All About Prepositions

A Semester I Student Activity Book

By
Assia Laaboudi

Fall 2020

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 Introduction
Prepositions are parts of speech that belong to a closed class; they are vital markers to
the structure of a sentence. They mark special relationships between persons, objects, and
locations. For this reason, we should think carefully about how we incorporate the
teaching and learning of prepositions into our classes. Due to their multi-functions and
high number (between 60-70, Koffi, 2010), prepositions are not only difficult but also
highly confusing in usage for teachers and students alike (Pittman, 1996).
Teaching approach
Various approaches have been adopted in the teaching of prepositions, the most notable
of which is the traditional one. This approach consists in teaching prepositions in an
isolated manner and fragmentally, without explaining the context and meaning. The
learners generally try to remember the use of prepositions by practicing and memorizing
them. Whenever they are needed, the learners try to recall them. However, memorizing
such a long list is actually out of the range of the learners. They do not understand many
of those in the contexts they are used in English (Jahan, 2017, p.11). Lam (2009) explains,
―trying to remember a list of individual, unrelated uses is hardly conducive to increasing
learners understanding of how the prepositions are actually used and why the same
preposition can express a wide range of meanings‖ (p.3). This approach has been
rejected because of learners’ low retentiveness rates, which is largely due to explicit and
decontextualized teaching of prepositions.
This workbook strives to avoid the pitfalls of traditional teaching approaches by
classifying prepositions according to their functionality and to their type. As far as the
functionality is concerned, prepositions have been sorted according to the most common
functions they perform, namely, Time, Place, agency, cause, contrast, source, manner,
rate, or possession among others. Then, a variety of context is provided to help the
students develop a clear idea about the different uses of a given preposition. As to the
type, prepositions are classified according to whether they are simple, compound,
phrasal, participle or double prepositions.
Outline
This workbook is composed of ten units. Unit one addresses the preposition of time,
while unit two deals with prepositions of place. Directions and location prepositions are
covered in units three and four respectively. Units five and six deal with prepositions of
movement and instrument or agent. Common prepositional phrases and complex
prepositions are the respective subjects of units seven and eight, while unit nine covers a
wide range of activities on mixed prepositions. The last unit is a preposition chart.

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References
Jahan, N. (2017). Theories and Approaches of Teaching English Prepositions. BELTA
Journal, Vol (1), 1. doi: https://doi.org/10.36832/beltaj.2017.0101.01
Koffi, E. (2010). Applied English syntax: Foundations for word, phrase, and sentence
analysis. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
Lam, Y. (2009). Applying cognitive linguistics to teaching the Spanish prepositions por
and para. Language Awareness18(1), pp. 2-18. DOI. 10.1080/09658410802147345
Pittman, G. A. (1966). Activating the use of prepositions. London: Longman

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 Table of Contents

Unit 1: Prepositions of Time

Unit 2: Prepositions of Place
Unit 3: Prepositions of Direction
Unit 4: Prepositions of Location
Unit 5: Prepositions of Agent/Instrument
Unit 6: Other Prepositions
Unit 7 : Common Prepositional Phrases
Unit 8: Complex Prepositions
Unit 9: Mixed Prepositions
Unit 10: Preposition Chart

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 Background
A preposition is a word that connects a noun or a pronoun to another word in the
sentence. It shows relationships in time and space and relationships between ideas
(logical relationships).
Types of Prepositions
Preposition for Time: used for time of different natures are: "in, on, at" etc.
Example: He was born in 1945.
Preposition for Place: "in, on or at" are usually used for different places.
Example: Students study in library.
Preposition for Directions: "to, towards, through, into" are used to describe the direction.
Example: She went to the library.
Preposition for Agent: used for a thing which is the cause of another thing in the
sentence. Such prepositions are: "by, with" etc.
Example: This book is written by Shakespeare.
Preposition for Instrument: different prepositions are used by different devices,
instruments or machines. E.g.: "by, with, on" etc.
Example: She comes by bus daily.
NOTE: A preposition is always followed by a "noun". It is never followed by a verb.
Common Prepositions
about across against among into
behind beneath besides between outside
down except from in at
next off onto opposite by
to under unto around like
above after up beyond over
below beside with inside before
during for within out despite
of on without as near
toward unlike until but past

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 Unit I: Prepositions of Time
A preposition of time is a preposition that communicates a specific time period
such as a date on the calendar, one of the days of the week, or the actual time a certain
thing takes place. Prepositions of time are the same words as prepositions of place;
however, they are used in a different way as they always talk over times rather than
places. In what follows is a list of the time words that need 'on', 'in', 'at' and some that
don't need any preposition. Be cautious - many students of English use 'on' with months
(it should be 'in') or put a preposition before 'next' when there is no need for one.
Prepositions of time agree to tell your readers when things are taking place. They are
essential parts of speech to use in stories, as well as when writing simple communications,
reports, stories and other items.

in - months, years,
on days and
at - precise time centuries and long
dates
periods
at 3 o' clock in July on Thursdays
at 7.30 am in summer on 5 march
at sunrise in the next century on Republic Day
at sunset in the Ice Age on my birthday
at noon in the summer on 17 July
at dinnertime in 1987 on 25 Dec 2000
at bedtime in the 1990s on Christmas Day
at the moment in the past / future on New Year's Eve

1. Read through the following and fill in the numbered blanks with a suitable preposition
of time whenever necessary.
My parents met (1) ................... the war: (2) ................... August 1943 to be precise.
My father was home (3) ................... leave (4) ................... the front, and he
decided to spend the first week with his aunt in Liverpool. He hadn't seen her (5)
................... several years, even though she had brought him up (6) .................. . his
mother's death. Liverpool is not the most beautiful city in the world, but it can be
very pleasant (7) ................... summertime, especially early (8) ................... the
morning. (9) ................... this particular morning, however, my father was in no
mood to enjoy the sunrise over the Mersey. His train left Euston Station (10)
................... time, at midnight, but (11) ................... the time it got to Crewe, it was

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 already three and a half hours (12) ................... schedule. So he was in a bad mood
and very tired (13) ................... arrival at Lime Street Station. But something
happened (14) ................... minutes of his arrival that changed not only his mood but
also his whole life. Feeling thirsty (15) ................... his long journey, he decided to go
and have a cup of tea in the station buffet. Typically, it was shut (16) ...................
that early hour. A notice on the door read "Opening hours: (17) ................... 7 a.m.
(18) ................... 5.30 p.m. He looked at the station). clock: ten (19) ...................
seven. The buffet should be open (20) ................... now, he thought. But, knowing
station buffets, he realized that he could wait (21) ................... 8 or even 9 o'clock
before it opened. Suddenly he noticed a pretty girl sitting on a bench. She was
pouring some hot liquid from a thermos flask into a cup. Being something of a lady's
man, my father (at least this is what my mother told me (22) ................... some years
later) sat down and said, "I've never seen such a pretty girl (23) ................... all my
life as you. And I haven't had a hot drink (24) ................... last night. If you give me
a drink of your tea, I'll marry you and look after you (25) ................... the rest of
your life!" Believe it or not, she smiled at him, gave him the tea, and ... well, I
wouldn't be here (26) ................... now if the buffet hadn't been shut (27)
................... that fateful day (28) ................... August 1943.
2. Complete the questions on the right using the time expressions to the left; some
expressions can be used more than once.
1. __________do you usually get up in a. At what time
the morning? b. At sunrise
2. Do you ever get up _____? Why? / c. On weekday
Why not? d. At noon
3. _____________ you usually go to e. in the afternoon
work or school? f. in June
4. _______ do you usually get up on g. at bedtime
weekends? h. at night
5. What do you usually do __________ i. on Tuesday afternoon
afternoons? j. in winter
6. What do you usually do on k. in the 1990’s
_________ evenings? l. at midnight
7. Do you always eat lunch _______?
What do you usually eat?
8. Do you ever take a nap_________?
Why? / Why not?
9. Is your birthday _________? If ‘no”,
when is your birthday?
10. How do you like to relax _________?
11. Do you ever watch TV________?
Why? / Why not?

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 12. Can you remember what you
did__________?
13. Do you ever go skiing_______? Why?
/ Why not?
14. ____________ is sunset?
15. Were you born____________? If “no”,
when were you born?
16. Do you ever eat food_________?
Why? / Why not?

