PREPOSITIONS PREP 5

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrases of the preposition ON !

on television on a diet on the whole on an expedition

on the phone on sale on the outskirts on your way
on purpose on occasions on average on fire
on strike on loan on the increase on a trip
on foot on board on guard on a cruise

1. The owner of the hotel is a qualified chef, but he rarely cooks himself nowadays. However,
______________________ he helps the head chef in the kitchen if the restaurant is busy.

p k
.
2. I do have a few suggestions that should improve your presentation, but ____________________
I think it was an excellent speech.

k
3. We went ______________________ to Paris for a day on the train and saw the Eiffel Tower and
Notre Dame Cathedral.

e
4. She is supposed to be studying for her exam but whenever I go to her room she is ___________
chatting to her friends.

e
5. We bought a stereo music center that was ______________________ because it was in the
display window.

s
6. All the roads that led to the town centre were closed because of the flood so it was only possible
to reach the main square ______________________ .

b
7. A human heart beats 72 times per minute ______________________ .
8. At the beginning of the 16th century, ______________________ of the South American jungles,
Balboa became the first European to look at the Pacific Ocean.

j. o
9. The warders who are ______________________ at the Tower of London to protect valuable
jewels are also known as “Beefeaters”.
10. The film “JFK” is being shown ____________________ on Monday night at 9 p.m. on Channel 4.
11. 150 passengers ______________________ an Alpine train in Kaprun died when the train caught
fire inside a tunnel.
12.

13.

14.
w
While we were ______________________ our ship anchored at Istanbul, where we visited the
Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace.

w
Barcelona’s centre is a maze of narrow streets and medieval buildings, in contrast to the modern
apartment buildings ______________________ of the city.
I am afraid the book “Little House of the Prairie” is ______________________ from the library

w
at the moment. Would you like to reserve it?
15. Do you pass a newsagent ______________________ to work? If you do, would you mind
picking me up the Times?
16. I don’t think the baby dropped it. I think she threw it to the ground ______________________
in order to gain our attention.
17. How long have you been ______________________ ? – For three weeks now, but I can’t resist
eating a little chocolate so I haven’t lost much weight yet.
18. Two days after the bombing, we could still see the flames from the building
______________________ .
19. In 1984, the British coal miners went ______________________ for almost a year.
20. The number of European and American companies investing in underdeveloped countries is
______________________ as they take advantage of lower wages.

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PREPOSITIONS PREP 5

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrases of the preposition ON !

on television on a diet on the whole on an expedition

on the phone on sale on the outskirts on your way
on purpose on occasions on average on fire
on strike on loan on the increase on a trip
on foot on board on guard on a cruise

1. The owner of the hotel is a qualified chef, but he rarely cooks himself nowadays. However, on
occasions he helps the head chef in the kitchen if the restaurant is busy.

p k
2.

3.

k .
I do have a few suggestions that should improve your presentation, but on the whole I think it
was an excellent speech.
We went on a trip to Paris for a day on the train and saw the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame
Cathedral.
4.

5.
6.

e e
She is supposed to be studying for her exam but whenever I go to her room she is on the phone
chatting to her friends.
We bought a stereo music center that was on sale because it was in the display window.
All the roads that led to the town centre were closed because of the flood so it was only possible

s
to reach the main square on foot.
7. A human heart beats 72 times per minute on average.

b
8. At the beginning of the 16th century, on an expedition of the South American jungles, Balboa
became the first European to look at the Pacific Ocean.

j. o
9. The warders who are on guard at the Tower of London to protect valuable jewels are also
known as “Beefeaters”.
10. The film “JFK” is being shown on television on Monday night at 9 p.m. on Channel 4.
11. 150 passengers on board an Alpine train in Kaprun died when the train caught fire inside a
tunnel.
12.

13.

14.
w
While we were on a cruise our ship anchored at Istanbul, where we visited the Grand Bazaar
and Topkapi Palace.

w
Barcelona’s centre is a maze of narrow streets and medieval buildings, in contrast to the modern
apartment buildings on the outskirts of the city.
I am afraid the book “Little House of the Prairie” is on loan from the library at the moment.

w
Would you like to reserve it?
15. Do you pass a newsagent on your way to work? If you do, would you mind picking me up the
Times?
16. I don’t think the baby dropped it. I think she threw it to the ground on purpose in order to gain
our attention.
17. How long have you been on a diet? – For three weeks now, but I can’t resist eating a little
chocolate so I haven’t lost much weight yet.
18. Two days after the bombing, we could still see the flames from the building on fire.
19. In 1984, the British coal miners went on strike for almost a year.
20. The number of European and American companies investing in underdeveloped countries is on
the increase as they take advantage of lower wages.

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PREPOSITIONS PREP006

Complete the sentence with the correct preposition from the choices given.

1. We are very excited __________________ our trip to Spain next week. (AT, WITH, ABOUT, OVER)
2. I am very fond __________________ drinking green tea. (FOR, OF, ABOUT, AT)
3. Almost all politicians were involved __________________ the scandal. (IN, AT, WITH, FROM)
4. I am looking forward ______________ having a meeting with you next week. (WITH, AT, TO, FROM)

p k
5. At the moment, she is recovering __________________ her injuries. (AT, OF, FROM, WITH)
6. I’m dreaming ________________ becoming a famous scientist one day (FOR, WITH, ABOUT, INTO)
7. My cousin is married __________________ a famous American (WITH, FOR, TO, FROM)

k .
8. I am responsible __________________ training the new recruits. (AT, ABOUT, WITH, FOR)
9. Many people took advantage __________________ the low prices offered by the new shop (OF,

e
FOR, WITH, TO)
10. I was not quite satisfied __________________ the exam results. (AT, FOR, WITH, ABOUT)

WITH, FOR, AT)

s e
11. The president was thankful __________________ everyone who helped in the campaign (TO,

12. Everyone in this town will benefit __________________ the new hospital (FROM, WITH, AT, INTO)

TOWARDS)

j. o b
13. For two full days, the man was fighting __________________ his life. (UP,WITH, AT, FOR)
14. My dad shouted __________________ me because I didn’t do what he said (TO, AT, WITH,

15. She insisted __________________ helping me with the dishes. (ON, WITH, FOR, ABOUT)
16. Almost all car companies care __________________ the environment (FOR, AT, ABOUT,WITH)

w
17. Wearing a seat belt can protect you ____________ being killed in a car. (WITH, OF, ABOUT, FROM)
18. Ten people were killed when a bus collided __________________ a car (INTO, WITH, AT, TOWARDS)

w
19. The customers came to the shop to complain _____________ their service (ABOUT, AT, ON, FOR)
20. Our atmosphere consists __________________ oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide (INTO, OF,

w
WITH, FOR)
21. We decided __________________ buying the new car. (AGAINST, WITH, AT, OF)
22. Many children depend __________________ their parents for money. (ON, AT, WITH, TO)
23. He graduated __________________ Oxford university (ON, FROM, OUT OF, WITH)
24. The advertising campaign resulted __________________ hundreds of new customers for the
company. (TO, FOR, UP, IN)
25. As a scientist, I specialize __________________ marine biology (AT, IN, FOR, WITH)

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KEY

Complete the sentence with the correct preposition from the choices given.

