0
Agarista Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Prepositions
Hello, I just did an exercise where I had to fill in the blanks with the correct preposition. In the following sentence I put the preposition with but when I checked my answers it turned out to be in.
She had problems ____reading the instructions.
I think in here is wrong. The explanation given was that have problems -in-gerund is the right combination. Is this true?
She had problems ____reading the instructions.
I think in here is wrong. The explanation given was that have problems -in-gerund is the right combination. Is this true?
Top answer
I have heard both 'in' and 'with' in that context, but by far the most common pattern is to omit the preposition entirely. She had problems reading the instructions. < the most usual pattern ...
- I have heard both 'in' and 'with' in that context, but by far the most common pattern is to omit the preposition entirely.
- She had problems reading the instructions.
- < the most usual pattern ...
- problems in reading ...
- < second most usual ...
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
I have heard both 'in' and 'with' in that context, but by far the most common pattern is to omit the preposition entirely.
She had problems reading the instructions.< the most usual pattern
... problems in reading ...< second most usual
... problems with reading ... < least usual
CJ
She had problems reading the instructions.< the most usual pattern
... problems in reading ...< second most usual
... problems with reading ... < least usual
CJ
00
Thank you, that was helpful.
So, the way I understand it is like this: It is OK to say I have problems with prepositions, but it will be better to say I have problems understanding prepositions, even though one could also say I have problems with understanding prepositions or I have problems in understanding prepositions. I don't think it sounds right to say
So, the way I understand it is like this: It is OK to say I have problems with prepositions, but it will be better to say I have problems understanding prepositions, even though one could also say I have problems with understanding prepositions or I have problems in understanding prepositions. I don't think it sounds right to say
00
AgaristaIf both in and with are OK, why was my answer considered wrong?Those are the idiosyncrasies of tests. Apparently, somewhere "in" is taught as the only correct preposition for that context. Maybe that's what your textbook says.
AgaristaIt is OK to say I have problems with prepositions, but it will be better to say I have probl
0
Related Questions