By Hamza Wankari
Meaning, which technically translates as semantics, plays a fundamental role in communication between a speaker and a listener. Without meaning, human activities would have been on a great decline, or worst, come to a halt, for at the heart of civilisation lies in language and meaning.
No doubt, some English words have a few prepositions with which they collocate in different contexts to convey different meanings with ease. If this is the case, then there is a need to study all the various prepositions associated with the words in our vocabulary for effective communication.
Prepositions indicate time, location, direction, etc., in relation to words. More precisely, in English language contexts, determine the prepositions to be used alongside words. In default on using apt prepositions, there may be adverse consequences.
In light of this, this treatise attempts to shed some light on the different meanings as produced by the different prepositions germane to the word “market”.
According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary 10th Edition, “market” is an occasion when people buy and sell goods; the open area or building where they meet to do this.
How, then, can the word (market) be deployed with different prepositions to make effective meanings?
IN the market
AT the market
ON the market
Examples
I am in the market. (Non-standard)
I am AT the market. (Standard)
Meaning:
I’m physically present AT the market.
I am IN the market for a new English dictionary. (Standard)
Meaning:
I’m interested in buying a new English dictionary. However, I may not be physically present AT the market.
My phone is IN the market. (Nonstandard)
My phone is ON the market. (Standard)
Meaning: My phone is up for sale to anyone interested.
Summary of the treatise
IN the market (to be interested in buying something).
AT the market (to be physically present at the market).
ON the market ( to be up for sale).
Hamza Wankari wrote via ibrahimhamzawankari@gmail.com.
