Precipitous Prepositions
Precipitous Prepositions
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
James 1:19
AT and TO are two very small words that have equal amounts of impact in reading and in hearing.
AT is a preposition that is used as a connector that defines a specific time, place or point and is usually followed by a noun or pronoun. Usually.
It will usually connect a verb and a noun or pronoun together. Here’s an example;
John sat AT the table.
TO is also a preposition. It’s used to express motion or direction toward a person, point, place or thing.
I arrived AT nine o’clock. I looked AT my watch.
AT and TO usually cannot be swapped out. It would make things really weird if they were.
So what’s the point? Keep reading.
Have you ever been yelled AT?
Have you ever been yelled TO?
Different right?
Working in a paramilitary organization I’ve done both and I’ve had both done to me.
I’ve yelled AT someone to do something, as in giving an order and direction. I’ve also yelled TO someone for help or to give a suggestion.
Interestingly, one seems more personal than the other.
When we talk AT someone, it’s generally, well more intent, less personal. It explains Direction. Orderly. Or a place or specific thing.
When we talk TO someone, it’s to that person and, well, personal. Requesting. Suggestive. It describes a method, thought, action.
And here’s the point;
I enjoy talking TO people, rather than AT them. However, neither is wrong, it’s in the ear of the beholder really in some cases.
When we talk TO someone it’s an inclusive conversation. It’s two way. It involves the other in the act. When we talk AT someone we needn’t require their input.
I’ve caught myself talking AT my spouse, my children and my friends. Neither was cool.
However I enjoy talking TO them much more.
I’m not a teacher, nor would I ever want to be, I reserve that respect for my wife. I had to study these words to understand what they even meant in their use. But they are so important the way we read them and the context in which they are used.
More importantly, how are our actions defined? Are we talking TO people or are we talking AT them?
Everyone has had those conversations where someone says, “I need to talk TO you”. However when you get in the conversation with them, they aren’t really involving you. They are talking AT you.
And finally, do you pray TO God or do you pray AT Him?