3. Circle the correct preposition in parentheses in the exercises below.

1. Does the movie begin (at, on) 6:30? No, it will not begin (until, for) 9:00; so do
not arrive (before, by) that time.
2. He asked me to come (at, in) noon.
3. We will go to Florida (since, during) the month of January.
4. The stores stay open (on, in) Mondays (until, for) 9:00p.m.
5. Mary has been in the United States (for, during) a year.
6. John has lived in France (for, since) two years.
7. I read (for, during) three hours, (at, from) 9:00p.m. (until, by) 12:00.
8. Did you meet Mr. Green (at, during) your stay in Savannah?
9. No, I did not see him because I was there (for, during) only two hours.
10. The train is (on, in) time. It will arrive (in, by) three hours.
11. Is your birthday (in, on) April? Mine is (in, on) April 7.
12. Come (by, on) 8:00 if you can; no one will be seated at the theater (after, since)
8:30.
13. I try to get to school (in, on) time to have a cup of coffee before my first class.
14. He will leave for Thailand (at, in) the end of August. There will be a farewell
party for him (in, on) the twentieth of August.
15. Columbus discovered America (in, on) 1492.
16. The projector broke down twice (for, during) the showing of the film.
17. He had been waiting here (during, since) noon.
18. I received my bill (to, in) the middle of the month.
19. Can you be ready (by, on) six o’clock?
20. We plan to finish this project (around, until) the first of the year

4. Read the notices. Complete the sentences below them using the correct prepositions.
Knightley Manor ˜
open to public ˜
SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY
1. Knightley Manor is only open to the public ……….

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 NEXT TRAIN TO WINCHESTER
ARRIVES – 10.25
DEPARTS – 10.28
2. The train to Winchester arrives …….and leaves…..
HOLIDAY
SORRY – WE’RE CLOSED FOR ALL OF JULY
3. The shop is closed………………….
DATES FOR NEXT TERM
5 SEPTEMBER-10 DECEMBER
4. The next term starts………………….
MONDAYS
ALL TICKETS HALF PRICE
5.The cinema tickets are half price………………………………
NEXT PERFORMANCE
2 p.m. 23 April
6.The next performance of the play will be................................
5. Complete the sentences about you. Use the information in brackets ().

1. (year) I was born .........in 1986...........

2. (year) I was born ....................
3. (day, month) My birthday is ....................
4. (time) I usually get up ................... and go to bed ....................
5. (period) I usually work / study from ....................
6. (day) I often take exercise / play a sport ....................
6. Choose the correct words in italics.

1.If you aren’t doing anything this evening, let’s go to the cinema during / after work.
2.The flight is at 8.00 a.m. so we’ll have to get up after / before 6.00 to get to the
airport.
3.The last date for your project is 25 March. Please give it to your teacher by / after
then.
4.Mike had a bad accident during / for his holiday and was in hospital during / for
two weeks.
5.Everything smells very fresh before / after rain.
6.Please don’t talk for / during the exam.
7.We’ll send out the interview letters by / after the weekend, so you’ll hear early next
week.
7. Complete the text with the prepositions from the box.

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 after before by during from for

The Rocks Hotel

has welcomed visitors (0) ................... 25 years. The following information will help
you to have an enjoyable stay: • The restaurant is open (1)……… 6.30 until 9.30 p.m.
If you would like an evening meal (2) ................... this time, please call 135. • Breakfast
is served between 6.30 and 9.00 a.m. If you would like breakfast in your room, please
hang the menu card on your door (3) ................... 2.00 a.m. • Reception is closed from
11.30 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. If you need a doctor (4) ................... the night, please call 100.
• We ask guests to leave their rooms (5)……… 11.00 a.m. If you wish to keep your
room later than this, please let us know (6) ................... 9.00 a.m. ** SPECIAL SPRING
OFFER** (7) ................... the months of March and April, stay (8) ................... two
nights and have dinner here, get the third night FREE!
8. Read through the following and fill in the numbered blanks with a suitable preposition of
time. Be careful, however, because in one or two cases no preposition is needed.

My parents met (1) ................... the war: (2) ................... August 1943 to be precise. My
father was home (3) ................... leave (4) ................... the front, and he decided to
spend the first week with his aunt in Liverpool. He hadn't seen her (5) ...................
several years, even though she had brought him up (6) ................... his mother's death.
Liverpool is not the most beautiful city in the world, but it can be very pleasant (7)
................... summertime, especially early (8) ................... the morning. (9) ...................
this particular morning, however, my father was in no mood to enjoy the sunrise over
the Mersey. His train left Euston Station (10) ................... time, at midnight, but (11)
................... the time it got to Crewe, it was already three and a half hours (12)
................... schedule. So he was in a bad mood and very tired (13) ................... arrival
at Lime Street Station. But something happened (14) ................... minutes of his arrival
that changed not only his mood but also his whole life. Feeling thirsty (15) ...................
his long journey, he decided to go and have a cup of tea in the station buffet. Typically,
it was shut (16) ................... that early hour. A notice on the door read "Opening hours:
(17) ................... 7 a.m. (18) ................... 5.30 p.m. He looked at the station clock: ten
(19) ................... seven. The buffet should be open (20) ................... now, he thought.
But, knowing station buffets, he realized that he could wait (21) ................... 8 or even 9
o'clock before it opened. Suddenly he noticed a pretty girl sitting on a bench. She was
pouring some hot liquid from a thermos flask into a cup. Being something of a lady's
man, my father (at least this is what my mother told me (22) ................... some years
later) sat down and said, "I've never seen such a pretty girl (23) ................... all my life as
you. And I haven't had a hot drink (24) ................... last night. If you give me a drink of
your tea, I'll marry you and look after you (25) ................... the rest of your life!"
Believe it or not, she smiled at him, gave him the tea, and ... well, I wouldn't be here
(26) ................... now if the buffet hadn't been shut (27) ................... that fateful day
(28) ................... August 1943.

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 Unit 2: Prepositions of Place
A preposition of place is a preposition which is used to refer to a place where
something or someone is located. There are only three prepositions of place, however
they can be used to discuss an almost infinite number of places. Prepositions of Place are
used to show the position or location of one thing with another. It answers the question
"Where?". They allow the speaker/writer to be very precise when talking about where an
action takes place in stories or when discussing important details for communication
purposes.
At – A preposition of place which is On – A preposition of time which is
used to discuss a certain location/ used to discuss a surface.
point
In general, we use:
In – A preposition of place which is
at for a POINT
used to discuss an fenced / enclosed
space in for an ENCLOSED SPACE
on for a SURFACE

Example

at Point in Enclosed Space on surface

at the corner in the garden on a ship
at the top of the page in my wallet on the floor
at the crossroads in London on the carpet
at the end of the
in a car on the menu
road
at home in a boat on a page
on a horse, on an
at the entrance in the newspaper
elephant

Practice
I. Fill in the blanks with the right preposition
1. The juice is ______ the bottle. 4. Berlin is ______ Germany.
2. Pass me the dictionary, it's ______ 5. You have something ______ your
the bookshelf. face.
3. Jennifer is ______ work. 6. Turn left ______ the traffic lights.

