The correct use of prepositions is a struggle for many. Learning how to use them according to their function can help students learn correct usage in a systematic way. In my August 18 feature, I introduced weather and source of information prepositions. This article will cover affiliation and description prepositions.

Before you read, take the following quiz as a pretest: Affiliation Preposition Quiz. Then read the following information to help you memorize the prepositions you used incorrectly.

 Affiliation Prepositions

 1) in

-part of a group (category, choir, club, family, group, office, union, political party)

The students in that class are really diligent.

 2) of

-related to origin of place, time, culture, generation, race, religion, sex

-a special member of a group

The people of Vancouver were tired of the garbage strike.

Chong is of a different religion.

She was the treasurer of the chess club.

 3) on

-part of a special group (board, committee, jury, panel team, council, crew, faculty, list, payroll, staff)

The people on the jury must be Canadian citizens.

The girls on the volleyball team are hoping to win the championship.

Try another quiz before reading the following: Description Preposition Quiz. Then read the following information to help you memorize the prepositions you used incorrectly.

Description Prepositions

1) about

-partially describing

There is something odd about that student.

2) above

better than

She is above telling lies.
 

3) like

-similar to; characteristic

He talks just like his mother.
 

4) of

-having an unseen characteristic

He is a man of his word.

She is a woman of honour.

5) with

-having a physical trait

She is the teacher with the short hair.