Learn English – Why is a preposition sometimes optional

ellipsisprepositions

This question arises after seeing this thread.

Consider the following sentences –

  1. 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)

  2. Do you see any point in filling up all the forms?

  3. There is no use filling up the forms. ("using "in" after "use" is optional here)

  4. 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.

  • There is no point (in) discussing this here.
  • Do you see any point (in) filling OUT all the forms?
  • There is no use (in) filling OUT the forms.
  • What is the use of filling OUT these forms?

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.

  • There is no point discussing this here.
  • Do you see any REASON TO FILL OUT all the forms?
  • There is no use filling OUT the forms.
  • What is the use of filling OUT these forms?

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...

  • Is this really the right place to discuss this?
  • Is there a reason that we have to fill out all the forms?
  • Filling out these forms seems pointless.
  • Why do we have to fill out these forms?

(American English)

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