Conventions of Composition Rule 178 Practice

1. Wrong: Alejandra beat Mario into the top at the mountain, even though Mario went by kart.

Better: Alejandra beat Mario to the top of the mountain, even though Mario went by kart.

Explanation: To go into the top of the mountain, she'd have to enter it. Top needs to go with ofbecause at the mountain would be nearby, not on it.

2. Wrong: When Adriana got off of the trampoline, she asked how soon she could take another turn in it.

Better: When Adriana got off the trampoline, she asked how soon she could take another turn on it.

Explanation: One doesn't need both off and of, just one. also, people don't jump intrampolines; they just on them.

3. Wrong: Marquis knew all his multiplication tables by the middle on first grade.

Better: Marquis knew all his multiplication tables by the middle of first grade.

Explanation: On shows a location; of makes more sense here.

4. Wrong: Wang Li woke up in the crack of dawn to prepare for the long trip in Lakeville.

Better: Wang Li woke up at the crack of dawn to prepare for the long trip to Lakeville.

Explanation: To be in a crack would be a physical crack; time uses at the crack. Also, as Lakeville is quite small, a long trip in Lakeville would be impossible. Instead, Wang Li must be heading in the direction of Lakeville, which would use to Lakeville.