then it is a preposition. This brings again to our minds the fundamental rule which we have laid down, that every word is classified according to the work which it does in a sentence. The work of a preposition is to show the relation between its object and the word which that object modifies. So whenever a word is used in this way it is a preposition. For example: He went about his business.

Here, about is a preposition and business is its object. But in the sentence, He is able to be about, about is used as an adverb. It has no object.

He sailed before the mast. Here, before is a preposition introducing the phrase before the mast, which modifies the verb sailed. But in the sentence, I told you that before, before is an adverb modifying the verb told.

By applying this rule you can always readily determine whether the word in question is an adverb or a preposition.

Exercise 4

Tell whether the words printed in italics in the following sentences, are prepositions or adverbs and the reason why:

  1. He came across the street.
  2. He is without work.
  3. Come in.
  4. He lives near.
  5. He brought it for me.
  6. I cannot get across.
  7. We will go outside.
  8. This is between you and me.
  9. He can go without.
  10. Stay in the house.
  11. Do not come near me.
  12. They all went aboard at six o'clock.
  13. He enlisted in the navy and sailed before the mast.
  14. I do not know what lies beyond.
  15. I will soon be through.
  16. The aeroplane flew above the city for hours.