1. We are very excited about our trip to Spain next week. (AT, WITH, ABOUT, OVER)
2. I am very fond of drinking green tea. (FOR, OF, ABOUT, AT)
3. Almost all politicians were involved in the scandal. (IN, AT, WITH, FROM)
4. I am looking forward to having a meeting with you next week. (WITH, AT, TO, FROM)
5. At the moment, she is recovering from her injuries. (AT, OF, FROM, WITH)
6. I’m dreaming about becoming a famous scientist one day (FOR, WITH, ABOUT, INTO)

p k
7. My cousin is married to a famous American (WITH, FOR, TO, FROM)
8. I am responsible for training the new recruits. (AT, ABOUT, WITH, FOR)

k .
9. Many people took advantage of the low prices offered by the new shop (OF, FOR, WITH, TO)

e e
10. I was not quite satisfied with the exam results. (AT, FOR, WITH, ABOUT)
11. The president was thankful for everyone who helped in the campaign (TO, WITH, FOR, AT)

s
12. Everyone in this town will benefit from the new hospital (FROM, WITH, AT, INTO)
13. For two full days, the man was fighting for his life. (UP,WITH, AT, FOR)

b
14. My dad shouted at me because I didn’t do what he said (TO, AT, WITH, TOWARDS)

j. o
15. She insisted on helping me with the dishes. (ON, WITH, FOR, ABOUT)
16. Almost all car companies care about the environment (FOR, AT, ABOUT,WITH)
17. Wearing a seat belt can protect you from being killed in a car. (WITH, OF, ABOUT, FROM)
18. Ten people were killed when a bus collided with a car (INTO, WITH, AT, TOWARDS)

w
19. The customers came to the shop to complain about their service (ABOUT, AT, ON, FOR)
20. Our atmosphere consists of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide (INTO, OF, WITH, FOR)

w
21. We decided against buying the new car. (AGAINST, WITH, AT, OF)

w
22. Many children depend on their parents for money. (ON, AT, WITH, TO)
23. He graduated from Oxford university (ON, FROM, OUT OF, WITH)
24. The advertising campaign resulted in hundreds of new customers for the company. (TO, FOR,
UP, IN)
25. As a scientist, I specialize in marine biology (AT, IN, FOR, WITH)

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PREPOSITIONS PREP 1

Fill in the correct prepositions

about – at – by - for – from – in – of – on – to - with

1. She learned Russian ____________ the age of 45.

2. The book was written ____________ Mark Twain.
3. I’ll show you the picture ____________ the palace.
4. We can only get to the camp ____________ foot.

k
5. He reminds me ____________ his old history teacher.
6. What are you talking ____________ ?
7. ____________ the end of next year we will have made over £ 100,000.

p
8. She always gets up early ____________ the morning and goes to bed late ____________ night.

.
9. I went to work ____________ Tuesday but I didn’t go ____________ Friday.
10. You’ll have to wait. He’ll be with you ____________ a minute.
11. Philip waited ____________ her at the movie theatre.

k
12. He started learning English ____________ 2005.
13. You have to pay ____________ the tickets on the day you order them.
14. We are very proud ____________ this company.

e
15. It’s very kind ____________ you to help us.
16. The old man suffered ____________ a heart attack.

e
17. Please write ____________ pencil.
18. It’s ____________ time you told him the truth.
19. The manager didn’t take part ____________ the discussion.

s
20. He‘s very good ____________ telling jokes.
21. I’ll see you ____________ the conference

b
22. We sat down ____________ the grass and ate our lunch.
23. My parents got married ____________ the 1970s.
24. There’s a good restaurant ____________ the end of the street.

j. o
25. We usually have turkey ____________ Thanksgiving.
26. I would like to travel ____________ Italy next summer.
27. I took a plane ____________ Munich to Rome.
28. I’d like to speak ____________ the manager please.
29. I don’t usually feel tired ____________ the morning.
30. My mother is abroad so my dad is taking care ____________ us ____________ the moment.

w
31. Sonja gets ____________ the seven o’clock bus in the morning.
32. She always looks ____________ herself in the mirror.
33. I met Donna ____________ a party ____________ Friday night.
34. My friend always borrows money ____________ me.

w
35. Daria’s books are lying ____________ the floor.
36. He arrived at the school building just ____________ time.
37. The audience threw tomatoes ____________ him.

w
38. Passengers are not allowed to use cell phones ____________ airplanes.
39. He is responsible ____________ what he does.
40. I’m sorry ____________ the job you didn’t get.
41. I’m very bad ____________ mathematics.
42. We had to climb slowly ____________ the hill.
43. He is always ____________ time.
44. How many people are ____________ your team?
45. A university is where you study ____________ a degree.
46. Her next birthday will be ____________ a Sunday.
47. The new factory is expected to go online ____________ May.
48. Many of us eat ____________ fork and spoon.
49. We have been searching ____________ a web designer for a few weeks now.
50. The TV is ____________ the corner of the room.
PREPOSITIONS PREP 1

Fill in the correct prepositions

about – at – by - for – from – in – of – on – to - with

1. She learned Russian at the age of 45.

2. The book was written by Mark Twain.
3. I’ll show you the picture of the palace.
4. We can only get to the camp on foot.

k
5. He reminds me of his old history teacher.
6. What are you talking about?
7. By the end of next year we will have made over £ 100,000.

p
8. She always gets up early in the morning and goes to bed late at night.

.
9. I went to work on Tuesday but I didn’t go on Friday.
10. You’ll have to wait. He’ll be with you in a minute.
11. Philip waited for her at the movie theatre.

k
12. He started learning English in 2005.
13. You have to pay for the tickets on the day you order them.
14. We are very proud of this company.

e
15. It’s very kind of you to help us.
16. The old man suffered from a heart attack.

e
17. Please write in pencil.
18. It’s about time you told him the truth.
19. The manager didn’t take part in the discussion.

s
20. He‘s very good at telling jokes.
21. I’ll see you at the conference

b
22. We sat down on the grass and ate our lunch.
23. My parents got married in the 1970s.
24. There’s a good restaurant at the end of the street.

j. o
25. We usually have turkey for Thanksgiving.
26. I would like to travel to Italy next summer.
27. I took a plane from Munich to Rome.
28. I’d like to speak with the manager please.
29. I don’t usually feel tired in the morning.
30. My mother is abroad so my dad is taking care of us at the moment.

w
31. Sonja gets on the seven o’clock bus in the morning.
32. She always looks at herself in the mirror.
33. I met Donna at a party on Friday night.

w
34. My friend always borrows money from me.
35. Daria’s books are lying on the floor.
36. He arrived at the school building just in time.
37. The audience threw tomatoes at him.

w
38. Passengers are not allowed to use cell phones on airplanes.
39. He is responsible for what he does.
40. I’m sorry about the job you didn’t get.
41. I’m very bad at mathematics.
42. We had to climb slowly up the hill.
43. He is always on time.
44. How many people are on your team?
45. A university is where you study for a degree.
46. Her next birthday will be on a Sunday.
47. The new factory is expected to go online in May.
48. Many of us eat with fork and spoon.
49. We have been searching for a web designer for a few weeks now.
50. The TV is in the corner of the room.
PREPOSITIONS PREP 2

Fill in the correct prepositions

across - at – by - during - for - from - in – into – of - on –

through - to – towards – with -

1. Halloween is celebrated __________ the United States __________ October 31.

2. Are you going away for the weekend? – I don’t know. It depends __________ the weather.
3. Don’t kiss the prince. He might turn __________ a frog.

k
4. He felt bad __________ no reason at all.
5. I have been living here __________ ten years.

p
6. Have you been __________ the cinema recently? Yes I was there a few days ago.
7. I happened to meet an old friend __________ town.