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 7. She was listening to classical music 15. She stood ______ the window and
______ the radio. looked out.
8. He has a house ______ the river. 16. The cat is ______ the house
somewhere.
9. The answer is ______ the bottom of
the page. 17. Why you calling so late? I’m
already ______ bed.
10. Julie will be ______ the plane
now. 18. I waited for Lucy ______ the
station.
11. There are a lot of magnets ______
the fridge. 19. There was a picture of flowers
______ her T-shirt.
12. She lives ______ London.
20. She has a house ______ Japan.
13. John is ______ a taxi. He's coming.
14. I'll meet you ______ the airport.
II. Circle the correct preposition
1. My dad is _______ the kitchen. on / in / behind
2. Our cat likes sleeping with me __________ the bed. between / on / in front of
3. I’m waiting for my friend _______________ her house. in front of / under / on
4. We’re playing a game – I’m hiding __________ the door! on / under / behind
5. I like sitting _________ my mum and my dad on the sofa. under / in / between
6. Can you swim _______________ water? in front of / under / next to
7. My bike is _______________ my dad’s car. next to / between/in
III. Fill in the gaps with the missing preposition.
Tourists in Paris
Marie lives 1_____an apartment in Paris. her apartment is 2___ the tenth floor of a very
big apartment building. 3___ her apartment she can see Paris well. 4 ___example her
apartment is near the Eifel tower. Every year more 5__ fifteen million tourists come to
Paris. Most tourists visit 6__the summer. It is difficult to find a good hotel room 7___july.
they come___ a long list of things to do in Paris. Many people like to take a picture 9___
the Eifel tower. They also like to visit the many old buildings in the city. Some tourists
look 10__the famous paintings in the louvre museum. Tourists love Paris and Marie loves
her city, too.
IV. Supply the required preposition.
1. I'll meet you ______ the Algonquin Hotel.
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 2. If you want to reach that shelf you'd better stand __________ a chair.
3. You will find some stamps _____ the middle drawer of the desk.
4. We are still living _____ Bedford Avenue. We used to live ___ 450 Bedford Avenue,
but we now live ___631 Bedford Avenue.
5. This apartment is 10-B; 11-B is the apartment directly____ us.
6. _____ the box were the earrings she thought she had lost.
7. Some of the most expensive stores ___ New York are ____ Fifth Avenue.
8. ____ the front page of a newspaper are the most important stories of the day.
9. Please play ______ the house. It's too cold outside.
10. When you are sitting __the table for dinner, don't put your elbows _ the table.
11. There is no one _____ the world who can help me now.
12. The boy hid the money ____ a rock ___ the garden.
13. A subterranean river runs ____ the ground.
14. The tax office is _______ the second floor.
15. A submarine operates _______ the surface of the water.
16. We'll wait for you ______ the lobby of the hotel.
17. He saw a dollar bill lying ______ the sidewalk.
18. Turn left __________ the next intersection.
19. The pupils were busy writing some exercises ___their desks.
20. They arrived _____ the United States last week.
21. The plane arrived _____ the airport two hours late.
V. Decide which preposition should be used
1 - I always keep some extra money 6 - I read about it ___ the newspaper.
__ my bag in case of emergencies.
7 - He went for a swim ___ the river
2 - I'll read it tonight ___ home.
8 - The dog's sleeping ___ the carpet.
3 - Do you live ___ a house or an
9 - The information is ___ the top of
apartment?
the page.
4 - Did you learn English ___ Malta?
10 - Were you ___ the party too?
5 - She grew up ___ a farm.

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VI. Use At/in/on to fill in the blanks
1. There were fifty rooms __ the hotel.
2. I play cricket __ the Lion’s Cricket Club every weekend.
3. The flight was fine, but the food __ the plane wasn’t good.
4. I first saw the newly launched phone in the shop __ MG Road.
5. The meeting between the two head of the states will take place __ Race Course
Road.
6. Hurry up, we’ve to leave __ five minutes.
7. I don’t like traveling __ night.
8. I liked the book so much that I finished it __ a day.
9. I’m going for lunch and will be back __ 30 minutes.
10. Smith is busy __ the moment.
11. Michael Phelps won eight gold medals __ Beijing in 2008.
12. I went to see him off __ the station.
13. After the train left, it started to rain. So I took shelter __ the station.
14. I’ve got __ to the train and will reach Bangalore by 6 PM.
15. There was a security alert __ the airport.
16. Take a left turn __ the roundabout.
17. I see a spider __ the door.
18. Show me what’s there __ your bag.
19. There are plenty of fish __ this pond.
20. What time do you usually arrive __ work?
VII. Fill in the blanks with the right preposition of place
1. Belgium and Denmark are only an hour or so apart ___ airplane, for example. Danes
look a lot like Belgians, and if you were dropped ___ a street corner ___ Copenhagen,
you wouldn’t find it all that different ___ a street corner ___ Brussels.
2. ___ the mid-1990s, an experimental public school called the KIPP Academy opened
___ the fourth floor of Lou Gehrig Junior High School ___ New York City. Lou Gehrig is
___ the seventh school district, otherwise known as the South Bronx, one of the poorest
neighborhoods ___ New York City. It is a squat, gray 1960s-era building ___ the street
from a bleak-looking group of high-rises.

3. Now take a look ___ the last column, which totals up all the summer gains ___ first
grade ___ fifth grade. The reading scores of the poor kids go up ___ 0.26 points. When it
comes to reading skills, poor kids learn nothing when school is not ___ session. The
reading scores of the rich kids, by contrast, go up ___ a whopping 52.49 points. Virtually
all of the advantage that wealthy students have over poor students is the result of
differences in the way privileged kids learn ___ they are not ___ school.

4. What are we seeing here? One very real possibility is that these are the educational
consequences of the differences ___ parenting styles that we talked about ___ the Chris
Langan chapter. Think back to Alex Williams, the nine-year-old whom Annette Lareau
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studied. His parents believe ___ concerted cultivation. He gets taken ___ museums and
gets enrolled ___ special programs and goes ___ summer camp, where he takes classes.
When he’s bored ___ home, there are plenty of books to read, and his parents see it as
their responsibility to keep him actively engaged ___ the world ___ him. It’s hard to see
how Alex would get better ___ reading and math ___ the summer.

VIII. Same as above

Dear Sir,
Please refer (a)____ the poster appeared (b) ___the columns (c) ___your newspaper
regarding impending possibility of water borne diseases (d) ___ the ensuing summer
season. Generally all the items become infected (e) __bacteria because they remain
uncovered due(f) ___our carelessness. Most often we become too thirsty (g) __need
immediate water. Consequently; we take it without keeping (h) __ view its cleanliness
and purity. Thereby diseases like cholera, gastroenteritis, dysentery etc. disturb the
general health and hygiene (i) ___all. It is due to sheer carelessness (j) ___ our part. We
know that rising beat gives birth (k) __these diseases and precaution is a must on our part
to save ourselves. I hope you will publish my views to create awareness in the public (I)
__proper maintenance of their health and hygiene.
Yours faithfully
Varun
X. Circle the right preposition
1. John invited me to dinner _____ his club.
at with in into
2. He sits _____ the desk all day writing something in his notebook.
at in on under
3. What is the cheapest way of getting _____ New York to Washington, D.C.?
to in from into
4. A bullet was fired _____ the upstairs window.
from in on at
5. He hung the picture in the hall _____ the right as you come in.
at on to from
6. Passengers may leave bulky items _____ the stairs with the conductor's permission.
under on in from

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 7. He opened the door with a rusty key and went down the steps _____ the
basement.
under into in from
8. What platform does the train to New York leave _____?
on into from at
9. He was wounded _____ the shoulder during the war.
on in at into
10. Rosa was sitting with her head _____ her hands.
under in on at
11. He was fined for parking his car _____ a no-parking area.
at on into in
12. The car skidded _____ the tree; the windscreen was smashed but the driver wasn't
injured.
from at into to
13. He lived _____ this street for 10 years.
to at in on
14. You can find some Shakespeare's books in the bookcase _____ the corner.
in on under at
15. We have lived _____ 101 Rollings Street since 1998.
at under in on
16. He was _____ prison for 2 years for stealing his roommate's car.
at to in from
X. For each gap, fill in the text with one of the following prepositions:

about, around, at, for, in, of, to, with or X if no preposition is required.

Rome As a rule, Italians are very conscious 1___ their dress and have a great sense2___
style. Casual dress is fine3 ___ most occasions, but a suit and tie are recommended 4__
business meetings. 5___ summer, locals will not be seen wearing shorts 6____ the city.
When visiting the Vatican or any major cathedral, men should wear long pants and
women skirts or long pants. Sleeveless shirts and shorts are not permitted 7___ churches
and the Vatican, including 8___ the Vatican museums. Tipping is not mandatory. 9 ___

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times a service charge (servizio) is included 10___ your restaurant bill. This should not be
confused 11 ___ the cover charge (coperta), which is a charge 12 ___ bread and table
settings. If the service charge is included and you are pleased 13___ the service, it’s
customary to leave 14 ____ an additional 5%; if the service charge is not included, leave
a 10% tip. 15___ the porter and cleaning lady of the hotel you should give 10,000 lire,
16___ room service 5,000 lire. Tipping 17 ___ taxis is not obligatory either, but 1,000 to
2,000 lire is usually given 18____ the driver.

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 Unit 3: Prepositions of Movement/
Direction

Prepositions that express movement toward something are to, onto, and into. The
most common preposition of movement or direction is to. To indicates orientation
toward a goal.
If the goal is a physical one (the store, a party, the kitchen, etc.), to shows movement
toward that point.
“Bailey ran to the corner.” (He is running in the direction of the corner.)
If the goal is not an actual place, but is an action or a thought, to is used with another
verb in the infinitive form and expresses purpose (in order to).
“We cleaned the house to prepare for the reception” (We cleaned in order to prepare
for the reception.)
Both meanings of the word to can be used in the same sentence:
“Paul went to Lucy’s house to deliver the gift.” (Lucy’s house is the physical destination,
and Paul's purpose is in order to deliver the gift'.)

