Hand-book of Volapük/24

= THE USE OF PREPOSITIONS =

In English we often use one of the common prepositions in several different meanings, which may not coincide with the meanings of any one Volap&uuml;k preposition. In Volap&uuml;k it is intended that each preposition should have only two meanings, the literal and the figurativ.

The following list is intended for reference in case of doubt :

It must be remembered also that there are many words in English which are used sometimes as prepositions, sometimes as adverbs : to run down the hill; to tear down the house.

By, the doer, fa by, beside, neb&uuml; by, past, bei by, by means of, dub by, each, a a del, day by day ; a tel , two by two.

At, close to, len at, in a town, in at, o'clock, not translated.

Before, speaking of place, bifu speaking of time, b&uuml;f&uuml;.

After, in time, pos ; after, behind, po.

Ago ; where we use this adverb of time, for example "two years ago," the Volap&uuml;k expression is, "before two years." Similarly, for "two years hence," after two years.

Of, belonging to, translated by the kimafal ; of, concerning (I speak of this subject), d&ouml; ; of, composed of, containing, originating from, coming from (a glass of water, Schleyer of Constance), de.

To, the indirect object of a verb, generally meaning in relation to , translated by the kimefal ; to, denoting progress to a place, al.

From, departure from, de from, on account of, dem or dem&uuml;.

For, in favor of, in exchange for, plo ; for, instead of, pla ; for, during (for years), du for, on account of dem or dem&uuml;.

Towards, direction of movement, &auml;l; towards, disposition tovards, kol towards, nearly (towards three o'clock), za.

With, in company with, ko with, as an instrument, me.

But, except, pl&auml;, sesum&uuml; but, only, te.

Till, until; j&uuml; al, j&uuml; in, j&uuml; su, j&uuml; len, etc.

Without, deprived of, nen without, outside of, pl&ouml;, mof&uuml;.

About, surrounding, zi about, concerning, d&ouml; about, approximately, za.