English Prepositions with 'Home' - Usage and Idiomatic Rules

Introduction

The correct usage of prepositions with the word 'home' can often confuse non-native English speakers and even some native speakers. In this article, we will explore the nuances of using 'home' with prepositions, highlighting common phrases and idiomatic rules that govern its correct usage.

Common Expressions and Rules

When Prepositions Are Not Required:

The phrase 'go home' is a prime example of a common expression where no preposition is needed. Similarly, 'phone home,' 'stay home,' and 'eat at home' do not require a preposition before 'home.' These are examples of intransitive action words where 'home' acts as a directional adverb.

For instance, saying 'go to home' or 'phone to home' would sound bizarre to native English speakers. However, there are exceptions, such as in baseball, where a player can 'go to home' or 'steal home.' A commentator can also correctly say, 'He’s not going to make it to home' or 'He’s not going to make it home.'

Common Phrases Without Prepositions:

Go home Phone home Stay home Eat at home Write at home Write home Run home Walk home Flounce home Race home Bring someone home Take something home Bring it home Speed home Jog home Drive home Ride home Move home Fly home

Most of these can take the preposition 'on,' such as 'jog on home,' 'flounce on home,' and 'walk on home,' but not for all verbs. For example, 'eat home' is incorrect and 'write to home' is also incorrect.

Context and Exceptions

The exact use of prepositions with the word 'home' can depend on the specific context. For instance, the sentences 'I go home every lunch time' and 'I go home for lunch on Fridays' are correct, while 'I go to home' is incorrect.

When it comes to personal homes, we can use 'to my home' or 'to Kate Stuart's home,' but not just 'to home.' The correct usage would be 'I go to my home every payday' or 'I go to Jeremiah’s home every Saturday.'

Examples and Usage Guidelines:

1. Work Context:

Where do you go after work? - I go home. Where do you go after third base? - I go to home.

2. Personal Home Context:

I go home to water my plants after work. I go to my home every payday. I go to Jeremiah's home every Saturday.

Correct and Incorrect Usage

Correct:

I am going to Kate Stuart's home on Saturday. I am going to my home every payday.

Incorrect:

I am going to home. Explanation: Here 'Home' is the direction of movement, a directional adverb and it doesn't use the preposition 'to'.

By understanding these rules and contextual nuances, English learners and native speakers alike can use the word 'home' more effectively and naturally in their speech and writing.