Saturday 13 November 2010

Preposition differences (British/American English)

British EnglishAmerican English

At the weekend (s) – on the weekend (s)
At the front/back – in the front/back
A quarter past one – a quarter after one
A quarter to two – a quarter of two
At school – in school
Check something – check something out
Different from/to – different from/than
Do up a room etc. – do over a room etc.
Fill in a form – fill out a form
Friday to Sunday – Friday through Sunday
Get on (with somebody) – get along (with somebody)
Meet somebody – meet with somebody
Stay at home – stay home
To/in hospital – to/in the hospital
Visit somebody – visit with somebody

2 comments:

  1. At the front/back – in the front/back = I say both
    A quarter past one – a quarter after one = Both
    A quarter to two – a quarter of two = Both, but more the supposedly "British" one.
    At school – in school = Depends on context. I am (located) at school now, but I am not in (attending) school
    Do up a room etc. – do over a room etc. = Up means to make better, over just means to change. So, again, context.
    Meet somebody – meet with somebody = Meet someone is the first time. Meet with is someone you already know.
    Stay at home – stay home = Except in the phrase "Stay-at-home mom / dad"
    Visit somebody – visit with somebody = I never say Visit with. I don't hear other people say it, either. What context is this used?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Agree with duckman mostly.

    ReplyDelete