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Particles versus prepositions |
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| Particles are identical to prepositions in appearance. In fact, they can be
considered a special type of preposition. But it is worth noting that particles
are very different from prepositions semantically and grammatically. |
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A particle along with a verb in a phrasal verb forms
a single semantic unit. Particles effect the
meaning of the phrasal verb. Prepositions do not change the
meanings of their proceeding verbs and are independent of
them.
Particle: Max ran up the bill. (run up = to make larger)
Preposition: Max ran up the hill. (run keeps its normal meaning in this case)
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Some particles are able to move in
ways that prepositions cannot. They can separate from the
verb and move around the object. .
Particle: Max ran up the bill. => Max
ran the bill up.
Preposition: Max ran up the hill. => *Max
ran the hill up.(INCORRECT)
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Particles cannot move in ways that
prepositions can. Particles cannot be moved as a phrase
to the front of a sentence or the head of relative clause.
Preposition:
Max ran up the hill.
Max ran up what?
Up what did Max run?
Particle:
Max ran up the bill.
Max ran up what?
*Up what did Max run?(INCORRECT as a phrasal verb)
Preposition: The hill up which Max ran is high.
Particle: *The bill up which Max ran is high.(INCORRECT)
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