.
8. Have you read the article? – It was __________ yesterday’s newspapers.
9. He always drives __________ a tremendous speed because he’s always __________ a hurry.

k
10. He is very fond __________ good food.
11. He married __________ the age of 28.

e
12. I bought many things __________ my stay in New York.
13. According __________ the guide there are three hotels __________ town.
14. I saw him standing __________ the queue but I don’t know if he got __________ the bus.

e
15. I want to post this letter __________ a friend.
16. I’m going __________ Glasgow on Monday. Would you like to come with us?

s
17. John has got a very strange taste __________ clothes.
18. Mum sat __________ the back of the car.

b
19. I’m interested __________ basketball but I’m not very good __________ playing it.
20. I’m returning __________ Spain __________ the end of the month.
21. My parents met __________ the war, in 1943.

j. o
22. Is it true that your mother died __________ cancer.
23. It was embarrassing. I didn’t have enough money __________ pay for the meal.
24. It was __________ the radio yesterday morning.
25. It’s a quick journey __________ Manchester __________ Leeds.
26. Jane goes to the office early __________ Tuesdays.

w
27. I saw him sometime __________ June.
28. Meet me __________ the station.
29. The lights are moving __________ us.

w
30. My country is famous __________ great musicians.
31. Who is that girl over there __________ the red dress?
32. I live __________ Sweden but every summer I travel __________ Spain for my holidays.
33. Turn right __________ the end of the street and then it will be right in front of you

w
34. My sister has a beautiful apartment. She lives __________ the third floor.
35. Please sit down. Mr. Brown will be __________ you in a moment.
36. I have to apologize __________ being late.
37. She tried to prevent the children __________ jumping into the water.
38. Sometimes I have to walk to work and sometimes I go __________ bus.
39. Thank you __________ coming to visit us.
40. The boys met __________ the corner of the street.
41. The smallest room is located __________ the left of the hall.
42. We entered the building __________ entrance number 3.
43. There was a dark spot __________ the ceiling.
44. We arrived just __________ time to see the Queen.
45. We have to be at the airport __________ 6 p.m.
46. We ran __________ the doctor on our way to the bookshop.
PREPOSITIONS PREP 2

Fill in the correct prepositions

across - at – by - during - for - from - in – into – of - on –

through - to – towards – with -

1. Halloween is celebrated in the United States on October 31.

2. Are you going away for the weekend? – I don’t know. It depends on the weather.
3. Don’t kiss the prince. He might turn into a frog.

k
4. He felt bad for no reason at all.
5. I have been living here for ten years.

p
6. Have you been to the cinema recently? Yes I was there a few days ago.
7. I happened to meet an old friend in town.

.
8. Have you read the article? – It was in yesterday’s newspapers.
9. He always drives at a tremendous speed because he’s always in a hurry.

k
10. He is very fond of good food.
11. He married at the age of 28.

e
12. I bought many things during my stay in New York.
13. According to the guide there are three hotels in town.
14. I saw him standing in the queue but I don’t know if he got on the bus.

e
15. I want to post this letter to a friend.
16. I’m going to Glasgow on Monday. Would you like to come with us?

s
17. John has got a very strange taste of clothes.
18. Mum sat in the back of the car.

b
19. I’m interested in basketball but I’m not very good at playing it.
20. I’m returning to Spain at the end of the month.
21. My parents met during the war, in 1943.

j. o
22. Is it true that your mother died of cancer.
23. It was embarrassing. I didn’t have enough money to pay for the meal.
24. It was on the radio yesterday morning.
25. It’s a quick journey from Manchester to Leeds.
26. Jane goes to the office early on Tuesdays.

w
27. I saw him sometime in June.
28. Meet me at the station.
29. The lights are moving towards us.

w
30. My country is famous for great musicians.
31. Who is that girl over there in the red dress?
32. I live in Sweden but every summer I travel to Spain for my holidays.
33. Turn right at the end of the street and then it will be right in front of you

w
34. My sister has a beautiful apartment. She lives on the third floor.
35. Please sit down. Mr. Brown will be with you in a moment.
36. I have to apologize for being late.
37. She tried to prevent the children from jumping into the water.
38. Sometimes I have to walk to work and sometimes I go by bus.
39. Thank you for coming to visit us.
40. The boys met at the corner of the street.
41. The smallest room is located to the left of the hall.
42. We entered the building through entrance number 3.
43. There was a dark spot on the ceiling.
44. We arrived just in time to see the Queen.
45. We have to be at the airport by , at 6 p.m.
46. We ran across the doctor on our way to the bookshop.
PREPOSITIONS PREP 3

Fill in the correct prepositions!

above – about – according - after – around - at –

beside – between - by - down – for - from - in – of -
on - throughout - to – with -

1. The two friends went _____________ the movies by themselves.

2. During the summer I stayed _____________ my grandparents.

k
3. I’ll wait for you _____________ the bus stop.
4. The milk is _____________ the refrigerator next to the orange juice.

p
5. She came and sat _____________ her husband.
6. _____________ we saw the television show on bears we drove to the zoo.
7.
8.
9.
10.
_____________ the day, the rain came into the window.
The phone rang _____________ the middle of the night.
Some boys were crawling _____________ under the car.
His notebook fell _____________ the floor.

k .
e
11. The plane flew _____________ the clouds.
12. Peter doesn’t go to work _____________ Fridays.
13. Open your book _____________ page 9.

e
14. Can you see a yellow house _____________ the left?
15. There was a picture _____________ the wall _____________ the bed.

s
16. All the latest computers will be shown _____________ the exhibition.
17. He came to see how I was getting _____________.

b
18. I am very interested _____________ documentaries on TV.
19. I am surprised _____________ how much money they want to pay him.
20. Nobody in the family has heard _____________ the accident.

j. o
21. She comes _____________ a poor family.
22. I am quite good _____________ art.
23. Jack came rushing _____________ the stairs.
24. Turn right _____________ the next traffic lights.
25. Her mother is looking forward _____________ going to Australia.

w
26. The film is based _____________ a novel by John Grisham.
27. John is totally obsessed _____________ football. He thinks of nothing else.
28. I prefer coffee _____________ tea.

w
29. Let’s divide this money _____________ us.
30. I like travelling _____________ boat in summer.
31. When I was younger I was always afraid _____________ going to the dentist.
32. Mary’s in the kitchen looking _____________ her car keys.

w
33. Are you really happy _____________ your life here?
34. He was quite pleased _____________ the results.
35. This is a painting _____________ an unknown artist.
36. I am proud _____________ being a teacher.
37. Don’t worry _____________ it. Everything will be fine.
38. My father tells us fascinating stories _____________ his years in the navy.
39. Did you call attention _____________ their mistake?
40. _____________ to the headmaster, both of the boys got involved in the fight.
41. Except _____________ that one, all the sentences were easy.
42. Be careful. They will lose faith _____________ you.
43. The girls worked _____________ their lessons for half an hour.
44. He depends _____________ his sister for help.
45. Miss Wilson is very fond _____________ French food.
PREPOSITIONS PREP 3

Fill in the correct prepositions!

above – about – according - after – around - at –

beside – between - by - down – for - from - in – of -
on - throughout - to – with -

1. The two friends went to the movies by themselves.

2. During the summer I stayed with my grandparents.
3. I’ll wait for you at the bus stop.

k
4. The milk is in the refrigerator next to the orange juice.
5. She came and sat beside her husband.

p
6. After we saw the television show on bears we drove to the zoo.
7. Throughout the day, the rain came into the window.
8.
9.
10.
11.
The phone rang in the middle of the night.
Some boys were crawling around under the car.
His notebook fell on the floor.
The plane flew above the clouds.

k .
e
12. Peter doesn’t go to work on Fridays.
13. Open your book on page 9.
14. Can you see a yellow house on the left?

e
15. There was a picture on the wall above the bed.
16. All the latest computers will be shown at the exhibition.

s
17. He came to see how I was getting on.
18. I am very interested in documentaries on TV.

b
19. I am surprised at how much money they want to pay him.
20. Nobody in the family has heard about the accident.
21. She comes from a poor family.

j. o
22. I am quite good at art.
23. Jack came rushing down the stairs.
24. Turn right at the next traffic lights.
25. Her mother is looking forward to going to Australia.
26. The film is based on a novel by John Grisham.

