Prepositions: Part 2

A preposition is a word or group of words used before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, time, place, location, spatial relationships, or to introduce an object.

Prepositions in English are highly idiomatic — much preposition usage is dictated by fixed expressions. Thus, it is best to memorise the phrase instead of the individual preposition.

Some Common Adjective + Preposition Combinations

With at

We use at with adjectives like good/bad/amazing/brilliant/terrible, etc. to talk about skills and abilities.

• Heʼs really good at English.

• Sheʼs amazing at the piano.

• Theyʼre terrible at organising anything.

• Iʼm not very good at drawing.

With about

We often use about with adjectives of feelings like angry/excited/happy/nervous/sad/stressed/worried, etc. to explain what is causing that feeling.

• Iʼm angry about the decision.

• Heʼs nervous about the presentation.

• Sheʼs excited about the new job.

• They were worried about the exam.

With of

However, sometimes we use of with feelings.

• She was afraid of telling her mum.

• Iʼm frightened of having an accident.

• Heʼs scared of flying.

• You should be proud of your progress.

With to

We can use to to show the connection between people or things.

• Heʼs married to the director.

• Iʼm addicted to my phone.

• Iʼm allergic to nuts.

• Itʼs similar to the old one.

We can also use to to talk about someone's behaviour towards someone else.

• They were really friendly to me.

• Was he nice to you?

• He is always polite to everyone.

• She was very rude to the waitress.

Here are some other useful adjectives with prepositions.

With for

• Exercise is good for you.

• Stress is bad for you.

• The town is famous for its cheese.

• Iʼm responsible for the financial side of the business.

With in

• Sheʼs interested in the project.

• They want someone whoʼs experienced in design.

• I didnʼt want to get involved in the argument.

Source: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/beginner-to-pre-intermediate/adjectives-and-prepositions

Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions (about, around, at, for, into, of, off, on, out, under, with, etc.). If no preposition is needed, write “0” in the blank. Sometimes more than one answer is possible.

1. Abstain ... voting.

2. Oppose ... a war.

3. Focus ... the task ... hand.

4. Ask ... permission.

5. Beat ... the bush.

6. Investigation ... the incident.

7. Suffer ... jaundice.

8. Refrain ... smoking.

9. Approach ... zero.

10. Escape … a burning car.

11. Go ... climbing.

12. Be strict ... students.

13. Feel angry … yourself.

14. Ask ... a favour.

15. Be financially independent ... your parents.

16. ... the terms of the lease.

17. A house made ... wood.

18. Lean ... of the window.

19. Fall .. the bike.

20. Be dissatisfied … life.

Sources: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com

https://www.macmillandictionary.com

https://www.englishgrammar.org