In my work with students from many parts of the world at the Centre for the Development of Writing at the Faculty of Education, McGill University, I had difficulty explaining why one preposition was used and not another -- the reason being that there is rarely a 'why'.

So, when Charles introduced me to his preposition project, I recognized that a resource of this kind would be the answer to every writer's prayer.

M.A. Education, McGill; M.A. History, Concordia

My mother tongue is English, but all my formal education was in French. With the result that, when I began my writing career in English, I faced most of the problems that plague those for whom English is the second language. Should I write different from? than? or to? Should I say exempt from? empathize with? cater to?

Such questions dogged me throughout my 47 years in advertising. And I searched in vain for help. I wish someone had compiled a guide to prepositions like this one -- in time for me to use.

President of GoodEnglish.com