d. Duration: from…to, until, up to
From…to till is another pair of preposition whose locative function is transferred to duration.
Example: We camped there from June till September
1.3.1.3 The Cause Purpose Spectrum
a. Cause, reason, motive: because of, on account of, for, from.
At one end of the causepurpose spectrum, we have prepositions expressing either the material cause or the psychological cause motive for a happening.
Phrase of cause, reason, and motive answer the question why…?
Example: We had to drive slowly because of the heavy rain.
On account of his wide experience, he was made chairman.
b. Purpose, intended destination: for
Phrases of purpose or destination answer the questions Why…?, What…for?,
Where…for?, or Who…for?. Example:
He will do anything for money. Everyone ran for shelter.
c. Recipient, goal, target: for, to, at
When for is followed by noun phrases denoting persons or animals, the meaning is rather one of intended recipient. In contrast to the nation of intended
recipient expressed by for, the preposition to is expressed actual recipient. At, in combinations such as aims at where the prepositional phrase is complementary to
the verb, express intended goal or target. Example:
He laid a trap for his enemies. She made a beautiful doll for her daughter.
He cooked a dinner for her.
d. Source, origin: from
From is used with reference to ‘place of origin’.
Example: He comes from ScotlandGlasgow. He is a Scot a Glaswegian.
1.3.1.4 The Means Agentive Spectrum
a. Manner: in…manner, like, with.
Manner can be expressed by in…manner, and with. With transitive and
intransitive verb, like can also have the function of ‘in a manner resembling’; with
copular verbs, its meaning is purely that of ‘resemblance’. Example:
The job was done in a workmanlike manner. We were received with the utmost courtesy.
The army swept through the city like a pestilence
b. Means and Instrument
Phrases of means and instrument answer the question how.
