What’s up with all the prepositions we’re adding to verbs–verbs that don’t need those extra prepositions? How many times have you been in a small group discussion for a larger meeting, and the facilitator says, “And then all the groups will report out to the larger group.” Why? Why can’t the smaller groups just “report” to the larger group?

I wish I were pristine and unsullied by extra prepositions. But I just caught myself saying, “I’ve got to print that report out.” Really? Can’t I just print it?

Fair warning–Merriam Webster says “report out” was first used in 1907, and it has a legit meaning: “to return after consideration and often with revisions to a legislative body for action.”

Am I being persnickety? Does anyone have any creeping prepositions favorites?