w
27. John is totally obsessed with football. He thinks of nothing else.
28. I prefer coffee to tea.
29. Let’s divide this money between us.

w
30. I like travelling by boat in summer.
31. When I was younger I was always afraid of going to the dentist.
32. Mary’s in the kitchen looking for her car keys.
33. Are you really happy with your life here?

w
34. He was quite pleased with the results.
35. This is a painting by an unknown artist.
36. I am proud of being a teacher.
37. Don’t worry about it. Everything will be fine.
38. My father tells us fascinating stories about his years in the navy.
39. Did you call attention to their mistake?
40. According to the headmaster, both of the boys got involved in the fight.
41. Except for that one, all the sentences were easy.
42. Be careful. They will lose faith in you.
43. The girls worked on their lessons for half an hour.
44. He depends on his sister for help.
45. Miss Wilson is very fond of French food.
PREPOSITIONS PREP 4

Fill in the correct prepositions!

at - above - about - after - before - behind – by –

down - during - for – from – in - in front of – of - on –
out of - over - to - with

1. There were _____________ a thousand people at the concert.

2. You must be _____________ 18 in order to see the film.
3. We are travelling _____________ the road.

k
4. He is suffering _____________ an unknown illness.
5. I listened to the game _____________ the radio.

p
6. How are you getting _____________ at school?
7. Don’t be impatient _____________ us. We are trying!
8.
9.
10.
11.
Could I speak _____________ Tom please?
We didn’t see the whole performance because we left _____________ the last act.
There were some beautiful pictures _____________ the walls.
The march started in the park. _____________ there we moved to City Hall.

k .
e
12. Pessimism is bad _____________ your health
13. He asked his mother _____________ money.
14. I bought many things _____________ my stay in New York.

e
15. My country is famous _____________ historical sights.
16. I’m not _____________ a hurry. I can wait.

s
17. Have you ever been _____________ the theatre recently?
18. We arrived _____________ the airport _____________ time for the plane.

b
19. My grandfather died _____________ cancer.
20. The resort lies about 1,500 meters _____________ sea level.
21. His hands are _____________ his face.

j. o
22. there’s a chair _____________ my desk
23. The thief jumped _____________ the window.
24. Both o my neighbors can take care _____________ the cat while you are gone.
25. I rarely think _____________ the weather.
26. They were always arguing _____________ silly things.

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27. _____________ first I found the work very tiring but _____________ a few weeks I got used to it.
28. My house is _____________ the end of the road.
29. The article was _____________ yesterday’s papers.

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30. The classroom is _____________ the fourth floor.
31. I applied _____________ a few jobs last week, but nobody wrote back.
32. He wants two seats _____________ the concert on Friday night.
33. You ought to be ashamed _____________ yourself _____________ coming in with dirty boots.

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34. There’s no point _____________ going _____________ car if we can’t park near the theatre.
35. he started his training _____________ November
36. Whom did they vote _____________ ?
37. The bus stopped _____________ the corner of High Street and congress Avenue.
38. I love listening _____________ classical music.
39. He is _____________ Dallas, Texas but he was born in California.
40. She goes _____________ church every Sunday.
41. It’s 7 a.m. We need to leave _____________ work at once or else we’ll miss the bus.
42. I asked the policeman _____________ some information.
43. The great player hit the ball _____________ the net.
44. Can you find our holiday beach _____________ the map?
45. Please turn _____________ the volume of the radio. I’m getting deaf.
PREPOSITIONS PREP 4

Fill in the correct prepositions!

at - above - about - after - before - behind – by –

down - during - for – from – in - in front of – of - on –
out of - over - to - with

1. There were over a thousand people at the concert.

2. You must be over 18 in order to see the film.
3. We are travelling on the road.

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4. He is suffering from an unknown illness.
5. I listened to the game on the radio.

p
6. How are you getting on at school?

.
7. Don’t be impatient with us. We are trying!
8. Could I speak to Tom please?
9. We didn’t see the whole performance because we left before the last act.

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10. There were some beautiful pictures on the walls.
11. The march started in the park. From there we moved to City Hall.

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12. Pessimism is bad for your health
13. He asked his mother for money.
14. I bought many things during my stay in New York.

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15. My country is famous for historical sights.
16. I’m not in a hurry. I can wait.

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17. Have you ever been to the theatre recently?
18. We arrived at the airport in time for the plane.

b
19. My grandfather died of cancer.
20. The resort lies about 1,500 meters above sea level.
21. His hands are in front of his face.

j. o
22. there’s a chair behind my desk
23. The thief jumped out of the window.
24. Both o my neighbors can take care of the cat while you are gone.
25. I rarely think about the weather.
26. They were always arguing about silly things.

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27. At first I found the work very tiring but after a few weeks I got used to it.
28. My house is at the end of the road.
29. The article was in yesterday’s papers.

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30. The classroom is on the fourth floor.
31. I applied for a few jobs last week, but nobody wrote back.
32. He wants two seats for the concert on Friday night.

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33. You ought to be ashamed of yourself for coming in with dirty boots.
34. There’s no point in going by car if we can’t park near the theatre.
35. he started his training in November
36. Whom did they vote for?
37. The bus stopped at the corner of High Street and congress Avenue.
38. I love listening to classical music.
39. He is from Dallas, Texas but he was born in California.
40. She goes to church every Sunday.
41. It’s 7 a.m. We need to leave for work at once or else we’ll miss the bus.
42. I asked the policeman for some information.
43. The great player hit the ball over the net.
44. Can you find our holiday beach on the map?
45. Please turn down the volume of the radio. I’m getting deaf.
Mastering Grammar
Prepositions
 “Prepositions express a relation in space between two or more entities or a relation in time
between two events, or various other abstract relations such as instrument and cause.”
(Cambridge Grammar of English, Carter and McCarthy, 2006, p.462).

 A preposition refers to the word or phrase which shows the relationship between one thing and
another, linking nouns, pronouns and phrases to other words in a sentence.

For example:

p k
.
(1). A relation in Place and Time:
We waited at the bus stop for ten minutes.
There is a telephone booth outside the bank.
What are you wearing underneath your coat?
She fell asleep during the lecture.

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The police station is next to the shopping mall. k
(2). Feelings:
Are you worried about your exam?
I was surprised at your remarks.

se
j.o b
(3). Other relationships like Instrument and Cause:
The girl stabbed the burglar with a knife.
Without your support, I don’t think I can finish the project so smoothly.

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Use of Prepositions
The use of prepositions is, without doubt, one of the most difficult areas of English grammar. There are

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over 100 prepositions in English, with one word or more than one word.

One-word Prepositions

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aboard
about
above
across
after
against
along
amid
amidst
among
around
as
at
before
behind
below
beneath
beside
besides
between
beyond
but
by
despite
down
during
except
for
from
in
inside
into
like
near
of
off
on
onto
opposite
outside
over
past
round
since
than
through
throughout
till
to
towards/towards
under
underneath
unlike
until
up
upon
via
with
within
without

1
Two- and three-word Prepositions

according to as well as due to in exchange for inside of on account of prior to

ahead of because of except for in favour of in spite of on top of subsequent to
apart from but for for lack of in front/back of instead of out of such as
as for by means of in addition to in line with near to outside of thanks to
as of by virtue of in aid of in place of next to owing to up to

Use of Prepositions - Exercise 1a

p k
.
Exercise 1b
Exercise 1c

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Exercise 1d

Learn more

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http://www.better-english.com/grammar/prepositions.htm

b s
http://www.aitech.ac.jp/~iteslj/quizzes/0101/es-prepositions.html
http://www.englishpage.com/prepositions/prepositions.ht

j. o
http://www.eslpdf.com/esl_prepositions.html
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/alle_grammar.htm
http://www.quia.com/tq/126698.html

