IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Analyzing Prepositional Errors in Analytical Exposition Texts of Indonesian EFL Vocational Students

Nur Anisa Lasalutu (English Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Letters and Culture, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Nonny Basalama (English Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Letters and Culture, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)
Dewi Dama (English Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Letters and Culture, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study analyzed prepositional errors in texts written by 26 eleventh-grade TKJ students at Vocational High School. Using a descriptive qualitative design, Error Analysis and Surface Strategy Taxonomy classified errors into omission, addition, misformation, and misordering. Data comprised students' texts on the topic 'Smartphones Should Be Allowed in Class' and semi-structured interviews with five students selected from low, medium, and high error levels to explain possible causes. Results showed 98 errors: 92 misformation errors (93.88%) and 6 addition errors (6.12%), while omission and misordering were absent. Misformation dominance indicates that students knew prepositions were needed but struggled to select contextually and collocationally appropriate forms, especially on the internet, focus on, depend on, related to, and impact on. Interviews indicated direct Indonesian translation and confusion over English collocations. The findings suggest contextual, genre-based preposition teaching supported by model texts, collocation practice, and corrective feedback.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...