>>>Hi everybody,
>>>
>>>I am wondering if there is some online dictionary where I can check if I used the right preposition in a phrase? Say, often after I've written a phrase I have a feeling that something is not exactly right. I want to be able to quickly check myself.
>>>
>>>Thanks in advance.
>>
>>If you don't know it yet, have a look at : "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr and E.B. White. It's just about 85 pages. Admittedly there are a lot of exceptions, but there are also a few rules that are very succinctly outlined in the book.
>>
>>And don't ask why I do not apply everything I might have read (some 30 years ago) in that book. :)
>>
>>Hope this helps and kind regards,
>>
>>Marc
>
>>>to quickly check myself
>
>I believe that Strunk and White would have said "to check myself quickly" and not split that infinitive.
Right! And they would have objected to (had to look that one up) my use of "in the book" and "in that book". Rule 17 : "omit needless words".
Which maybe brings us to the simplest answer to Naomi : Google!. I had written "objected in" and like Naomi, felt there was something wrong, so I googled, and see? I got the right preposition. (I hope).
If things have the tendency to go your way, do not worry. It won't last. Jules Renard.