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http://www.quia.com/jg/73573.html

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2
Exercise 1a – Use of Prepositions

k
Read the following story and fill in each gap with the most suitable preposition in the box. Sometimes
more than one answer is possible.

about
in front of
above underneath
instead of inside
for
under
on in
according to
at

k .
toward(s)
thanks to
from

p
up outside

Christine’s cat was missing and she started looking around the house (1) ____________ it. She opened

e
her closet and looked (2) ____________ but the cat was not there. She went to the bedroom and
crawled (3) ____________ the floor to look (4) ____________ the bed. She searched the kitchen and

e
bathroom but found nothing. Since her cat could not be seen anywhere inside the house, Christine
decided to go (5) ____________ to give it a try. Just as she was (6) ____________ to open the door,

s
the doorbell rang. It was her neighbour, Mrs. Chan. Mrs. Chan pointed (7) ____________ the top of a
nearby tree. “Look, Christine! Your cat is (8) ____________ the tree!” Mrs. Chan began to describe

b
how she found the cat. (9) ____________ her, she was cleaning the windows when she heard a noise
coming (10) ____________ the tree (11) ____________ her house. She looked (12) ____________ and

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saw the cat (13) ____________ one of the branches high (14) ____________ the ground. (15)

j.
____________ ignoring the cat, Mrs. Chan decided to tell Christine. (16) ____________ Mrs. Chan’s
help, Christine was able to rescue it.

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Suggested Answers:

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(1) for

(9)
According
to
(2) inside

(10) from
(3) on

(11)
front of
(4) under/ (5) outside
underneath

in (12) up (13) on
(6) about

(14) above
(7)
toward/
towards
(15)
at/ (8) in

(16)
Instead of Thanks to

3
 p k
k .
e e
b s
j.o
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4
Exercise 1b – Use of Prepositions
Fill in each gap with a suitable preposition in the box.

in by for into after at as to from on

Inspiration: Being inspired is the key to success as a senior student.

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This is what I concluded (1) ______ completing the ABC programme (2) ____The Chinese University
of Hong Kong. Life (3) ____ a postgraduate student (4) ____the Department of ABC can be fun, or a

p
nightmare, depending (5) ____ what approach you take. I am more than willing to share my thoughts

.
with you (6) ____ this regard.

Comparing studying (7) _____ travelling, I found many interesting parallels. Studying (8) _____ high

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school is like joining a group tour. So long (9) _______ you don’t fall asleep (10) ______ the coach,
and you listen to what the tour guide tells you, you shouldn’t fail. Studying (11) _____ a Bachelor’s
degree is like going for a package tour. Many things have been prepared (12)_____you but you still
have to put extra effort (13) _____ your study. Studying (14) ______a Master’s degree is like

e
backpacking. You have to plan the trip yourself and take the initiative to explore everything.
Sometimes you get help (15) _______experienced travellers, the lecturers. At the doctorate level, you

s
will explore new ground untouched (16) _____ others.

b
Some Master’s students may get lost (17) _____ first because they don’t realise that a different
approach (18) ______ their earlier study experience is called (19) ______. They study hard reading the

o
lecture notes (20) _______ they did before. They wonder why so little has been taught while the scope

j.
for their assignments is so broad. They have not yet realised that the lecture notes show them the
directions, not destinations. However, once you realise this and adopt the attitude (21) ______a
backpacker, life is fun. The libraries here are treasure islands. The internet is your highway. And the
professors are black-belt masters. Challenge them. They welcome your questions. They don’t teach

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you, they inspire. How many chances do you have (22) ______ life to have your work assessed (23)
______a world class scholar?

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Adapted from and inspired by an original article by Ho Wai Man

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(1) after
(9) as
(17) at
(2) at
(10) in
(18) from
(3) as
(11) for
(19) for
(4) in
(12) for
(20) as
(5) on
(13) into
(21) of
(6) in
(14) for
(22) in
(7) to
(15) from
(23) by
(8) in
(16) by

5
Exercise 1c – Use of Prepositions
Fill in each gap with a suitable preposition.

An Open Letter from Prof. Charles and Mrs May Wan Kao
Since the announcement (1) ________ 6 October 2009 that Charles has been awarded the 2009 Nobel
Prize (2) _____ Physics, we have received messages (3) _____ friends from all (4) ______ the world (5)
_________ the Internet, fax, and email. We are overwhelmed (6) __________ the sea of congratulatory
messages from so many people, and the many requests (7) ___________ interviews from the media.

A Nobel Laureate of Chinese ethnicity is a rare event and we understand the outpouring (8) ____
happiness and pride (9) ___________ our people throughout the world wherever they live. The Nobel

p k
.
Prize is an international prize and has been awarded (10) ___________ work done internationally.

Charles Kao was born (11) ______ Shanghai, China, did his primary research in 1966 (12) _____

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Standard Telecommunication Laboratories (STL) in Harlow, UK, followed through with work in the
USA at ITT, over the following 20 years, to develop fiber optics (13) ___________ a commercial
product and finally came to CUHK, Hong Kong (14) _________ 1987 to pass on his knowledge and
expertise to a new generation of students and businessmen. Charles really does belong (15) ________

e
the world!

In this open letter, we would like to thank all who have concern (16) _________ his health.

s
Unfortunately there is no cure at present for Alzheimer's. Charles shares this problem of coping (17)
_______ Alzheimer with other eminent persons, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, to name a few.

b
Charles keeps fit playing tennis and with other exercises. He does not smoke, and he enjoys eating and
drinking (18) _________ healthy moderation and sleeps well too. The memory loss is getting more
severe, but he enjoys life.

j.o
He is eminently proud (19) _________ his past achievements and excited (20) ________ becoming a
Nobel Laureate – an unexpected award. The press and media have interviewed him and he is happy that
they have found all the facts they need. So he is more than ready to return (21) ________ a quiet and
undisturbed life now, and he asks that the media respect this.

ww
Our greetings to everyone in Hong Kong, to staff, faculty and students past and present of CUHK, to
all our very good friends and especially to our tennis friends. Thank you (22) _________ all your good
wishes and congratulations. Now you know who is responsible (23) __________ the fiber optical
cables that enable all the excessive information, both true and false, good and bad, that circulate (24)
_________ the Internet.

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Charles and May Wan Kao
13 October 2009

Source: http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/cpr/charleskao/letter-e.html

Suggested Answers:

1. on 2. in 3. from 4. over 5. via 6. by 7. for 8. of

9. for 10. for 11. in 12. at 13. into 14. in 15. to 16. for
17. with 18. in 19. of 20.about/at 21. to 22.for 23. for 24. on
6
Exercise 1d – Use of Prepositions
Read the text below. Fill in each blank with a suitable preposition. Put an “X” if no preposition is
needed.

Attack burns

A five- year-old boy and a number of tourists and others were hurt in an acid attack (1) _____ Eastern
District (2) ______last night - just three hours (3) _______ the police had turned on surveillance

k
cameras in the area.

It is the fifth of this kind of attack (4) _______ last November. It is being viewed (5) _______ a direct

p
threat to the security.

________ the attacker or attackers.

k .
As detectives searched surveillance footage (6) ______last night, 380 officers swept the area to hunt (7)

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The Commissioner of Police Chris Smith promised to track (8) _________ those behind it.

e
Some of those hurt said the corrosive liquid rained down just before 9.30 pm (9) _______ the junction
of North and South streets.

s
The bottle used was 13-15 centimeters long, contained what was probably acid and was similar (10)
_________ those used (11) _______ the previous two attacks.

b
It was found (12) ______ the road outside 123 North Street still releasing a grayish gas. The area is

o
only 60 meters (13) _________ the first attack in November and less than 100 meters from the second

j.
hurt (14) _______ March 23.