(i) List of Prepositions of Movement

across along around away back
down from into off onto
out of over past round through
to towards under up

The other two prepositions of direction are compounds formed by adding to: on + to =
onto: signifies movement toward the top of a surface; in + to = into: signifies movement
toward the interior of something. With some action verbs, on and in have a directional
meaning and may also be used, but not in every instance.
Shawn climbed in/into the bathtub. (Both in and into are correct. Choose one.)

Into /onto vs in on

18
 The difference between the compound prepositions into and onto and the simple
prepositions in and on is that the compound prepositions indicate the completion of an
action, and the simple prepositions show the position of the subject as a result of that
action.
Example:
1. Patricia fell onto the ground. (completion of the action of falling)
2. Patricia is on the ground. (position of Patricia)
3. Mario jumped into the river. (completion of the action jumped)
4. Mario is in the river. (position of Mario)
I. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate preposition in the following paragraph.
Would you please tell me how to get_________the baseball park? Certainly. You go
down Arch Street two blocks and turn left__________King Street. Stay__________King
Street_________about two miles. You will go________a bridge and_________a tunnel.
You will come to Ocean Avenue about four blocks after you leave the tunnel. Turn
right_______Ocean Avenue, and________the middle of the block you will see the main
entrance________the ball park. I would suggest that you drive your car_______the block
and park_______the parking lot behind the field.
II. Complete the sentences with the correct preposition of movement. In some cases,
more than one answer may be possible.

1. They climbed___ the mountain and went right to the top.

2. We saw a bull as we were walking___ the field.
3. We had to walk the whole ____of the building before we found the entrance.
4. They drove ___the tunnel.
5. We walked_____ the side of the river as far as Hampton Court.
6. They ran ____the hill and jumped into the river at the bottom.
7. She jumped off the table and____ the floor.
8. As I was walking in the park, a strange man ran___ me, but I didn’t see his face.
9. She jumped_____ the fence and disappeared into the woods.
III. Same as above.
1. The man tried to stroke the cat but it just ran____ from him.
2. When the cat saw us, it jumped_____ the box and hid there.
3. The lion came slowly_____ me, but stopped when it was about 3 metres away.

19
 4. I went ____the police officer and asked for directions.
5. I’m going____ the shops. Do you want anything?
6. When I opened the box, a cat jumped___ it.
7. The robber jumped______ the roof and onto the street below.
8. We travelled the east coast of America to the west coast.
IV. Complete the following sentences using into, in, onto, on and out of.
1. I don’t know how I managed to 6. She ran ___ the room.
get____this mess.
7. I took the envelope ____ my
2. I hope you won’t run ____ any pocket.
problems.
8. She sat there staring ____ the
3. He was trying to throw his hat window
____ the roof.
9. John wants to get ____ advertising.
4. John always manages to get
10. He promised that he would
___trouble.
look___the matter
5. He threw himself ___ the
work with great enthusiasm.
V. Circle the correct answer
1. Prepositions of movement are usually used with verbs of motion. Which is a verb of
motion?
a. to be b. to go c. to do
2. Choose the correct preposition: The Earth goes _______ the sun once a year.
a. across b. past c. around
3. My dog was lying on the sofa, so I yelled, "Get ______ !"
a. out of b. from c. off
4. Which is NOT correct? "The bridge went ______ the river."
a. on b. over c. across
5. Which is correct? "How far is it _______ the station from here?"
a. from b. to c. away from
6. A brave teacher ran _______ the gunman and stopped him from shooting more
students.
a. up b. towards c. away from

20
 7. To score in soccer, you must get the ball _______ the goalkeeper and into the net.
a. through b. across c. past
8. We usually feel the most exhausted after running _______ a steep hill.
a. up b. down c. around
9. Which are the correct prepositions? Donald fell _______ the boat and _______ the
water.
a. down, in b. off, into c. out of, onto
10. The prisoners escaped _______ a tunnel they'd dug _______ the prison wall.
a. under, through b. out of, over c. through, under
VI. Complete the following exercises by filling in the correct preposition.
1. I placed the glass ______ the table. 5. We drove _____ the mountains but
stopped before we got there.
2. Jim went _____ the library
yesterday. 6. Maggie, our cat, jumped ____ the
table.
3. Jane jumped ____ the swimming
pool. 7. I study hard ____ do well on tests.
4. I ran ____ class in order ____ arrive 8. He dropped the ice cubes ____ the
on time. glass of water
.
VII. Use the correct prepositions of movement to complete the sentences below
I flew from San Francisco____ Zurich with Swiss International Air Lines.
2 Every morning I get____ my bicycle and go to school.
3 The cat was on the table; then it jumped ____ the table.
4 We got____ the car and run the building.
5 He fell ____ his motorbike when he was riding very fast.
6 The elevator didn't work and we had to walk ____ the stairs to the 15th floor.
7 He escaped ____ a door in the back of the building.
8 We took a boat____ the river.
9 The robber broke his leg when he tried to jump ____ a wall.
10 He took the phone and threw it ____ the water.
VIII. Same as above

21
 When he walked _____ me, he pretended he didn't know me.
a. along b. through c. past
2 When he came _____ the sauna, he was sweating a lot.
a. out of b. off c. to
3 Walk _____ the yellow line to reach the maternity unit.
a. over b. into c. along
4 Many people risk their lives to travel _____ the Mexico-United States border.
over b. past c. across
5 He threw the ball _____ the fence and it landed on the roof of a car.
a. over b. up c. into
6 Salmons swim _____ rivers to lay their eggs.
a. across b. up c. over
7 I'm coming _____ the hospital. The doctor has prescribed me some pills.
a. to b. off c. from
8 He went _____ the room, walked _____ the big table and turned on the TV.
on/across b. out of/over c. into/around
9 The cat ran _____ the bed to find refuge.
over b. under c. into
10 He saw a wasp flying _____ him and ran away.
a. towards b. into c. off
X. Complete each sentence using the appropriate preposition in the box.

across along down from into off out of over to towards through
up

Example:
When they saw the bull, they got really scared and they ran down the hill really fast.
1. He jumped from one side of the rock to the other side of the rock. ⇒ He jumped
_____ the rock.
2. They ran from one side of the street to the other side of the street. ⇒ They ran
_____ the street.

22
 3. The car was going in the direction of the bridge. ⇒ The car was going
_____ the bridge.
4. They ran in the trees, from one end to the other end. ⇒ They ran_____ the trees.
5. He took a towel and went inside the bathroom. ⇒ He took a towel and went
_____ the bathroom.
6. We walked following the line of the main street. ⇒ We walked_____ the main
street
7. We rode our bikes from a lower position to a higher position on the mountain. ⇒
We rode our bikes _____ the mountain.
8. He was on the stage and then he went away from the stage. ⇒ He went_____ the
stage.
9. When she came from the interior of the office to the exterior of the office, she
looked upset. ⇒ When she came_____ the office, she looked upset.
10. The place where I'm going to start walking is the gym and my destination is work.
⇒ I'm going to walk _____the gym _____work.
X. Fill the gaps using the words in the box.

