Investigating the Difficulties Encountered by EFL Learners in Using Prepositions

Abstract

This research aimed at investigating the difficulties that encounter university EFL learners in using English prepositions properly in their study, at Sudan university of science and technology, college of languages, department of English, second year students. To investigate these difficulties the researcher uses experimental and descriptive analytical method, statistical package for social science (SPSS) and the data of this study was collected randomly about 50 students, and 30 teachers, the researcher used test for students and questionnaire for teachers. The study concluded that, the majority of university EFL learners have errors in using English prepositions, and prepositions usage in fact, creates some difficulties to university EFL learners, also the influence of L1 on L2; university EFL learners have led to weakness in using prepositions. Based on the above findings, the study recommended that, University teachers should use different methods for teaching English prepositions. Teachers should encourage their learners in using preposition activities inside the class.University EFL learners should pay attention to use and understand the meaning of prepositions properly. Syllabus designers should design full syllabus for teaching English prepositions at universities. Universities should device a system to evaluate the learners’ performances.