+312.+ The preposition shows the relation between two words. In this way
it enables us to use a noun or a pronoun as a modifying word. For
example, in the sentence given above, _I see the bird in the tree_, the
preposition _in_ shows the relationship between _bird_ and _tree_, and
makes of _tree_ a modifying word. It expresses a different meaning than
if we used the word _tree_ as an adjective. For we do not mean that we
see a tree bird, but a bird in a tree. So with the help of the
preposition _in_, we have used _tree_ as a modifying word.
But the preposition _in_ also governs the form of the word that follows
it. Since nouns have the same form whether they are used as subject or
object, this does not mean any change in the form of the nouns. But
pronouns have different forms for the subject and object, so when we use
a pronoun with a preposition, we must use the object form. There are
seven object forms of the personal pronouns, and after a preposition,
always use one of these object forms.
He gave it to _me_.
Give it to _him_.
Give it to _her_.
Add this to _it_.
Bring it to _us_.
I will give it to _you_.
He gave it to _them_.
+313.+ Be careful to always use the object form of the pronoun following
a preposition. Observe this also in the use of the relative and
interrogative pronoun "who." The object form is "whom." For example:
To whom will you go?
This is the man to whom I wrote.
For whom are you looking?
Where is the woman for whom you would make such a sacrifice?