Across, along, at, down, in front of, past, from, under, through,
up

The race starts at the Town Hall. The runners go (1) ____ the Town Hall and they run (2)
____ the main square, to the river. Then they run over New Bridge and they go (3) ____
the road beside the river for about 200 yards. They go (4) ____ the theatre and (5____)
Castle Hill. They turn right (6) ____ the castle, and they go (7) ____ Steep Hill. Then they
go (8) ____ the tunnel (9) ____ the river, and they finish at the station.
XI. Fill in the correct preposition of movement
My Story
I got up very early yesterday. It was a nice morning. The sun was shining and it was very
warm. I looked ___ the window and saw my friends in the street. They were walking ___
the street talking about something. I wanted to join them and went ___ the street. They
were glad to see me. We laughed and joked. Suddenly we saw a cat sitting on the wall
and the dog coming __ it. The dog began to bark and jump trying to catch the cat. The
cat jumped __ the wall and climbed the tree. The dog ran and jump __ the tree trying to
seize the cat but couldn’t do it. It was a funny situation.
XII. Correct the mistakes
1. The helicopter flew along the 2. The book fell out of the shelf.
mountain.
_________________________________
_________________________________

23
 3. The dog jumped under the box. _________________________________
_________________________________ 6. Turn along the corner.
4. Tim can swim over the river. _________________________________
_________________________________ 7.The girls went in the cinema.
5. Liz went into the park. _________________________________

XIII. Fill in the prepositions of movement

1. The children go __ school every 8. We’ll stop __ the corner.
day.
9. The boys jumped __ the pool.
2. Bob looked __ the window and
10. You may take the book __ my
saw his friend.
table.
3. The dog was running __ the
11. The boys jumped __ the wall and
flowerbed.
ran away.
4. The cat jumped __ the wall.
12. Have you put your clothes __ the
5. We drove __ that village yesterday. case?
6. Is it far __ here __ the square? 13. You have to go __ the bridge.
7. I like to walk __ the river. 14. They climbed __ the mountain.
XIV. Choose the correct preposition
1. They went __the cinema. a) in b) out of c) over
a) down b) to c) over 6. The boys ran __ the road.
2. The man got __ the car. a) across b) under c) over
a) out of b) across c) up 7. Kate went __ the corner.
3. The cat jump __ the sofa. a) up b) round c) down
a) in b) to c) from 8. Tom ran __ the bookstore.
4. We went __ the stairs. a) past b) up c) under
a) down b) into c) through 9. We like to walk __ the street.
5. The ball flew __ the net. a) round b) along c) across

(ii) Preposition of Direction

24
 A preposition of direction tells where to go or where to put something. Some
examples are to, on, onto, in, into, towards and through are used to describe the
direction. Prepositions of direction show us to where or in which direction something
moves.
I. Complete the following sentences with the correct preposition. Some sentences may
have more than one possible correct answer.

to toward on onto in or into

1. The plane landed ______ the 13. I went ______ the gym.
runway. 14. The waitress noticed that there
2. The kids climbed ______ the was no more Diet Pepsi ______
monkey bars. Cedric's glass.
3. The dog jumped ______ the lake. 15. Patricia almost fell ______ the
4. The baby spilled his rye______ the river.
floor. 16. Allan left your keys ______ the
5. James got ______ Tom's car. table.
6. Are the boys still swimming 17. Mariam jumped ______ the stage
______ the pool? and danced.
7. We cried to the man on the 18. Drive __________ the city limits
ladder, "Hang ______!" and turn north.
8. Annabelle has returned ______ 19. Iman and Sarah took the bus that
her home town. was heading ______ the
9. John fell ______ the floor. university.
10. We drove _____ the river for an 20. Dr. Casper apologized for
hour but turned north before we interrupting us and told us to
reached it. carry ______ with our discussion.
11. Peter drove Helen ______ the 21. Echelles and Michelle moved the
airport. table ______ the dining room.
12. The plane was headed 22. I walk ______ the amusement
__________ a storm cloud. park.

25
 Unit 4: Prepositions of Location
Prepositions of location describe where something is. To refer to a location, use the
prepositions in (an area or volume), at (a point), and on (a surface).
The preposition at is used to indicate specific locations, while on describes being on the
surface of something. As to in, it describes being inside of a space
Example

at in on

Mary is at the restaurant.* Your shoes are on the I found this book in the
floor. library.

I am waiting at the bus You are standing on my I left my backpack in the

stop foot bathroom.

I. Use at / in/ on to fill in the blanks in the sentences below

1. You can buy your rail passes ___ the ticket counter ___ any train station the
country.
2. The brown bears found __ Kodiak Island are the largest __ the world.
3. There is no life __ the moon, but there are many forms of life __ the ocean floor.
4. She bought her wedding dress__ an exclusive shop __ Fifth Avenue.
5. Nathan was able to exchange money __ the exchange counter __ the airport.
6. If you want anything to eat, there is a freshly baked chocolate cake__ the table __
the kitchen and plenty of food __ the refrigerator.
7. While Shirley was __ Macy's department store__ the mall, she ran into Evan and
Lea __ the furniture department.
8. While Dave was __ the top of the Eiffel Tower, he could see several tourist boats __
the Seine, the river that runs through Paris.
9. I stood__ line for thirty minutes__ the ticket window __ the movie theater to get
tickets for the film.
10. Mike was sitting__ his desk __ his office __ work when Bill called; Bill was __ Asia
on business.

26
II. Same as above
1. We have high-speed Internet access __ work, but I have a bad connection __home.
2. The kids are learning about the Civil War __ their history class __ school.
3. Toby was __ the hospital for two weeks after his motorcycle accident__ the
freeway.
4. Jane and Debbie saw dolphins __ the ocean while they were having a picnic __ the
beach.
5. Fred loves to go camping __ the desert, but Kyle prefers to camp __ the mountains.
6. The conference was held __a ski resort Telluride, a small town southwest
Colorado.
7. You can buy stamps __ the post office __ Delancey Street.
8. The old man who was standing __ the corner yelled at the kids who were playing
__ the street.
9. While they were hiking __Ridgeback Mountain, Laurelle and Frank saw a bear__
the woods.
10. They have a small house__ a beautiful lake__ California. When I visit them, I
always love to sit __ the shore and watch the kids swimming__ the lake.
III. Read these directions to an arts festival. Then circle the correct words.
How to find us
If you are coming by train, follow these directions from the station to the Arts Centre:
when you leave the station, go (0) across / through the railway bridge. (1) To / From the
bridge, turn right and walk (2) along / past the path by the river for about 200 metres,
then go (3) along / through the small park on your left. Go (4) across / round the statue
in the middle and (5) from / past the park café. Follow the path (6) to / along the main
gate and go (7) across / through the gate. Go (8) along / across the main road and you’ll
see the Arts Centre in front of you.
IV. Complete the sentences with prepositions.
1. You have to turn your lights on when you go ................... the tunnel.
2. I always walk ................... the bridge to get to work. It’s quicker.
3. ‘Is this Kew Gardens?’ ‘No. You need to get ................... the bus at the next stop.’
4. The doors open at 6.00 p.m. and then people can go ................... the cinema.
5. Turn right and go ................... the post office – it’s the next building on the right.
6. Walk ................... the lake. The café is on the other side.

27
V. Complete the passage below with the correct preposition
Maria is walking 1__ the grass. Riaz is walking 2 __ the foot-path. A Boy and a girl are
running 3 __ the road. It is not safe. They should look right and left and the cross the
road. They are going 4 __ school. They are late 5 __ school. They are all 6 __ a hurry.
The school begins 7 ___ half past seven. The children are 8 ___ the class room. They are
putting their bags 9 ___ desk. They are sitting 10 __ their chair. The teacher is coming 11
____ the class room. The children are looking 12 ____ the teacher. She is writing 13 ___
the black board. She is writing 14 ____a piece of chalk. Zia is late. He is Walking 15 ____
the class room.

28
 Unit 5: Prepositions of Agent/
Instrument
These prepositions are applied to indicate that an action conducted on a noun is caused
by another noun, when used in a sentence.
The agent prepositions are:

By with without

Examples:
i. This book is written by Shakespeare.
ii. The work was completed by Janice.
iii. The room was decorated by Jack.
iv. The tub is filled with water.
v. You can’t play soccer without ball
1.Fill in the gaps with using either by or with
1. The project was completed __ 9. That man opened the door ____
Jacob. the key.
2. The Odyssey was written ___ 10. He was hit ___ a bat.
Homer. 11. You can’t play soccer ___ a ball.
3. The room is being decorated __ 12. This poem was written __ Milton.
Dora. 13. I travelled ___ myself.
4. I can write better __ my own pen. 14. She trembled with fear.
5. I opened my closet ___ a key. 15. She was hit ___ a car.
6. I'm going to Paris next week ___ 16. Won't you come ___ me?
my girlfriend. 17. Ten years have gone ___.
7. This poem was written ___ Walt 18. She screamed ___ terror.
Whitman. 19. Ken must be home ____ now.
8. She is writing ___ her blue pen. 20. He is ____ no means bright.
21. She graduated ___ honors.
2. Complete the following sentences using the appropriate preposition
1. I was impressed _______ his 2. I was laughed at _______
music. everyone.
3. Let's start _______ Lesson Ten.