Many of those hurt were treated (15) _______ the spot for head, shoulder and hand injuries while
others were sent to nearby hospitals.

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Nurses poured filtered water (16) _______ burns before they were treated and bandaged.

A victim hit by the bottle said he was not aware it was corrosive until he felt a burning sensation. A
nearby shopkeeper helped him wash off the liquid, he said.

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Mr Wong, who works (17) _______ an appliance shop, said he saw people hurrying away before he
realized it was another acid attack. He had noticed some of them had holes in their clothes (18)
_______ a result of acid burns.

The government decided to install surveillance cameras overlooking South Street (19) ________ the
earlier attacks which injured nearly 80 people (20) _____ total.

A district councillor Mary Lee, who is in charge (21) ______ a working group for the installation of the
"sky eyes," confirmed they had been (22) ______ operation (23) _______ 1.30 pm yesterday.
7
"This acid throwing is obviously a challenge (24) _______ the police. It is a dreadful crime. The
operation of the sky eyes was not supposed to be known (25) ______ outsiders and the district council
had planned to announce it after a meeting later this week," she said.

The Island East Headquarters senior superintendent said 15 males and 13 females suffered (26)
________ minor injuries. One was a five-year-old boy.

"Six units of detectives (27) ________ Island East regional crime unit, the anti-triad unit, blue-beret
police officers and other frontline officers were dispatched (28) _______ the scene to conduct an

k
exhaustive search. Police will work in liaison (29) _______ the District Council to inspect the
surveillance images captured by the "sky eyes" to help the investigation," the superintendent said.

The police have not ruled (30) _________ any motive for the attack.

k . p
Suggested Answers:

(1) in
(9) at
(2) X
(10) to
(3) after
(11) in
(4) since
(12) on

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(5) as
(13) from
(6) X
(14) on
(7) for
(15) on
(8) down
(16) on
(17) for
(25) by
(18) as
(26) X
(19) after
(27) from
(20) in
(28) to

b s
(21) of
(29) with
(22) in
(30) out
(23) since (24) to

j.o
ww
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8
What can prepositions tell us?
Drag and drop the answer into the appropriate gap.

• Time
• Position
• Location
• Direction

k
1. It may tell you the __________ a thing is in relation to something else.

e.g. The students conducted an experiment in the laboratory.

2. It may tell you the __________ something is in relation to another event.

e.g. After dinner, we went for a walk.

k . p
e
3. A preposition may tell you the __________of something in relation to something else.

e
e.g. The gentle, brown cat slept beside the fluffy white rabbit.

s
4. It may also tell you the __________ something is travelling in relation to something else.

e.g. Who is that man walking towards us?

j.o
Suggested answers: 1. Location 2. Time b 3. Position 4. Direction

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Prepositions at, on, and in
Prepositions of Place and Location: at, on, and in

w w In general, we use:

*at for a POINT

*in for an ENCLOSED SPACE

*on for a SURFACE

at  for specific addresses

E.g. Samantha Tse lives at 55 King’s Road.

on  to designate names of streets, avenues, roads, etc.

E.g. Her house is on King’s Road.

9
 in  for the names of land areas (towns, counties, states, countries, and continents)
E.g. She lives in Kowloon.
Kowloon is in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is in Asia.

 Notice the use of the prepositions of location at, in and on in these standard expressions:

at in on No Preposition
at home
at work
in a car
in a taxi
in a helicopter
on a bus
on a train
on a plane
downstairs
downtown
inside

p k
.
at university / college in a boat on a ship outside
at the office in a lift (elevator) on a bicycle/ motorbike upstairs

k
at the top in the newspaper on a hourse/ elephant uptown
at the bottom in the sky on the raido/ on television
at the side in a row on the left/ right
at reception in West Street (e.g.
I live in West Street
- British English)
on the way

e e
on the floor

s
on the ceiling
at school* in school*

b
at class* in (the) class*
at the library* in the library*
in (the) bed* on the bed*

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* You may sometimes use different prepositions for these locations.

j.
Prepositions of Time: at, on, and in

ww at  to designate specific/precise times

E.g. The lesson starts at 10:30 a.m.

 Also at night, at noon, at lunchtime, at the weekend, at

Christmas/Easter, at the same time, at present, at sunrise/sunset, at the
moment

w on

in
 to designate days and dates
E.g. My sister is coming on Wednesday.
E.g. We will have a meeting on the First of February.

 for nonspecific times during a day, a month, a season, or a year

E.g. He gets up very early in the evening.
He will have a long vacation in December.
He was born in winter.
He started the job in 2009.

10
  Do not use at, on or in before next, last, this, every, all, each, some, any and one.
E.g. She will come back next Monday.
We went to New York last August.
I will call you this evening.
They play badminton every weekend.
 Do not use at, on or in before tomorrow and yesterday.

k
E.g. Let’s see the movie tomorrow evening.
We had the meeting yesterday afternoon.

Prepositions of Time: for and since

for
E.g. We danced for two hours.

k . p
 when we measure time (seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, years)

e
He has lived in Hong Kong for eight months.
She has been doing the research for five years.

since

se
 with a specific date or time
E.g. She has worked here since 1999.
He has been waiting in the conference room since 9:30 a.m.

j.o b
Prepositions of Movement: to, into, onto, out of, off, toward(s) and No Preposition

to, onto, into  to express movement towards a place

E.g. They always walk to school together.

w
The cat jumped onto the table.
She fell into the sea.
toward, towards  variant spellings of the same preposition of movement

w
E.g. They rushed toward me.
Darkness travels towards light, but blindness towards death.

 to express movement from a place

w
out of, off
E.g. He came out of the office.
Take your feet off the seat.
No preposition  with the words home, downtown, uptown, inside, outside, downstairs,
upstairs
E.g. The boy went upstairs to look for the cat.
When will you go home?
They all went outside to see the sunset.

11
Exercies 2 – “at, in, on”

Learn more

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• Prepositions for Time, Place, and Introducing
Objects http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/594/01/
http://www.better-english.com/grammar/timepreps.htm

•
•
Practise on, in, and at in different
contexts http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/grammar/prepo.htm

k . p
Prepositions in/at/on (notes and quiz) http://esl.about.com/library/grammar/blgr_prep1.htm
Prepositions ‘at, in, on’ games http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/CiLL/eap/

e e
b s
j.o
w w
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12
Exercise 2 – “at, in, on”

Read the following dialogue and complete the sentences using at, in or on.

Peter: The bus is supposed to come (1) _____ 8:20am and it’s already 8:30am.

p k
k .
Jane: I hope it comes soon. I don’t want to be late. What time do you have to be (2) _____ class?

Peter: My first class is (3) _____ 9:00 am, but my professor is never (4) _____ time for class.

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Jane: How lucky! My professor gives us penalty for being late. I usually arrive just (5) _____ time,
just before my professor starts taking marks off students who are late.

Mondays.

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Peter: I understand it is always very hard to wake up (6) _____ the morning, especially (7) _____

Jane: Yes, I know. I tend to study late (8) _____ night and find it very hard to get up the next day. It

b
gets worse (9) _____ the winter.

