What are Prepositions of Purpose?
Prepositions of purpose are a type of preposition used to indicate why something is being done or what purpose it serves.
This form of preposition is especially helpful when dealing with verb phrases, as they provide essential context to the action that is being taken.
For example, ‘I’m getting ready for” indicates a purposeful action, whereas without the ‘for’ it simply becomes ‘I’m getting ready.’ Prepositions of purpose can also be used in sentences with two verbs.
For example, ‘She stopped by to get a snack’ provides purpose for her stopping by. In both these examples, using purposeful prepositions adds clarity and detail to the sentence in an efficient way.
Prepositions of Purpose Rules
Learning these four critical rules when using phrases with purpose will help communication become clearer and easier. With these four rules firmly entrenched in one’s grammar skillset, any English speaker can properly construct sentences with ease!
| Rules | Explanation |
| Objects | First, always make sure the preposition has an object following it – otherwise, you may end up with a sentence that is barely comprehensible or even incorrect. |
| Placement | Second, prepositions should not be used at the beginning of a sentence; instead, include them later as part of a larger phrase. |
| Reading Aloud | Third, avoid ending a sentence with a preposition – read your sentence aloud if you need help determining where it feels right. |
| Context | Lastly, take care to choose the appropriate preposition based on purpose and context; using more than one can lead to confusing sentences. |
Purpose Examples
Prepositions of purpose are used to show the reasoning for a particular purpose. Examples of prepositions of purpose include in order to, so as to, on account of and in case of. These can be used to explain why an action was taken or an event occurred. For instance, someone might say:
- “I ran quickly in order to catch the bus.”
- “We stocked up on food so as to prepare for the storm.”
- “She took the day off from work on account of feeling unwell”
- “They kept extra supplies in case of an emergency.”
All these purpose-related prepositions offer clarity when communicating a purpose-driven action or event.
Purpose Exercises with Answers
Exercises:
- I _ to the store for milk.
- I _ behind the bush so he wouldn’t see me.
- I _ near the window to get a breeze.
- Bob _ around the house try out his bike.
- The kids _ off their beds due to excitement.
Answers:
- I go to the store for milk.
- I stood behind the bush so he wouldn’t see me.
- I sat near the window to get a breeze.
- Bob came around the house try out his bike.
- The kids jumped off their beds due to excitement.
Prepositions of Purpose List
| In order to | ‘I stayed after school in order to finish my project.’ |
| For the purpose of | ‘He applied for the job for the purpose of gaining professional experience.’ |
| To the end that | ‘I took lessons so that I could read music more easily.’ |
| With a view to | ‘We chose this system with a view to streamlining processes.’ |
| So as to | ‘He went back home early so as to get enough rest before work.’ |
Advice for ESL Students & English Language Learners
Understanding purpose is a key problem area for ESL students and English language learners. Prepositions of purpose can be particularly difficult, as they are often subtle and require context. The purpose of prepositions is to provide information about a noun’s relationship to another word in the sentence, like when or where something happens.
To ensure you understand their purpose and accurately use them, it is helpful to practice reading and writing. Making flashcards for yourself with sentences that use prepositions of purpose can also be a great way to practice and remember them. By following this advice, ESL students and English language learners can become better equipped to accurately identify the purpose of prepositions in any given sentence.
Additionally, it is important for learners to properly understand compound prepositions and prepositional phrases meaning and examples.
Common Mistakes Made by English Learners
Many English learners have difficulty with prepositions of purpose. These types of prepositions, such as ‘in order to’ or ‘so that’, are an important element in constructing sentences. Most times, mistakes with these words involve failing to use them at all. This can result in clumsy phrasing as the purpose behind a sentence is unclear.
Other more subtle mistakes can also occur when using prepositions of purpose such as not properly following the purpose with proper verb conjugations or determining which type of purpose preposition to use correctly. To avoid these common mistakes, it is important for English learners to practice applying purpose prepositions in their spoken and written responses. With consistent practice, precise and clear sentences can be achieved!
Common Mistakes:
1. Incorrect Tense
Why it Happens
Not having a firm grasp on correct preposition usage can confuse your statements. This can cause you to use the wrong prepositions and misconstrue your message.
Correct Use
When speaking English, you would use a preposition that reflects the subject in question. Keep context in mind when selecting your prepositions.
2. Lack of prepositions
Why it Happens
The easiest mistake is leaving out determiners when needed. Failing to use these in phrases can lead others to misinterpret what you are trying to express.
Correct Use
Prepositions join words to a person, place, or thing – for example, ‘the cat meowed’ or ‘I love pasta’.
3. Inconsistency
Why it Happens
People forget how they described something before and change the context in a contradictory manner. This confuses the reader.
Correct Use
Be sure that your prepositions remain consistent throughout your writing. There should be no sudden shifts from ‘they’ to ‘this’ unless there was a clear shift in the thing being described.
4. Incorrect Usage
Why it Happens
You don’t know which prepositions to use, so you use too many and it confuses the statement.
Correct Use
Using too many prepositions can make your writing sound monotonous and can also lead to viewers losing interest. Therefore it is important to focus on expressing yourself clearly and effectively with them.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes:
- Prepositions of purpose are used to convey the purpose of an action. To use prepositions correctly and avoid mistakes, it is important to consider the purpose of an action and the purpose for which something was done.
- When we select a preposition to express purpose, it should be chosen based on the verb being used as well as its intended outcome.
- Additionally, when using multiple nouns or pronouns together after a preposition, usually a possessive form will be necessary in order for the phrase to make sense.
With practice and mindful selection of words and phrases, it is possible to accurately communicate purpose by using prepositions.
Learning Purpose Strategies and Best Practices
Prepositions of purpose are used to express purpose or intention. They play a vital role in English grammar, as they can help writers create clear and compelling sentences when used appropriately.
Learning how to effectively use prepositions of purpose is beneficial for improving writing skills and increasing fluency in the English language. Strategies and best practices such as outlining purpose beforehand, practising with simple exercises, and studying grammar books will help learning these prepositions become easier. Understanding prepositions of purpose is essential – it will improve the overall clarity of writing and ensure that the readers understand the writer’s message Keep reading for more useful tips:
Tip 1: Study a List
Why it helps
Learning the various forms and using them properly in speaking and writing is easier than it seems with daily practice. A list can simplify this process and make it seem less daunting.
Daily Life Example
The best way to learn to use determiners correctly is to study a list of prepositions and their usages, and then practice writing sentences with them.
Tip 2: Practice Reading
Why it helps
Exposing yourself to prepositions hidden between other words can help you identify them faster and more accurately.
Daily Life Example
To ensure that you understand how frequently a type of preposition should be used, it’s important to practice reading with them as well, so the meanings become clear. So keep a book of your choice on hand and highlight every preposition you come across.
Tip 3: Everyday Conversations
Why it helps
By applying the prepositions exercise to everyday conversations, you’ll find these words easy to remember and use in the near future.
Daily Life Example
Take your time when speaking to people. Take note of the prepositions they use, and try and repeat them back in different contexts. You can also do this from the comfort of your home by recording yourself or using an AI assistant.
Prepositions of Purpose Frequently Asked Questions
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