29
 4. He prepared supper _______ 14. Would you like to dance _______
himself. me?
5. She went _______ him to Boston. 15. I went there _______ bus and
6. I am not acquainted _______ him. train.
7. He should have arrived _______ 16. I went to the airport _______ taxi.
now. 17. She wasn't dancing _______ him
8. I advised her to come _______ then.
9:00. 18. Mary is respected _______
9. She spoke to me _______ a smile. everyone.
10. I go to work _______ car every 19. The dog was run over _______ a
day. car.
11. What did you do _______ that 20. Are you through _______ your
car? homework?
12. May I leave this book _______ 21. The thief got away _______ the
you? money.
13. I usually go to school _______ 22. Did he come _______ bus or
bus. _______ train?
3. Fill in the gaps with the right preposition and underline the preposition of instrument
1. Wood pulp is used ___ the 6. After he heard the news he just
production of paper products. stood ___ a bowed head.
2. How should we vote for class 7. He was hit ___ a bottle thrown
president? ___ a show of hands. from the crowd.
8. He worked ___ a janitor before he
3. My parents put some money ____ went into acting.
my university education.
9. He was assaulted ___ a knife as he
4. Stop acting ___ such a fool. Sit up went through the park.
and pay attention.
10. He has been doing it ___ a hobby
5. How will you go to New York? ___ for 15 years
Paris I think.
.
4. Choose the right prepositions to complete the following sentences.

About with by at without

1. Do you know a lot ____science? 2. How long does it take to get

there____ plane.

30
 3. I like stories____ happy endings. 7. The robbers were
arrested_____the police.
4. I went to the cinema ____ some
friends of mine. 8. These trains travel_____very high
speeds.
5. It isn’t very expensive to
travel_____ train. 9. Water freezes_____0 degrees
Celsius.
6. She goes to school_____ bicycle.
10. We couldn’t get in the
house____the ke

5. Same as above
1. Children start school ___ the age 6. The plane is flying ___ 700 miles
of six. an hour.
2. He often goes to work ___ car. 7. The plant is ___ the piano.
3. I cut the paper ___ a pair of 8. They’re talking___ the weather.
scissors.
9. Who is the man ___ long hair?
4. I’m reading a book ___
10. You hit the ball ___ a tennis
computers.
racket.
5. She’s listening to some music ___
Michael Jackson.
6. Read this short article about a famous guitar owned by John Lennon. For each space,
decide if a preposition is required and, if so, which one. If you think there is no
preposition required, put an "x" in the box.
The guitar John Lennon was playing when he first met 1____ Paul McCartney could
fetch up to £100,000 when it is put 2____for auction by Sotheby's in London next
month. The Gallotone "Champion" acoustic guitar is the earliest Beatles guitar to be
offered3 ____auction. The 17-year-old John Lennon was playing it while leading his
band the Quarry Men 4____ a church fete in 1957 - watched 5 ____ the then 15-year-
old McCartney. Sotheby's Rock 'n' Roll specialist Stephen Maycock said: "This is the most
important and significant piece of early Beatles memorabilia to come6 ____ the market."
The cherry-colored Dutch-made guitar has been fully restored and bears the "Champion"
logo. It is also bears a brass plaque 7____ the inscription "Remember you'll never earn
your living by it". It refers 8 ____a remark that Lennon's Aunt Mimi is thought to have
made out of exasperation at the number of hours the young Lennon spent practicing on
the guitar rather 9____ studying. But, her nephew was out to prove her anxiety wrong
and if he had not been playing his guitar once again at the St Peter's church fete 10____
Woolton, Merseyside he might not have had that fateful encounter. A black and white

31
photo11 12____ the afternoon shows Lennon standing at the front 13____ the stage
playing the Dutch-made guitar. Among the crowd of spectators was the teenage
McCartney. The two were introduced later 14 ____ the day as the Quarry Men set up
15____ an evening session in the church hall. McCartney was impressed with Lennon's
ability to play the guitar and remember lyrics from well-known rock 'n' roll songs. A
former member of the Quarry Men recalled that Lennon bought the instrument 16 ____
mail order a month or so earlier, for only £10. Forty-two years on, the guitar, which is
being sold 17 ____ with Lennon's typewriter and records 18____ his early collection, is
expected to sell for 19____ to £100,000 at the Rock 'n' Roll Memorabilia Sale at the
Hard Rock Cafe. In September 1994, a tape recording of John Lennon singing and
playing the guitar 20____ the Quarry Men at the fete was bought 21 ____ EMI Records
for £78,500 at the annual sale.
7. Correct the error
Last year I went to the Hay-on-Wye book festival. I went 1 along my two best friends,
and we went 2 on bus. It was great – we went to a really funny and interesting talk 3
with Charlie Higson. He wrote the Young James Bond books.

32
 Unit 6: Other Prepositions

(i) Prepositions of method and manner are used to explain in what way something is
done.
The main prepositions of method and manner are:
By: to express actions and it is followed by the gerund (verb + -ing) or a noun.
With: with objects or tools used to achieve something, and it is usually followed by a
noun.
Example:
“We can handle the situation by talking.” = We use by to indicate the action we do.
“We can handle the situation with patience.” = We use with to show our manner during
the action.
(ii) Prepositions of cause and effect or reason are used to express the cause of something
or the reason that something happens, and the effect it has on another thing. Some
examples of these prepositions which include compound prepositions most commonly
used are:
as, as a result (of), because (of), consequently, due to, for, from, hence, on account
of, since, therefore, and through.
Example
1.He cannot play football because of his swollen leg.
2.The quarrel was due to the rudeness on both sides.
3.They divorced for many reasons.
4.Businesses don’t succeed from luck alone.
5.She doesn’t eat much on account of her acute depression.
6.Their sales increase through effective marketing.
The chart below summarizes and illustrates these prepositions

33
I. Use the right preposition of manner to complete the sentences below
1.We couldn't afford to go 4.Many say he laughs ___ a hyena.
there __ taxi.
5.The tourists arrived on the
2.The supplies were island __ a hovercraft.
dropped __ parachutes.
6. She reacted __ anger to what he
3.He fell __ his dash for the finishing said.
line.

34
II. For each of the six questions choose the one correct answer.
1. I love living in Australia 4. Keith lost his job due ________
______________ the weather. cutbacks in the department.
a. because a. for
b. since b. at
c. as c. to
d. because of d. by
2. The increase in the number of cars on 5. The increase in tropical storms in
the road has resulted ________ more and recent year has been __________ global
more traffic warming.
jams. a. put up with
a. in b. put down to
b. to c. set down to
c. at d. put to
d. for 6. Which one is NOT correct? “He didn’t
turn up for the exam. __________, he
3. “He got to work really, really late ‘cos
failed the
he missed his train”. Which cause and
effect word is course.”
‘cos short for? a. As a result
a. due to b. Consequently
b. because c. As a consequence
c. as d. As a reason
d. since
III. Fill in the gaps with either for or to

35
VI. Correct the mistakes without changing any verbs or gerunds

………………………………………………………………………………………

36
 Unit 7: Common Phrases with Prepositions

I. Complete the sentences with the right preposition.

1. Which languages do you study .......... school in your country?
2. Can I talk to you .......... private after the class?
3. It’s dangerous to drive and talk on a mobile phone .......... the same time.
4. I really like the handbag in the window. Is it .......... sale?
5. The police found the money .......... chance when they searched the apartment.
6. Ahmed travels to Switzerland every month .......... business.
7. After nearly an hour, our bus arrived .......... last!
II. Complete the story with the correct words and phrases from the box.

at first at once home in a hurry in the end in time on fire

We had a terrible experience a few weeks ago. One evening, a friend of ours had dinner
with us, and we drove him to the station after our meal. We were quite late for his train
so we left the house (0) ..................., and I forgot to turn off the cooker. When we got
(1) ................... from the station, the kitchen was (2) ...................! We were shocked (3)
................... but then we called the fire service. They arrived almost (4) ...................,
and put the fire out. We were lucky that they put the fire out (5) ................... to save
our kitchen – there wasn’t much damage, so everything was OK (6) ....................
III. Write the sentences again. Replace the underlined words with a common phrase.
1. I’m really sorry I took your coat – I didn’t do it deliberately.
I’m really sorry, I took your coat – I didn’t do it on purpose
2. The film seemed very boring in the beginning, but then it got better.
3. ...................................................................................................................
4. I’m going to be in Prague for work next week.
5. ...................................................................................................................
6. Please make sure that you arrive at the correct time for your appointment.
7. ...................................................................................................................
8. If you hear the bell, go to your class immediately.
9. ...................................................................................................................
10. The coffee machine isn’t working again.
.....................................................................................................................

