Do you ever say "in back of"?
Not "in the back of" but "in back of", meaning the entire phrase functions as a preposition?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
An English Question
As I am a teacher of English, I talk about English a lot. Since I work with and teach people from all different cultural and textbook backgrounds, questions about English come up often. I love it. So here's a question for you:
Not "in the back of" but "in back of", meaning the entire phrase functions as a preposition?
Not "in the back of" but "in back of", meaning the entire phrase functions as a preposition?
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7 comments:
Oh, good question! I think I always add the definite article before "back" and use it as a prepositional phrase. Maybe in very quick speech I may elide the definite article, but I wouldn't be using it as a preposition. Have you come across a group of English speakers who do?
"In back of" is a synonym for behind.
The dog house is in back of the house.
versus
The dog house is in the back of the house.
Different meaning if you include "the".
Yes, I do agree that your definition for "in back of" is correct. Thanks for commenting!
Now I'm wondering, do you ever actually use it?
Question: Who Cares?
I CARE!!!
Is Langley in back of you?
C - I am a Bemidji blog stalker. Your mom can identify me. You have a great blog, ask strange questions and read incredible books. Thanks and please, for our sake, don't let travel interrupt the blog! The only weakness I have seen so far is the absence of raspberries on the fruit list. I would say "in back of the house," but Communication is not my Strength.
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