Preposition Rule

There is one very simple rule about prepositions. And, unlike most rules, this rule has no exceptions.

Rule: A preposition is followed by a "noun". It is never followed by a verb.

By "noun" we include:

• noun (dog, money, love)
• proper noun (name) (Bangkok, Mary)
• pronoun (you, him, us)
• noun group (my first job)
• gerund (swimming)

A preposition cannot be followed by a verb. If we want to follow a preposition by a verb, we must use the "-ing" form which is really a gerund or verb in noun form.

Quick Quiz: In the following sentences, why is the preposition "to" followed by a verb? That should be impossible, according to the rule that you have just read.

• I would like to go now.
• She used to smoke.

See answer

Here are some examples:

subject + verb	preposition	"noun"	note
The food is	on	the table.	noun
She lives	in	Japan.	proper noun
Tara is looking	for	you.	pronoun
The letter is	under	your blue book.	noun group
Pascal is used	to	English people.
She isn't used	to	working.	gerund
I ate	before	coming.