Choice
Many sentences betoken ignorance and others indicate extreme carelessness on the part of the writers by the inapt choice of their prepositions, which often express relations so delicate in their distinctions that nothing short of an extended study of the best writers will confer the desired skill. We present some examples.
By, In
“We do not accept the proposition referred to by your letter.” The writer should have employed the preposition in.
Differ with, From
We differ with a person in opinion or belief; we differ from him in appearance, in attainments, in wealth, in rank, etc.
“Your story is very plausible, but Henry’s is different to that.” “My book is quite different than his.” The adjective different must not be followed by the preposition to or than. The sentences will be correct when from is substituted.
At, To
Never use the vulgar expression, “He is to home.” Say at home.