An Analysis of Errors Made by Sudanese EFL Undergraduate Students in Using English Prepositions

Abstract

This study attempted to investigate the difficulties that encounter EFL undergraduate students in using English prepositions while writing. In view of this, the broad aim of this study is to examine students’ ability in using English prepositions while writing as well as their ability to identify the functional usage of prepositions in written sentences. Simple random sampling technique was used to select (30) second-year students drawn from the English Language Program, at Nahda College, Sudan. A diagnostic test which composed two questions was used as a tool for data collection. The data was then analysed using statistical package for social science (SPSS). The researcher adopted the descriptive analytical method to interpret the data obtained from the above mentioned instrument. The findings indicate that Sudanese EFL undergraduate students encounter difficulties in using English prepositions correctly while writing. Furthermore, it revealed that most of EFL students are not able to identify the functions of prepositions used in written sentences. The study recommended that The English teachers should adopt up to date techniques that to motivate students develop competences in using English prepositions. Sudanese EFL undergraduate students should pay more attention in using English prepositions while writing.