Friday, January 27

Grammar tips

Today we will discuss the use of prepositions with graphs!

Take a look at this graph:

According to the graph, we must use different prepositions to transmit specific information:

- “The overall prices of all items rose by 10% as compared to 2020.”

• When using a verb followed by the amount of change, use by.

- “The prices of all items less food and energy rose to approximately 8% in 2022.”

• When using a verb followed by the upper/lower limit, use to.

* Note: When using a verb followed by the amount that is both the amount of change and the upper/lower limit, the preposition is optional: to or by.

Now let's change the reasoning a little bit. Take a look at the following sentences:

- “There was a rise of 50%.”

• When using the noun form followed by a numerical value, use of.

- “There was a rise in food and energy prices.” 

• When using the noun form followed by a concept, use in.

You can also use both: “There was a rise of 50% in food prices.”

Finally, the contrast of the prepositions by and to can occur in situations such as the following: 

- “The oil prices dropped by US$30.00 a barrel.”

• The price change was of $30.00 (ex. from $70.00 to $40.00).

- “The oil prices dropped to US$30.00 a barrel.”

• The price dropped to the level of $30.00. The difference here is variable.