Inserting the proper preposition like in,on,or at

[jiz07]

1).While the children sat___the table, the cat slept___his basket.
I Put ^At ^In


2). Standing __the beach,he spotted a dead fish floating__the water's surface. Iput ^At ^In

Are These Ok.

 

[RonBee]

1).While the children sat___the table, the cat slept___his basket.
I Put ^At ^In

OK.

2). Standing __the beach,he spotted a dead fish floating__the water's surface. Iput ^At ^In

on, on

 

[RonBee]

We generally use on with surfaces:

• on the table
  on the floor
  on the ground
  on the door
  on the wall
  on the surface of the water
  on the river
  on the lake
  on the bed
  on the roof
  on his shirt
  on her skirt

 

[Tdol]

We can use 'to' or, less commonly, 'onto' for the idea of something new that is meant to stay:

He nailed the picture to the wall. ;-)

 

[RonBee]

We can use 'to' or, less commonly, 'onto' for the idea of something new that is meant to stay:

He nailed the picture to the wall. ;-)

How about:

• He threw it at the wall.

:wink:

 

[Tdol]

Good example- it's not often we see 'at' with movement and it does mean something different from 'to'.;-)

 

[RonBee]

Good example- it's not often we see 'at' with movement and it does mean something different from 'to'.;-)

Yes, saying I threw something at Tdol would definitely be different from saying I threw something to Tdol.

:wink:

 

[RonBee]

Good example- it's not often we see 'at' with movement and it does mean something different from 'to'.;-)

I don't think it is all that unusual. How about:

• Myra was upset with Simon and she threw dishes and plates at him.

What do you think?

 

[Tdol]

The at\to distinction there is the same- it depends whether the person is expected to catch them or be hurt. ;-)

 

[RonBee]

If she threw plates at him he'd be expected to duck. Or not.

:wink:

 

[Tdol]

If she threw them to him, then she would probably be annoyed if he ducked. ;-)