Preposition Traps & Useful Phrases

Advanced · Prepositions

Some of the most common preposition mistakes come from verbs that need NO preposition at all, and from fixed phrases whose meaning changes with the preposition ("in time" vs "on time", "in the end" vs "at the end").

This lesson gathers the classic traps and high-value phrases in one place so you can fix several errors at once.

How to build it

Some verbs take NO preposition · small preposition changes = big meaning changes

Rules & examples

  1. These common verbs take NO preposition — do not add one.

    The object comes straight after the verb.

    • discuss the plan (not "discuss about")
    • enter the room (not "enter into")
    • marry someone
    • phone/call me
    • answer the question
  2. "in time" vs "on time".

    in time = with enough time to spare; on time = exactly at the scheduled time.

    • We arrived in time to catch the train. (not late)
    • The train left on time. (exactly on schedule)
  3. "at the end" vs "in the end".

    at the end = at the final point of something; in the end = finally / eventually.

    • at the end of the film (the last part)
    • In the end, we decided to stay. (eventually)
  4. Manner and means: "by" vs "on" vs "in".

    by for method; on foot; in/by for transport phrases.

    • by car / by bus / by email
    • on foot
    • by hand
    • by mistake / on purpose
  5. "arrive" — at / in, never "to".

    at a point/building; in a town/country.

    • arrive at the airport
    • arrive in Japan

Tips to remember

  • Memorize the "no-preposition" verbs: discuss, enter, marry, phone/call, answer, reach, lack, approach.
  • "on time" = punctual; "in time" = early enough. "The meeting started on time"; "I got there just in time."

Common mistakes

  • ✗ Let's discuss about the budget. → ✓ Let's discuss the budget. — "discuss" takes a direct object — no "about".
  • ✗ We arrived to the station late. → ✓ We arrived at the station late. — "arrive" uses "at" (a point) or "in" (a city), never "to".