Extended meanings of prepositions

6.127 The uses of prepositional phrases as adjuncts of time and manner are really extended or metaphorical uses that cover a wide range of prepositions and are part of a metaphor that affects many other aspects of language as well. For example, when we talk about 'approaching a point in time', 'a short stretch of time', and so on, we are using words that refer to space to talk about time.

However, there are also extended meanings that apply only to small groups of prepositions, or sometimes only to individual prepositions.

For example, 'in' basically indicates position inside a container.

The baby was found in a carrier bag.

It will end up in the dustbin.

However, it is often used with reference to areas rather than containers.

Emma sat in an armchair with her legs crossed.

Then we were told what had happened in Sheffield.

'In' is also used to indicate relative position.

We had to do something in the centre of the town to attract visitors.

However, 'in' is also used in ways that extend its meaning further away from physical position. For example, it can be used to say that someone is a involved in a particular situation, group, or activity.

They were in no danger.

The child was in trouble with the police.

I remember when the Colonels were in power in Greece.

Mr Emile Gumbs has remained in office but the island has no Parliament.

It can indicate inclusion in a more abstract way.

Some of her early Hollywood experiences were used in her 1923 film, Mary of the Movies.

In any book, you have a moral purpose.

It can also indicate that something has reached a particular stage, or appears in a particular way.

The first primroses are in flowery.

Her hair was in pigtails over either shoulder.

A few other prepositions with a basic meaning relating to containers can be used in similar ways: for example 'within', 'into', 'out of'.

The US ought to do everything within reason to encourage General Noriega to leave.

Those men, when we get them into the police force, are going to be real heroes.

Heroines considered attractive by earlier generations now seem hopelessly out of touch.

Contents of Chapter 7

page

Contents 1

Editorial team 6

Introduction 6

Note on Examples 10

Guide to the Use of the Grammar 11

Glossary of grammatical terms 13

Cobuild Grammar Chart 21

Contents of Chapter 1 22

1 Referring to people and things 26

Introduction to the noun group 26

Identifying people and things: nouns 28

Things which can be counted: count nouns 29

Things not usually counted: uncount nouns 31

When there is only one of something: singular nouns 33

Referring to more than one thing: plural nouns 34

Referring to groups: collective nouns 36

Referring to people and things by name: proper nouns 37

Nouns which are rarely used alone 38

Sharing the same quality: adjectives as headwords 39

Nouns referring to males or females 40

Referring to activities and processes: '-ing' nouns 41

Specifying more exactly: compound nouns 42

Referring to people and things without naming them: pronouns 44

Referring to people and things: personal pronouns 44

Mentioning possession: possessive pronouns 47

Referring back to the subject: reflexive pronouns 47

Referring to a particular person or thing: demonstrative pronouns 48

Referring to people and things in a general way: indefinite pronouns 49

Showing that two people do the same thing: reciprocal pronouns 51

Joining clauses together: relative pronouns 51

Asking questions: interrogative pronouns 52

Other pronouns 53