Peter: Oh! The bus is finally here. Let’s get (10) _____!

j.o
ww
Suggested Answers:

(1) at (2) in (3) at (4) on (5) in (6) in (7) on (8) at

w
(9) in (10) on

13
Prepositions and Adjectives, Nouns, and Verbs
After many adjectives, nouns and verbs, we use particular prepositions. Following are some common
examples of these combinations:

Adjective + Preposition

angry*, annoyed*, excited, furious*, happy*, nervous, worried about

k
angry*, bad, clever, excited, expert, good, hopeless at
astonished, amazed , surprised, shocked at/by
eligible, famous, responsible, notorious, sorry, well known for
afraid, ashamed, aware, capable, conscious, envious, fond,
frightened, full, jealous, made, proud, short, suspicious, tired
addicted, engaged, married, similar, sympathetic
angry*, annoyed*, bored, disappointed, furious*, happy*, please
different
of

to
with
from/to

k . p
e
interested, involved in
keen on
disqualified from

e
*angry at/about sth / with sb

s
*annoyed/ furious/happy about sth / with sb

b
Noun + Preposition

o
approval, awareness, cause, example, hatred, love, understanding of

j.
concern, desire, fondness, hope, grasp, need, reason, request, for
respect, thirst
belief, increase/decrease, rise/fall, interest, success, participation in
answer, invitation, reaction, reply, solution, to

w
Verb + Preposition

w
account for
apologize to (sb)/ for (sth/sb)
apply for
depend on
die of
differ from
make up
pay for
prepare for

w
believe in dispose of rely on
belong to focus on search for
benefit from give up stem from
bring up grow up study for
care about/ for* insist on suffer from (a particular illness or physical
problem)
coincide with laugh at / smile at talk to/with (sb) / about/of (sb/sth)
comply with listen to think about/ of *
cope with look at/ for/ after/ into* wait for
concentrate on look forward to worry about
*care about = think sb/sth is important; care for = look after
14
*look at = use the eyes; look for = try to find; look after = take care of; look into = investigate
*think about = use the mind, e.g. He looks sad. What is he thinking about?
think of/about = consider, e.g. I’m thinking of/about changing my plan.
think of = have as an opinion about, e.g. What do you think of Peter? He is very handsome.
= bring to the mind, e.g. I can’t think of any reason why the accident happened.

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Exercise 3 - Nouns, Adjectives, Verbs and Prepositions

Learn more

k . p
Prepositions with nouns, adjectives and verbs (sentence

e e
construction) http://moodle.citylit.ac.uk/moodle/file.php/1/Study%20skills%20work%20sheets/gramm
ar/intermediate/Microsoft%20Word%20-

s
%204.17%20Prepositions%20with%20nouns,%20adjectives%20and%20verbs.pdf

Prepositions after nouns, adjectives and verbs (matching

b
exercise) http://www.evt.edunet.tn/depinteg/projetstic/secondaire/projets/anglais/intasks/prep9.htm

o
Prepositions with nouns, verbs and adjectives (gap-filling

j.
exercise) http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/CILL/eap/2004/u2/pg34preps.htm

Preposition with Adjective (rules and

exercises) http://www.learn4good.com/languages/evrd_grammar/adjectives_prepos.htm

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Nouns + Prepositions (notes) and more preposition
exercises http://esl.about.com/library/grammar/blgr_prep5.htm

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Adjectives Prepositions Combinations - about /at/by/for/from
(quizzes) http://esl.about.com/library/quiz/blgrquiz_prep7.htm

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15
Exercise 3 - Adjectives, Verbs, Nouns and Prepositions
Choose the most suitable preposition.

1. Prof. Charles Kao is one of the most prominent scientists in the world. All his students have
great respect (in, on, to, for) __________ him.
2. The belief (of, in, at, for) __________ aliens and UFOs is absurd!
3. Jessica is angry (at, with, about, of) __________ her boyfriend for not showing up for the

k
movie.
4. He apologized (at, for, to, on) __________ her (at, for, to, on) __________ being late by

p
treating her dinner.

.
5. My parents are worried (at, of, for, about) __________ the family’s financial problems.
6. Do not ask me to fix your laptop. I am not familiar (to, of, with, about) __________ computers.

k
7. This book belongs (to, of, for, with) __________ my sister.
8. If you give (out, up, of, off) __________ now, you will never finish the project.

e
9. Please take some time to think (at, on, about, to) __________ what you want to do in the future.
10. Kate and Frank are in the library studying (at, for, with, by) __________ their test next week.

e
11. The scientists have found the best solution (of, by, for, to) __________ the problem.
12. The police decided to investigate the cause (of, by, for, to) __________ his death.

b s
j.o
Suggested Answers:

w
(1) for (2) in (3) with (4) to... for (5) about (6) with (7) to (8) up
(9) about (10) for (11) to (12) of

w w
16
Prepositional Phrases (Prep + NP)
A prepositional phrase is a preposition followed by a noun or noun phrase. For example, in the
sentence “The students are having a grammar lesson in the classroom”, the word “in” is a preposition
introducing the prepositional phrase “in the classroom”.

A prepositional phrase looks like this: Preposition + Noun / Pronoun / Gerund

e.g. I think you should apologise to your mother (Prep + Noun).

k
I must apologise for disturbing (Prep + Gerund) you.

Some uses of English prepositional phrases:

1) As a modifier to a verb

k . p
e
E.g. Polar bears usually sleep throughout the winter.

e
They danced in the ballroom for hours.

s
2) As a modifier to a noun

E.g. The weather in April is very pleasant in Tokyo.

j.
3) As the complement of a verb

E.g. Peter insisted on seeing her.

b
My father likes cheeses from Italy with live bacteria.

o
w
You should dispose of these old newspapers.

4) As the complement of a noun

w w
E.g. He had a strong thirst for knowledge.

They suggested an amendment to the proposal.

5) As the complement of an adjective or adverb

E.g. The government should be attentive to their needs.

They stayed separately from their parents.

6) As the complement of another preposition

17
E.g. You can play computer games until after supper.

The cat ran from under the bed.

We can begin a sentence with a prepositional phrase in academic writing.

E.g. With confidence, the determined athletic took up the challenge.
Under the big sofa, the mischievous cats were playing happily.
Inside the palace garden, there are all sorts of beautiful flowers.
Along the wall crawled the large, slimy worm.

p k
k .
We can use a prepositional phrase to express the less important idea in academic writing.

e
For example:

e
Peter worked very hard but he failed his exam and everybody felt disappointed.

s
>> Despite his hard work, Peter failed his exam and everybody felt disappointed.

b
Labour costs are rising and manufacturers have to relocate their factories to places with cheaper
labour costs.

o
>>Because of rising labour costs, manufacturers have to relocate their factories to places with

j.
cheaper labour costs.

Avoid excessive prepositional phrases in academic writing

ww
Prepositional phrases are necessary in writing, but they are often overused in ways that make writing
problematic and too tedious.
Example 1:

The decline in the number of businesses owned by locals in the town of Edinburg is a

w
demonstration of the increasing hardship faced in rural communities in the northeast.
(Problem: prepositional phrases are used in excess.)

An improved version:

Edinburg’s declining number of locally owned businesses demonstrates the increased

hardship faced by northeast rural communities. (It has the same meaning but there are fewer
prepositional phrases.)

18
Example 2:

The major aim of this study was to determine the perceived effects of smoking on the health
of patients over a period of 3 years (from 2005 to 2008) in which respondents to the study
had been surveyed. (Problem: prepositional phrases are overused.)

