This question arises after seeing this thread.
Consider the following sentences –
There is no point discussing this here (Between "point" and "discussing", there is a "in" and that is optional. And I am omitting
it purposefully for asking my doubt)Do you see any point in filling up all the forms?
There is no use filling up the forms. ("using "in" after "use" is optional here)
What is the use of filling up these forms?
My question is –
Why in some sentences omitting prepositions like this is optional and why in some cases placing preposition is a must?
Best Answer
Firstly, I think the correct verb is "fill out", not "fill up". You fill out forms, you fill up a glass of water or a trash can.
Here are your sentences with the optional preposition in parentheses. Just so we can see the possibilities more clearly.
In all of these examples, I think the sentence sounds better if you do not use "in". In fact, I would change the grammar of the second sentence entirely. Here are my recommended corrections.
In fact, these sentences are still sounding a little odd to me. If I wanted to convey these ideas, I personally would say something like...
(American English)