"Before 'home' the preposition 'at' should never be omitted, but the
preposition 'to' is always omitted: e.g., 'I am going home.'"[138]
[137] In this exercise the pupil must rely chiefly on his knowledge of English usage or on a dictionary. In some of the sentences more than one preposition is allowable, according to the sense.
[138] "Foundations," p. 149.
[139] Ibid., p. 150.
EXERCISE LXXXIV.
Insert the necessary prepositions in the following sentences:—
1. What use is this piece of ribbon?
2. The oak was five feet diameter.
3. My business prevented me attending the last meeting of the committee.
4. I could not refrain shedding tears.
5. The remark is worthy the fool that made it.
6. It is unworthy your notice.
7. He lives the other side the river.
8. He fled the country, and went either to England or France.
9. Ignorance is the mother of fear as well as admiration.
10. Religion is a comfort in youth as well as old age.
11. It's no use to give up.
12. This side the mountain the country is thickly settled; the other side there are few inhabitants.
13. I wrote Mr. Knapp to come Wednesday, and promised that he should find us home.
14. Wealth is more conducive to worldliness than piety.
15. He is not home, but I think he is coming home to-night.
Redundant Prepositions.[140]—Beware of inserting prepositions which are not needed.
[140] Ibid., p. 150.
EXERCISE LXXXV.
Strike out the redundant prepositions:—
1. He met a boy of about eighteen years old.
2. Cadmus stood pondering upon what he should do.
3. Let a gallows be erected of fifty cubits high.
4. Hercules was very willing to take the world off from his shoulders and give it to Atlas again.
5. No one can help from loving her.
6. From thence in two days the Greeks marched twenty miles.
7. There was much of wisdom in their plan.
8. A workman fell off of the ladder.
9. On one day I caught five trout, on another twelve.
10. We must examine into this subject more carefully.
11. A child copies after its parents.
12. The proposal to go to the woods was approved of by all of the boys.
13. At about what time will father return?
14. After having heard his story, I gave him a dollar.
15. The spring is near to the house.
16. Bruno followed on after his master.
17. Wanted, a young man of from sixteen to twenty-one years of age.
18. They went on to the steamer soon after dinner.
19. Look out of the window.