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Expressions without prepositions

This is a list of some common expressions in which we do not use prepositions, or can leave them out.

discuss, emphasise, enter, marry, lack, resemble and approach​

These verbs are normally followed by direct objects without prepositions.

  • We must discuss your plans. (not … discuss about your plans.)
  • The Minister emphasised the need for secrecy. (not … emphasised on the need …)
  • Conversation stopped as we entered the church. (not … entered in(to) the church.)
  • She married a friend of her sister’s. (not … married with …)
  • He’s clever, but he lacks experience. (not … lacks of …)
  • The child does not resemble either of its parents. (not … resemble to …)
  • The train is now approaching London. (not … approaching to …)

Note that the related nouns must have prepositions before complements:

  • discussion of
  • resemblance to
  • emphasis on
  • approach to
  • entry into
  • marriage to
  • experience of

next, last, etc​

Prepositions are not used before a number of common expressions of time beginning next, last, this, that (sometimes), one, every, each, some, any (in an informal style), all.

  • See you next Monday. (not … on next Monday.)
  • The meeting’s this Thursday.
  • We met one Tuesday in August.
  • I’ll never forget meeting you that afternoon.
  • Come any day you like.
  • The party lasted all night.

Note also tomorrow morning, yesterday afternoon, etc.

Days of the week​

In an informal style, we sometimes leave out on before the names of the days of the week.

  • Why don’t you come for a drink (on) Monday evening?

a meaning ‘each’​

No preposition is used in expressions like three times a day, sixty miles an hour, eighty pence a kilo.

  • Private lessons cost £20 an hour.
note

For per in expressions like these, (see here).

What time …?, etc​

We usually leave out at before what time.

  • What time does Granny’s train arrive? (More natural than At what time …? )

In an informal style, we can also leave out on before what/which day(s).

  • What day is your hair appointment?
  • Which day do you have your music lesson?

about​

In an informal style, at is often dropped before about + time expression.

  • I’ll see you (at) about three o’clock.

‘how long’​

In an informal style, for is often left out in expressions that say how long something lasts.

  • I’ve been here (for) three weeks now.
  • How long are you staying (for)?

Measurement expressions, etc after be​

Expressions containing words like height, weight, length, size, shape, age, colour are usually connected to the subject of the clause by the verb be, without a preposition.

  • He is just the right height to be a police officer.
  • She’s the same age as me.
  • His head’s a funny shape.
  • I’m the same weight as I was twenty years ago.
  • What shoe size are you?
  • What colour are her eyes? (not Of what colour …?)

(in) this way, etc​

We often leave out in (especially in informal speech) in expressions like (in) this way, (in) the same way, (in) another way, etc.

  • They plant corn (in) the same way their ancestors used to 500 years ago.

home​

We do not use to before home (see here).

  • I’m going home.

In informal English (especially American), at can be left out before home.

  • Is anybody home?

place​

In an informal style, to can be dropped in some expressions with the word place. This is normal in American English.

  • Let’s go (to) some place where it’s quiet.
  • I always said you’d go places. (= become successful)

Infinitive structures​

Prepositions can sometimes be dropped in the structure noun + infinitive + preposition (see here).

  • She has no money to buy food (with).
  • We have an hour to do it (in).

This is particularly common with the noun place.

  • We need a place to live (in).
  • She had no place to go (to).