37
IV. There are five more mistakes with prepositions in the conversation. Find and correct
them.
A Did you get tickets for Radiohead? that day. I’ll meet you to there.
B Yes, I did. I had to phone the box B Can you meet me at 6.30? It starts
office about ten times but I got at 8.00 and I want to be there by
through on in the end. time – at least an hour before it starts.
A That’s great! A Yes, that’s fine. I’ll drive and park
nearby, then I can drive you to home
B I’ve got tickets for Friday 15th – I’ll
afterwards.
be on work that day, so I’ll go straight
from the office to Wembley Stadium. B Thanks. That’s great.
A Well, I’m actually by holiday from
work

1. Prepositions with Nouns

V. Supply appropriate prepositions to complete the sentences below
1. The two companies are completely independent. There's no connection ________
them.
2. The advantage ________ having a car is that you don't have to rely on public
transport.
3. There are many advantages ________ being able to speak a foreign language.
4. Bill and I used to be good friends, but I don't have much contact ________ him
now.
5. "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" are plays ________ Shakespeare.
6. I mustn't eat too much. I'm supposed to be ________ a diet.
7. There was panic when people realized the building was ________ fire.
8. Next month I'm going to Scotland ________ a short holiday.
9. I won't be at work next week. I'll be ________ holiday.
10. We're going ________ holiday with some friends of ours in September.
11. Did you hear the news this morning ________ the radio?
12. It was only ________ accident that I found out who the man really was.
13. I wouldn't like his job. He spends so much time talking ________ the phone.
VI. Same as above
1. They sent me a cheque ________ 3. Have you got any experience
$60. ________ nursing?
2. I have a little difficulty ________ 4. She claims to be an expert
the children. ________ Eastern philosophy.

38
 5. I have every intention ________ 13. I shot the robber ________ self-
informing you. defense.
6. Take no notice ________ her! 14. My efforts to avoid hitting the tree
were ________ vain.
7. These huts offer little protection
________ rats. 15. It isn't perfect but it's useful
________ some respects.
8. What was the point ________
attempting to live together? 16. I've just received an invitation
________ a wedding next week.
9. I was surprised at his reaction
________ what I said. 17. Money isn't a solution ________
every problem.
10. I was questioned in connection
________ a robbery. 18. The company has rejected the
workers' demands ________ an
11. There was a close connection
increase ________
________ the last two events.
Pay
12. Their marriage is ________ the
rocks.
2. Prepositions with Verbs
VII. Supply appropriate prepositions to complete the sentences
1. I have searched everywhere ________ John but haven't been able to find him.
2. Please don't shout ________ me! Be nice to me!
3. I saw Tom as we were driving along. I shouted ________ him but he didn't hear.
4. Sally has been suffering ________ severe headaches since last week.
5. You're always asking me ________ money. Why don't you ask someone else for a
change?
6 When I saw Dave, I congratulated him ________ passing his driving test.
7. Be careful with those scissors. Don't point them ________ me!
8. It's not very pleasant when you're accused ________ something you didn't do.
9. Mrs. Roberts is in Rome now, but tomorrow she's leaving ________ Venice.
10. Do you prefer your present job ________ the one you had before?
11. They wore warm clothes to protect themselves ________ the cold.
12. Most people regard his first book ________ his best.
13. Does that girl over there remind you ________ anyone you know?

39
 14. Don't forget to remind me ________ the meeting tomorrow!
15. When we went on our skiing tour, the organizers provided us ________ all the
equipment we needed.
16. He was punished ________ cheating during the exam.
17. Don't throw stones ________ the birds! It's cruel.
18. If you don't want to eat that sandwich, throw it the birds. They'll eat it
VIII. Same as above
1. Jim usually complains ________ everything.
2. Our neighbors complained ________ us ________ the noise we made last night.
3. You were very rude to Tom. Don't you think you should apologize ________ him?
4. Are you going to apologize ________ what you did?
5. Tom and I ran ________ each other in town yesterday.
6. A football team consists ________ eleven players.
7. It's terrible that some people are dying ________ hunger while others eat too much.
8. Are you hungry? Would you care ________ something to eat?
9. He isn't worried whether he passes or fails, so he doesn't care ________ the exam.
10. Please let me borrow your umbrella. I promise I'll take good care ________ it.
11. I dreamed ________ Antonio Banderas last night. We were dancing together.
12. The accident was my fault so I had to pay ________ the damage.
13. I didn't have enough money to pay ________ the bill so they cut off the electricity.
14. Did you hear ________ the accident on I-5 last night?
15. Jill used to write to me quite often but I haven't heard ________ her for a long
time.
16. A: Have you read any books by James Hudson?
B: James Hudson? No, I've never heard ________ him.
17. When I looked ________ my watch, I couldn't believe it was so late.
18. Who looked ________ you when you were ill?
19. The police are still looking ________ the seven-year-old boy who disappeared from
his home last week.

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4. Prepositions with adjectives
X. Supply appropriate prepositions to complete the sentences.
1. My composition was full ________ mistakes.
2. I am not ashamed ________ what I did.
3. I wasn't aware ________ the pouring rain.
4. She was annoyed ________ her noisy neighbors.
5. It's nice ________ you to let me use your car.
6. Why are you so rude ________ your parents? Can't you be nice ________ them?
7. I can't understand people who are cruel ________ animals.
8. Why do you always get so annoyed ________ Little things?
9. The people next door are annoyed ________ us making so much noise.
10. We enjoyed our holiday, but we were disappointed ________ the hotel.
11. I'm trying to learn Spanish, but I'm not satisfied ________ my progress.
12. I was shocked ________ what you said. You should be ashamed yourself.
13. Do you know that Linda has got engaged ________ a friend of mine?
14. Are you still upset ________ what I said to you yesterday?
15. I don't feel sorry ________ George. All his problems are entirely his fault.
16. I'd rather not go to an Indian restaurant. I'm not very keen ________ Indian food.
17. He said he was sorry ________ the situation but I don't think he really was.
18. That man isn't capable ________ telling a lie.
19. Travelling is great fun but you get tired ________ it after a while.
20. Our house is similar ________ theirs, but I think ours is a bit larger.
21. The police are responsible ________ maintaining law and order
10. Same as above
1. What are you so angry ________?
2. I am grateful ________ you ________ your help.
3. Excuse me, I'm sorry ________ the mistakes I've made.
4. I am furious ________ them ________ not giving me any help.
5. She was fed up ________ everything.

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6. I was impressed ________ the film.
7. It was very generous ________ you to pay for my dinner.
8. She is hopeless ________ keeping secrets.
9. Are you interested ________ art or literature?
10. Linda is married ________ an American.
11. Who is responsible ________ all this mess?
12. Try to be optimistic ________ the sales.
13. Everybody was surprised ________ the news.
14. Your handwriting is similar ________ mine.
15. Are you short ________ money at the moment?
16. I feel sorry ________ your friend. He really is in trouble.
17. You are always suspicious ________ my intentions.
18. London is famous ________ its rainy weather.
19. Martha is very fond ________ animals.
20. The city centre was crowded ________ tourists.
21. Your plan seems quite different ________ mine.

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 Unit 8: Complex Prepositions
1. Choose the most suitable preposition (a, b or c) to fill the blank.

