Prepositions in (English) Dictionaries

ABSTRACT: This study investigates dictionaries’ explicit and implicit views on the category of preposition. Current English-language dictionaries, almost across the board, define prepositions as words that must take noun-phrase complements (objects). But, in conflict with these definitions, entries that label words like about, before, except, from, in, until , and with as prepositions include examples where these words have non-NP complements or none at all. I argue that this analysis is empirically inadequate and results in dictionary entries that are more complex, less internally consistent, and harder for dictionary users to navigate than is necessary or justified. Adopting a view of prepositions as characteristically taking complements, but not restricted to NP complements, would result in simpler, more accurate, and more user-friendly dictionary entries.