Re: preposition "at" following an intransive or transitive verb Hi Soup,
There is my version of a likely explanation of the matter in question:
In the first sentence (1.1.) the preposition “at” follows an intransitive verb and shows direction e.g.
He aimed at the bird, the poodle ran at the beetle, also to ride at, to fire at etc. (this fits in well with your statement)
When the preposition “at” follows transitive verbs (1.2.) it also shows direction, but the action denoted by the verb is generally unsuccessful.e.g.
I got to my feet, still not looking at her, I started back towards the window, when she caught at my arm but I moved aside. catch at = snatch, grasp, (reach out o’s hand for, reach for/ after, try to, as in
“The beggars kept catching at their coats.” Also see grasp at straws. grasp at straws = also, clutch at straws. Make a desperate attempt at saving oneself.
For example, “He had lost the argument, but he kept grasping at straws, naming numerous previous cases that had little to do with this one.”
This metaphoric expression alludes to a drowning person trying to save himself by grabbing at flimsy reeds.
Would you be kind to confirm the present inquiry?
Thank you for your relevant correction.
Regards
V. |