STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION SKILL 56: RECOGNIZE INCORRECT PREPOSITIONS

LONGMAN COMPLETE COURSE FOR THE TOEFL TEST

STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

SKILL 56: RECOGNIZE INCORRECT PREPOSITIONS

Sometimes an incorrect preposition is given in a sentence in written expression questions on the TOEFL test.

The game was called on* because of rain.

I knew I could count in* you to do a good job.

The first example should say that the game was called off because of rain. The expression called off means cancelled, and that is he meaning that makes sense in this sentence. To call on someone is to visit someone, and this meaning does not make sense in this example. In the second example, it is not correct in English to count in someone. The correct expression is to count on someone.

EXERCISE 56: Each of the following sentences contains at least one preposition. Circle the preposition. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

____________	3	If you need more light to read, turn on the lamp next to you.
____________	4	Parents always try to bring at their children to be thoughtful.
____________	5	I’ll have to consult to my attorney before making a decision.
____________	6	Walt has lost his keys, so he must look for them.
____________	7	I just don’t approve at your cheating on the exam.
____________	8	Smoking is forbidden, so you should put out your cigarette.
____________	9	Failure to pass the test will result to the loss of your license.
____________	10	It is unlawful for parolees to associate with known felons.

ANSWER KEY

1	C
2	I	(should be rely on)
3	C
4	I	(should be bring up)
5	I	(should be consult with)
6	C
7	I	(should be approve of)
8	C
9	I	(should be result in)
10	C