Correct Usage of Prepositions with the Adjective 'Blind'

Have you ever wondered why we say 'blind in one eye' or 'blind in both eyes' but not 'blind of one eye' or 'blind of both eyes'? This article will explore why and when to use the appropriate prepositions with the adjective 'blind'.

The Importance of Correct Preposition Usage

When writing or speaking in English, it's important to use the correct prepositions to convey the intended meaning clearly and accurately. For the adjective 'blind', the preposition 'in' is the standard choice, not 'of'. This article will clarify this usage and provide examples for better comprehension.

The Difference Between 'In' and 'Of'

Let's start with a simple comparison of the prepositions 'in' and 'of' in the context of blindness:

The Preposition 'In'

He is blind in one eye. He is blind in both eyes. He is blind in one ear (when using 'deaf', the preposition is also 'in'). He is blind in one leg (though 'blind' is often used for visual impairments, this phrase can be extended).

The Preposition 'Of'

The preposition 'of' is not used with 'blind'. Instead, we use 'of' in some archaic expressions, like:

He is hard of hearing (not 'he is hard of hearing of one ear').

As far as 'blind' is concerned, 'of' is considered archaic and not used in contemporary English.

Why 'He is blind in one eye' is the Correct Expression

The expression 'he is blind of one eye' is not correct. The standard expression is:

He is blind in one eye.

For example, to say a person cannot see out of one eye, a more appropriate and clear expression is:

He is blind in one eye and can't see out of the other.

This alternative expression makes it absolutely clear that the person cannot see out of a specific eye.

Summary and Key Points

We do not use 'of' with 'blind' in modern English. Correct expressions include: 'blind in one eye', 'blind in both eyes', and 'blind in one ear' (for 'deaf'). It is unnecessary to specify 'two eyes' as it is the standard number for humans. Alternative expressions like 'blind in one eye and can't see out of the other' can be used for clarity.

Further Reading on Prepositions in English

For a deeper understanding of preposition usage in English, consider exploring articles and resources that delve into preposition rules and examples:

Rules for Using Prepositions with Adjectives and Adverbs Common Misuses of Prepositions in English Idioms Involving Prepositions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is 'blind of one eye' still used in old English? A1: Yes, 'blind of one eye' is an archaic expression, but it is not used in modern English. Q2: Can 'in' be used with 'blind' in all contexts? A2: Yes, 'in' is the standard preposition for 'blind' in all relevant contexts. Q3: Are there any exceptions to the rule? A3: Yes, for 'hearing' or 'deafness', 'of' can be used, but not for 'blindness'.

About the Author

Mukhtar is an experienced English speaker and writer. He has never encountered the expression 'blind of one eye', which suggests it is not a commonly used phrase in modern English. His expertise lies in helping clarify common misconceptions and providing clear, accurate language usage.