Hand-book of Volapük/Use of Prepositions

by Charles E. Sprague

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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 Volapük preposition. In Volapük 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, nebü; 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.

Among Between

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bevü

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In English we use between in speaking of two objects, and among of more than two; in Volapük there is no distinction.

Before, speaking of place, bifü; speaking of time, büfü.

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

Ago; where we use this adverb of time, for example “two years ago,” the Volapük 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), dö; 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 demü.

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

Towards, direction of movement, äl; towards, disposition towards, kol; towards, nearly (towards three o'clock), za.

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

But, except, plä, sesumü; but, only, te.

Till, until; jü al, jü in, jü su, jü len, etc.

Without, deprived of, nen; without, outside of, plö, mofü.

About, surrounding, zi; about, concerning, dö; about, approximately, za.