An improved version:

This study examined how smoking affected the respondents’ health from 2005 to 2008. (The

k
same meaning with fewer prepositional phrases)

Exercise 4 - Use of Prepositional Phrases in Academic Writing

k . p
Learn more
Prepositional Phrases

e e
s
(exercises) http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/CiLL/eap/2004/u2/pg34ex3prepositional%20phrases.htm
Edit Strings of Prepositional Phrases http://collegewriting.org/index.php/revision/editing/edit-

b
strings-of-prepositional-phrases

o
Features of Academic Writing http://www.uefap.com/writing/feature/complex.htm

j
Improving Your Writing Style http://www.bestessaytips.com/improve_writing_style.php

.
Strategies for Reducing Wordiness http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/style/wordiness.html

w
w w
19
Exercise 4 – Use of Prepositional Phrases in Academic Writing
Use a prepositional phrase (Prep + NP) to express the less important idea in academic writing.
e.g. Labour costs are rising and manufacturers have to relocate their factories to places with cheaper labour costs.
(Because of)

>> Because of rising labour costs, manufacturers have to relocate their factories to places with cheaper labour
costs.

k
1) We have done a study and found that there is a significant relationship between school
shootings and playing violent video games. (According to)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

k . p
e e
2) We put a great effort into the project but we still failed to finish it before the deadline. (In
spite of)

b s
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

j.o
3) We finally obtained the government assistance and we were able to use an up-to-date

w
sampling frame from which to select our sample. (As a result of)
________________________________________________________________________________

w
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

w 4) Many countries around the world are facing economic downturns. However, China’s economy
has recorded phenomenal growth for at least five consecutive years. (In contrast to)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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 5) Our key projects proceeded successfully because we paid great care and attention to details.
(With)
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

p k
Suggested Answers:

k .
violent video games.

e e
1. According to our study, there is a significant relationship between school shootings and playing

b s
2. In spite of our great effort, we failed to finish the project before the deadline.

3. As a result of obtaining the government assistance, we were able to use an up-to-date sampling
frame from which to select our sample.

j.o
4. In contrast to the economic downturns of many countries around the world, China’s economy
has recorded phenomenal growth for at least five consecutive years.

w
5. With great care and attention to details, our key projects proceeded successfully.

w w
21
Prepositions
References and Resources
For basic information about prepositions, see the following links to EnglishCLUB.com:
Prepositions lists http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-list.htm
A simple rule for prepositions http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prepositions-rule.htm

k
The following websites contain explanations of the use of prepositions:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/prepositions.htm

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/internet-grammar/preps/preps.htm

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/594/01/

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/grammar/prepo.htm

k . p
http://www.hancockcollege.edu/owl/pdf/Parts%20of%20Speech/How%20to%20use%20prepositions%20effectively.pdf

e e
http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca/hypergrammar/preposit.html

The following websites contain quizzes and games on prepositions:

http://www.better-english.com/grammar/prepositions.htm

b s
http://www.aitech.ac.jp/~iteslj/quizzes/0101/es-prepositions.html
http://www.aitech.ac.jp/~iteslj/quizzes/fb-bd-preposition.html

o
http://www.englishpage.com/prepositions/prepositions.ht

j.
http://www.eslpdf.com/esl_prepositions.html
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/alle_grammar.htm
http://www.quia.com/tq/126698.html

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http://www.quia.com/jg/73573.html

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Books on Prepositions
• Test Your Prepositions by Peter Watcyn-Jones & Jake Allsop

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• Collins Cobuild English Guides 1: Prepositions by John Sinclair
• The Preposition Book (Practice toward mastering English prepositions) by Tom Cole
• Cambridge Grammar of English by Ronald Carter & Michael McCarthy, pp. 462-469
• Collins Cobuild Student’s Grammar by Dave Willis, pp. 42-43, 56-57, 74-79 and 156-157
• Cassell’s Students’ English Grammar by Jake Allsop, pp. 104-123
• A University Grammar of English by Randolph Quirk and Sidney Greenbaum, pp. 143-165
• English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy, pp. 228-260
• Advanced Grammar in Use by Martin Hewings, pp. 176-189
• Understanding and Using English Grammar by Betty Schrampfer Azar, A-2 and A-24
• Using English Grammar by Edward Woods and Nicole McLeod, pp. 210-213 and 283-284
• Oxford Practice Grammar with answers by John Eastwood, pp. 284-316
• Advanced Language Practice with key by Michael Vince, pp. 131-143

22
 Tutoring and Testing Center

PREPOSITIONS

p k
.
“The plane flew above the cloud, behind the cloud, around the cloud, below
the cloud, beneath the cloud, beside the cloud, beyond the cloud, into the
cloud, near the cloud, outside the cloud, over the cloud, past the cloud,

e
through the cloud, toward the cloud, under the cloud, and finally dived
underneath the cloud.”
k
se
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between two things. In the example above,
the prepositions show the relationships between a plane and a cloud. Below is a list of most
common prepositions:

j.o
about
above
across
after
against
along
among
beside
besides
between
beyond
by
despite
down
b inside
like
near
of
off
on
out
to
toward
under
underneath
until
up
with

ww around
at
before
behind
below
beneath
during
except
for
from
in
into
outside
over
past
since
through
throughout
within
without

w
Some prepositions consist of more than one word. Here is a list of the most common multiword
prepositions:

along with
because of
Due to
in place of
in spite of
instead of
except for on account of
in addition to out of
in case of up to
in front of with the exception of
 Prepositions for Time, Place,
and Introducing Objects
Time
On is used with days.

I will see you on Monday.

k
The week begins on Sunday.

p
At is used with noon, night, midnight, and with the time of day.

My plane leaves at noon.

The movie starts at 6 p.m.

k .
In is used with other parts of the day, with months, with years, with seasons.

He likes to read in the afternoon.

The days are long in August.
The book was published in 1999.
The flowers will bloom in spring.

e e
b s
Since, for, by, from—to, from—until, during, (with)in – expresses extended time.

She has been gone since yesterday. (She left yesterday and has not returned.)
I'm going to Paris for two weeks. (I will spend two weeks there.)

o
The movie showed from August to/until October. (Beginning in August, ending in October.)

j.
I watch TV during the evening. (For some period of time in the evening.)
We must finish the project within a year. (No longer than a year.)

Place

ww In – describes the point itself.

There is a wasp in the room.

Inside – expresses something contained.

w
Put the present inside the box.

On – talks about the surface.

I left your keys on the table.

At – talks about a general vicinity.

She was waiting at the corner.

 Over, above – when the object is higher than a point.

He threw the ball over the roof.

Hang that picture above the couch.

Under, underneath, beneath, below – when the object is lower than a point.

The rabbit burrowed under the ground.

The child hid underneath the blanket.

k
We relaxed in the shade beneath the branches.
The valley is below sea-level.

p
Near, by, next to, between, among, opposite – when the object is close to a point.

She lives near the school.

There is an ice cream shop by the store.
An oak tree grows next to my house
The house is between Elm Street and Maple Street.

k .
I found my pen lying among the books.
The bathroom is opposite the kitchen.

Introduce objects of verbs

e e
She took a quick glance at her reflection.

b s
At – with verbs glance, laugh, look, rejoice, smile, and stare

(exception with mirror: She took a quick glance in the mirror.)

o
You didn't laugh at his joke.

j.
I'm looking at the computer monitor.
We rejoiced at his safe rescue.
That pretty girl smiled at you.
Stop staring at me.

ww Of – with verbs approve, consist, and smell

I don't approve of his speech.

My contribution to the article consists of many pages.
He came home smelling of alcohol.

w Of/About –with verbs dream and think

I dream of finishing college in four years.

Can you think of a number between one and ten?
I am thinking about this problem.

For – with verbs call, hope, look, wait, watch, and wish

Did someone call for a taxi?

He hopes for a raise in salary next year.
I'm looking for my keys.
We'll wait for her here.
You go buy the tickets, and I'll watch for the train.
If you wish for an "A" in this class, you must work hard.

Frequently Misused Prepositions

Prepositions may sometimes be confused because of slang and the general informality of talk.
Here are some frequently misused prepositions.

beside, besides. Beside means next to, whereas besides means in addition.

The comb is beside the brush.

Besides planning the trip, she is also getting the tickets.

p k
between, among. Generally, between is used when two items are involved;
with three or more, among is preferred.

k .
e
Between you and me, he is among friends.

se
due to. Due to should not be used as a preposition meaning because of.

Because of (not due to) his speeding, we were all ticketed.

inside of. The of is always unnecessary.

j.o Stay inside the house.

b
The man stayed outside (not outside of) the post office.

ww
w
Based on the information from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/eslprep4.html.