Difficulties in using correct English prepositions among EFL students

Ibrahim Abdalla

doi:10.21070/jees.v6i2.1640

(1) * Ibrahim Abdalla Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Almandag, Albahan University
Saudi Arabia
(*) Corresponding Author

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21070/jees.v6i2.1640

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to find out the reasons of the problem related to using correct English prepositions and find some solutions. The participants were ten students at levels seven and eight, at the Faculty of Sciences and Arts. The researcher used the Descriptive Statistical Method and collected the data via a written test as the main research tool. The data were then analyzed quantitaively. The results were as follows: Saudi students faced problems with using the correct prepositions after certain verbs. Students encountered difficulties in identifying the correct prepositional phrase. Students experienced the same problem with the use of English prepositions in writing tasks and in daily communication. The recommendations of this study are that students need to revise the use of English prepositions in general and need more practice in the use of prepositions after certain verbs. They also need to make a greater effort to use English prepositional phrases in their written work. Regarding writing courses, students need to focus more on the use of prepositions in general. Curriculum designers need more attention about teaching prepositions in their textbooks and curriculums.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Saudi students faced problems by using the correct prepositions after certain verbs.
Students encountered difficulties in identifying the correct prepositional phrase.
Students experienced the same problem with the use of English prepositions in writing tasks and in daily communication.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Ibrahim Abdalla, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Almandag, Albahan University

Ibrahim Abdalla Ahmed Abker. Assistant professor of Applied Linguistics at Albaha University, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Almandag, Saudi Arabia. Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics 2016 from Sudan University of Sciences and Technology (Sudan). Master of ELT from Aljaziera University, 2013 (Sudan). BA of English Language and Literature, Omdurman Alahlia University 1999, (Sudan). Tel: 00966532541525 Iaahmed@bu.edu.sa

References

Almahammad, Y. (2016) First Language transfer in the acquisition of English Prepositions by Jordanian EFL learners. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. (p.38).

Alwreikat, E. A., & Yunus, K. B. (2020). Conventional Errors in Employing English Prepositions in the Written Work of EFL Jordanian Students. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(3), 488–496. DOI: https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v10-i3/7065

Castro, M. C. S. A. (2013). An analysis of Prepositional Errors of College Students. In Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Foreign Language Learning and Teaching: 97-108.

Choudhury, A. S. (2003). Of Speaking, Writing, and Developing Writing Skills in English Language in India, 13,27-32.

Cowan, E. (1982). Writing. Brief edition Scott, Foresman and Company. U.S.A. (p.281).

Douglas Biber, S. C. (2003). Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English England: Longman.

Huddleston, R. (1984). Introduction to the grammar of English. Cambridge: (p.38). Cambridge University Press. (p.336). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139165785

John E.& Earriner, M. E. (1958). English Grammar and Composition. United States: Harcourt. (P.211).

Kofi E. (2010). Applied English Syntax: Foundations for word, phrase, and sentence analysis. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. (p.297).

Lindstomberg, S. (1996) Prepositions: Meaning and Methods. ELT Journal. 50(3), (p 225-236). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/50.3.225

Lorincs, K and Gordon. R. (2012) ‘Difficulties in Learning Prepositions and Possible Solutions. Linguistics Potfolio. (p.1-14).

Randolph Quirk, and Sidney Greenbaum, Geoffrey Leech, and Jan Svartvik. (1985) A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. London: Longman. (p.673).

Seaton, A., & Mew, Y. H. (2007). Basic English Grammar for English Language Learners: Book 1. Three Watson, CA: Saddleback Educational Publishing, Inc. (p.132).

Slamet Riyanto, and N. (2012). A Handbook of English Grammar: An Effective Way to Master English. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar. (P.167).

Stageberg, N. C. (1981). An introductory English Grammar. Fort Worth: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. (p.169).

Swan, M. (2005). Practical English usage. Oxford University Press. (P. 425).

Walker, B.L. (1982). Basic English Grammar. Baltimore, Maryland. USA. (p.123).

Wishon, G., & Burks, J. (1980). Let's Write English. New York: American Book Company. (p.285).

Wren. P. C. & Martin. H. (1999). High School English Grammar. S. Chand & company LTD: New Delhi. (p.106).

Yates, J. (1999). The ins and outs of prepositions, New York Barron's Educational Series. (p.5).