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Common Errors with Phrasal Verbs (Part 2): Unnecessary Prepositions

27 May 2022

grammFrequently a preposition is used with a verb where it is not needed. This may happen because of confusion between a regular transitive verb which is not a phrasal verb, and a similar noun which does require a preposition. For example:

X  We should discuss about the proposal.

✔ We should discuss the proposal.

This error may be due to confusion between the verb discuss (transitive; no preposition) with the noun discussion (countable, and often followed by about):

✔ We should have a discussion about the proposal.

Stress can be either a verb (transitive) or a noun (usually uncountable), so it may be even more confusing.

X   We must stress on the importance of employee safety.

✔  We must stress the importance of employee safety.

✔  We must place stress on the importance of employee safety.

Here are some similar examples. Pay attention to the differences between the transitive verb and the verb + noun + preposition pattern.

X  I want to emphasise on team spirit.

✔ I want to emphasise team spirit.

✔ I want to place emphasis on team spirit.


X  Mr Lee demanded for an apology.

✔ Mr lee demanded an apology.

✔ Mr Lee issued a demand for an apology.


X  I have requested for a new assignment.

✔ I have requested a new assignment.

✔ I have made a request for a new assignment.


X Did you order for 120 reams of A4 paper?

✔ Did you order 120 reams of A4 paper?

✔ Did you place that order for 120 reams of A4 paper?


X  Andrew will contact with the suppliers tomorrow.

✔ Andrew will contact the suppliers tomorrow.

✔ Andrew will make contact with the suppliers tomorrow.

Sometimes two verbs have similar meanings, but one is phrasal and the other is not.

X  I would like you to consider about my suggestion.

✔ I would like you to consider my suggestion.

✔ I would like you to think about my suggestion.

Out is sometimes used unnecessarily. Note the following examples:

X  Please list out the names of the employees.

✔ Please list the names of the employees.


X  We have sold out over one thousand units this month.

✔ We have sold over one thousand units this month.

Sometimes out is used with sell, usually in the passive form. In this case it means ‘all the items have been sold; there is nothing left.’

✔  I am afraid the D-52 model is completely sold out.

OR      

✔  We are sold out of the D-52 model.
 

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