Education and Reference Q&A
"Point of" vs. "point in" ask?
This is a grammar question. How do you know when to use "of" or "in?" I can't come across to find anything on it, besides maybe using "of" preceding nouns and "in" preceding verbs. Is that correct? I've also read that if you're asking a question beginning beside, "what's the point," then you follow it with "of." Is that correct? I really don't understand it. Are in that really any set rules for this?Examples:
There is no point of checking it over and over. Is that wrong?
There is no point in checking it over and over. Is that right?
What is the point of life? Right?
What is the point in life span? Wrong?
Thank you; I greatly appreciate it.
Answers:
In the examples you have provided, they sound correct, although other prepositions may also be appropriate, giving different shades of meaning. There are three key rules you need to follow:
1-Use nouns (including -ing forms) after prepositions.
2-Become familiar with adjectives adjective and preposition combinations.
3-Become familiar with common verb-preposition combinations.
Finally, consult an ESL dictionary or language rules to help you find the right combinations. Source(s): Rules for Writers by Diana Hacker
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