Prepositions Part 35
Combinations
A preposition is a word placed before a noun or a pronoun to show in what relation the person or thing denoted by it stands in regard to something else. There are over 100 prepositions in the English Language. This is a very small number compared with the vast number of nouns, adjectives and verbs. Here are some of the prepositions used in English
Embark on
To go into a ship or a plane or to put or take something onto a ship or plane.
It also means ‘to start something, especially something new, difficult or exciting.’
Jane has embarked on a career as a teacher.
Embarrassed about
Feeling uncomfortable or nervous and worrying about what people think of you, for example because you have made a silly mistake, or because you have to talk or sing in public.
Sally felt embarrassed about how untidy the house was.
Fiona gets embarrassed if you ask her to sing.
Embarrassment at
The feeling you have when you are embarrassed.
Emma suffered extreme embarrassment at not knowing how to read.
Embedded in
To put something firmly and deeply into something else, or to be put into something in this way.
A piece of glass was embedded in his right eye.
Embellished with
To make something more beautiful by adding decorations to it.
Thelma’s dress was embellished with gold threads.
Emblazoned with
If something is emblazoned with a name or design, it has that design on it where it can easily be seen.
David was wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a political slogan.
Emblem of
A picture, shape, or object that is used to represent a country or organisation.
The national emblem of Canada is a maple leaf.
Embodiment of
Someone or something that represents or is very typical of an idea or quality.
Bradman was the embodiment of evil.
Embroider with
To decorate cloth by sewing a pattern, picture, or words on it with coloured thread.
Muriel’s dress was embroidered with flowers.
Embroil in
To involve someone or something in a difficult situation.
Noel became embroiled in an argument with a taxi driver.
Emerge from
To appear or come out from somewhere.
The sun emerged from behind the clouds.
Emigrate from
To leave your own country in order to live in another country.
Roland emigrated from Sri Lanka to Australia when he was a teenager.
Emphasis on
Special attention or importance.
In Japan there is a lot of emphasis on politeness.
Employ as
To pay someone to work for you
Kate was employed as a receptionist.
Empty of
Having nothing inside.
The street is empty of vehicles.
Enamoured by
Liking someone or something very much.
Sam was greatly enamoured by Susan.
Encased in
To cover or surround something completely.
William’s broken arm was encased in plaster.
Enclose by
To surround something, especially with a fence or wall, in order to make it separate.
The pool area was enclosed by a six-foot wall.
Encounter with
An occasion when you meet someone or do something with someone you do not know.
My first encounter with the great philosopher took place in Colombo.
Encroach on
To gradually take more of someone’s time, possessions or rights. A housing scheme has encroached on forest land.
