Here's why:
* Prepositions are versatile: Many words can function as prepositions depending on context. For example, "during" can be a preposition ("during the day"), but it can also be an adverb ("He arrived during the meeting").
* New prepositions emerge: The English language is constantly evolving, with new prepositions appearing and old ones gaining new meanings.
* Phrasal prepositions: Many combinations of words act as prepositions ("in spite of," "on behalf of"). These are often classified as separate prepositions.
A more realistic approach:
Instead of focusing on a specific number, it's helpful to understand the different categories of prepositions:
* Simple prepositions: These are single words, like "on," "in," "at," "to," "from," "by," "with," "for," etc. There are about 50-100 commonly used ones.
* Compound prepositions: These are formed by combining two or more words, like "according to," "because of," "instead of," etc.
* Phrasal prepositions: These are two or more words that function as a single preposition, like "on account of," "in front of," "in addition to," etc.
To improve your understanding of prepositions, focus on:
* Learning the most common simple prepositions: These form the backbone of preposition usage.
* Understanding the context: Look at the words around the preposition to figure out its meaning and function in the sentence.
* Using a dictionary or grammar resource: These can provide a more comprehensive list of prepositions and their various uses.
Don't get caught up in memorizing a fixed number; focus on understanding the various categories and using them effectively in your writing and speaking.