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Nerve
Joined: 12 Jun 2013
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2013 3:43 pm Post subject: What determines the preposition, the verb before or the noun |
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I thought prepositions are defined by the following nouns, but it seems to be also defined by the succeeding verbs.
○ I lived in the city.
� I lived to the city.
○ I got to the city.
� I got in the city.
I think "I got lost in the city." sounds natural, so "I got lost in the planet." also okay?
How do you choose the preposition? |
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IanT
Joined: 13 Sep 2012
Posts: 340
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:52 am Post subject: |
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Well, it varies! 
If it's location, then the preposition is determined by the following noun.
In the city, on the coast, at a party, etc
With "get to", to is part of the verb. "get to" means reach or arrive at.
But "get lost" is complete without a preposition, and so the rest is just describing where you get lost. So back to location.
Normally in the city, but on a planet (at least if you're on the surface).
Hope helps,
Ian
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