What is the function and the reason to use ''to'' and ''at'' in the following sentences:
a. Don't yell at me
b.*Don't yell to me.
c. Don't speak to me.
d. *Don't speak at me.
Why is a and c true but not b and d false?
Now, I am not an expert on this subject but I kind of know the basic answer to your question. I just might not do the best job at explaining it...
It is because of thematic relations
If you consider the difference between the following examples it might make sense:
a. Don't throw that at me b. Don't throw that to me
In example a, "me" is the direction In example b, "me" is the recipient or experiencer (it's a bit hard to figure out exactly which one it is but it doesn't really matter).
This is the same for your examples. Essentially, one yells in a direction (such as towards something or someone), whereas one speaks to a recipient or experiencer.
Asked: 2017-07-28 23:58:12 -0400
Seen: 711 times
Last updated: Sep 20 '17
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