Zero prepositions in English

Sometimes, the best grammar rule is knowing when not to follow one. Prepositions play a big role in English, but sometimes, they're not needed at all. This is what we call zero prepositions, and it happens with certain words, especially in expressions related to time and frequency. Let's break it down.

No preposition with each, next, every, and last

Some time-related words don't need a preposition at all. With "each," "next," "every," and "last," it sounds more natural to drop on or in. Instead of saying on next Friday or in last night, just skip the extra word altogether.

For example:

"I'll see you next Friday." ✅

(Not: I'll see you on next Friday. ❌)

"We had a great time last night." ✅

(Not: ...on last night. ❌)

"She goes to the gym every morning." ✅

(Not: ...in every morning. ❌)

"We visit our grandparents each summer." ✅

(Not: ...in each summer. ❌)

No preposition with tomorrow and tonight

You also don't need a preposition before words like "tomorrow," "yesterday," and "tonight" — just say them on their own.

For example:

We're leaving for Spain tomorrow morning. ✅

(Not: ...on tomorrow morning. ❌)

Can you pick me up tonight? ✅

(Not: ...on tonight. ❌)

"I met her for coffee yesterday afternoon." ✅

(Not: ...on yesterday afternoon. ❌)

No preposition in expressions of frequency

When talking about how often something happens, phrases like once a day or twice a week don't need a preposition.

For example:

"Rachel cooks once a day." ✅

(Not: ...in once a day. ❌)

"How often do you go hiking? Once a week? Twice a week?" ✅

"I usually go twice a week." ✅

(Not: ...on twice a week. ❌)

At first, it might feel strange to leave out a preposition, but soon enough, it'll sound completely natural. So next time you're talking about time or frequency, just drop it — zero prepositions, zero complications!

Dropping prepositions might seem odd on paper, but once you hear it, it'll click. Watch our Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs to see what we mean!