1 _______________ John, Mary was late. I believe John.

a) According to b) Further to c) Forward of
2 Anthony is _______________ Rachel in the race. I think he’ll win.
a) aside from b) ahead of c) on board
3 _______________ Matt, he will arrive later.
a) As for b) Out of c) Up to
4 _______________ your behaviour, I think you were wrong.
a) As per b) Up until c) As to
5 _______________ expectations, the euro fell in value.
a) Next to b) In favour of c) Contrary to
6 Do you want some pork _______________ the chicken?
a) along with b) out of c) thanks to
7 Don’t worry _______________ me. Think about yourself.
a) apart from b) on top of c) on account of
8 Everyone came, _______________ Lek who had to work.
a) save for b) away from c) as for
9 Everyone was present, _______________ Mary. She stayed at home.
a) in face of b) out of c) except for
10 _______________ your letter, I have spoken to Mr Brown.
a) Forward of b) Further to c) Next to
2. Same as above
1.He is _______________ the two opinions. He wants to compromise.
a) in between b) up to c) instead of
2 He reacts bravely _______________ danger.
a) up until b) in face of c) further to

43
 3 He was sitting _______________ me in the plane.
a) on board b) out of c) forward of
4 I am not _______________ your idea. It won’t work.
a) in favour of b) thanks to c) away from
5 I am writing _______________ your order.
a) away from b) up to c) with reference to
6 I don’t have any dollars. Can I pay euro _______________ dollars?
a) opposite to b) in lieu of c) in spite of
7 I don’t like it, _______________ what you say.
a) up against b) close to c) irrespective of
8 I don’t want it, _______________ the price. Even if it’s free.
a) away from b) prior to c) regardless of
9 I have another car _______________ this one. Both are red.
a) aside from b) out of c) by means of
10 I made a graph _______________ the meeting, so all was ready.
a) except for b) on top of c) preparatory to
(3)
1 I never spoke French _______________ living in France.
a) in front of b) prior to c) depending on
2 I prefer Jaguar cars _______________ BMW cars.
a) out of b) in case of c) vis-à-vis
3 I’d like chicken please, _______________ vegetables.
a) because of b) on behalf of c) together with
4 I’d like to speak to you _______________ your work.
a) up against b) in front of c) with regard to
5 I’m calling you _______________ Mr Brown. I represent him.
a) on behalf of b) contrary to c) in between
6 _______________ your illness, we will wait for a week.
a) In lieu of b) In view of c) Next to

44
 7 Is there a doctor _______________ this plane?
a) on board b) on top of c) but for
8 It’s a TV show _______________ CNN. Same style, similar content.
a) up to b) à la c) save for
9 It’s your fault! _______________ you, I’d have been on time.
a) But for b) As to c) In favour of
10 My car is _______________ your car. About two cars away.
a) on behalf of b) close to c) up until
(4)
1 Nobody objected _______________ you, so we did it.
a) apart from b) opposite to c) as well as
2 Sorry, no whisky. But we have every drink _______________ whisky.
a) up against b) other than c) as per
3 Take your hands _______________ your pockets and help me!
a) ahead of b) out of c) due to
4 _______________ Shirley, we arrived on time.
a) Out of b) Thanks to c) On board
5 The cancellation was _______________ the rain. No other reason.
a) close to b) on to c) due to
6 The cat is sitting _______________ the television.
a) on top of b) on to c) as well as
7 The cat jumped _______________ the chair.
a) in case of b) other than c) on to
8 The cat ran _______________ the dog and escaped.
a) away from b) thanks to c) with regard to
9 The school’s ______________ the bank. Between the hotel and bank.
a) in front of b) next to c) on account of
10 The woman _______________ me was wearing a big hat.
a) further to b) as to c) in front of

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(5)

1 There is a restaurant _______________ my office. Two minutes away.

a) except for b) near to c) preparatory to
2 There is a tree _______________ the house. Straight across the road.
a) forward of b) in lieu of c) opposite to
3 There was a shop here _______________ 1990. It closed that year.
a) up to b) aside from c) in face of
4 There were two people _______________ me. So that made three.
a) as for b) on board c) in addition to
5 They stopped _______________ the city to check the map.
a) but for b) outside of c) contrary to
6 We are _______________ a powerful enemy.
a) up against b) save for c) on behalf of
7 We can’t play tennis _______________ the rain.
a) as for b) other than c) because of
8 We didn’t go swimming, _______________ the cold weather.
a) on behalf of b) owing to c) with reference to
9 We don’t have any tea. Would you like coffee _______________ tea?
a) out of b) instead of c) by means of
10 We have a long day _______________ us. Let’s get going!
a) up until b) ahead of c) but for
(6)
1.We must work strictly _______________ the law.
a) on board b) apart from c) as per
2 We went swimming _______________ the cold water.
a) in spite of b) as well as c) in case of

46
 3 We worked _______________ they came. Then we stopped.
a) up until b) ahead of c) depending on
4 We’ll play tennis tomorrow, _______________ the rain.
a) on behalf of b) by means of c) depending on
5 We’re _______________ eggs. Shall I buy some?
a) out of b) in spite of c) owing to
6 _______________ your comments, I’ll reply soon.
a) On board b) By means of c) With reference to
7 You can park your car _______________ my house.
a) in between b) save for c) in front of
8 You can phone me _______________ need. Day or night.
a) in case of b) in front of c) up against
9 You open a door _______________ its handle.
a) in spite of b) up to c) by means of
10 You should telephone _______________ write, just to be sure.
a) as for b) as well as c) depending on
(7)
1.Don’t stand __________ the television. I can’t see!
a) on b) in front of c) above
2 Come and sit __________ me so that I can hear you better.
a) beside b) under c) on
3 From the plane we could see people in the fields __________ us.
a) beside b) below c) above
4 You’ll have to turn round to see it. It’s __________ you.
a) behind b) in front of c) over
5 The dead man was lying __________ the ground.
a) behind b) in front of c) on
6 Careful you don’t scratch the table! Better put a cloth __________ it.
a) above b) beside c) over

47
 7 It’s dark where the road goes __________ a railway bridge.
a) on b) behind c) under
8 He looked up at the ceiling __________ him.
a) above b) under c) below
9 You can sit __________ that chair. Nobody is sitting there.
a) in front of b) on c) above
10 The police car came first. The president was in the car __________ it.
a) behind b) on c) under
(8)
1 ____________ Ati, the film was good. But in my opinion it was boring.
a) Except for b) From c) According to
2 I have all my books ____________ my dictionary, which I left at home.
a) regardless of b) through c) except for
3 He ran very fast and won the race ____________ 10 seconds.
a) by b) on c) instead of
4 Nok bought her book ____________ $20 but mine cost me $25.
a) for b) in c) save for
5 Who did you buy it ____________? Have they got any more?
a) of b) from c) out of
6 It’s always your fault if you hit the car ____________ you.
a) on board b) in front of c) since
7 The ticket costs $5 ____________ age. No special price for children.
a) inside b) close to c) regardless of
8 Their meal arrived, ____________ a free bottle of wine.
a) astride b) according to c) together with
9 Oil doesn’t mix ____________ water. It stays separated.
a) with b) further to c) at
10 It was good ____________ her to help. She has her own problems.

48
 a) forward of b) off c) of
(9)
1.That’s typical of Tina. It’s just ____________ her to complain.
a) like b) until c) concerning
2 I can’t talk now. But we can talk about it ____________ dinner tonight.
a) over b) on to c) within
3 Come ____________ 9 o’clock. Any time from 8.30 to 9.30 is ok.
a) around b) throughout c) up to
4 If the sea rises, some countries will be ____________ sea-level.
a) pending b) outside of c) below
5 Everybody came at 9am, ____________ Neil who came at 10am.
a) apart from b) underneath c) up against
6 There is a good view from my hotel because it is ____________ a hill.
a) in b) except c) on top of
7 She started to walk ____________ the man, but he followed her.
a) down b) away from c) out of
8 They sat ____________ each other in the cinema and held hands.
a) below b) next to c) via
9 There are 31 days ____________ December.
a) in b) on c) into
10 I sat in the back, ____________ the driver. Andrea sat in front.
a) in face of b) to c) behind
(10)
1____________ the rain, they did not play tennis.
a) Worth b) Owing to c) On behalf of
2 Can I have fish ____________ chicken? Chicken makes me sick.
a) across b) instead of c) together with
3 There were ten people ____________ the meeting.
a) at b) on c) on board

49
 4 The ticket is $5 or $10, ____________ your age. How old are you?
a) above b) out of c) depending on
5 I work ____________ Dr Hudson. I will have to ask him for permission.
a) since b) under c) as for
6 After his wife died he went ____________ a very bad time.
a) with b) through c) preparatory to
7 There was a good film ____________ television last night.
a) in b) as to c) on
8 You should take paper ____________ a pen. They don’t have either.
a) as b) as well as c) except for
9 Do I have to pay tax ____________ this charge? Or is it included?
a) in addition to b) onto c) counting
10 I’m phoning ____________ your recent order.
a) opposite b) in between c) with reference to
11. 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 above underneath for on in at toward(s) from

in front of instead of inside under according to thanks to up outside

Christine’s cat was missing and she started looking around the house (1) ____________ it.
She opened 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 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, 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
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 saw the cat (13) ____________ one of the branches high
(14) ____________ the ground. (15) ____________ ignoring the cat, Mrs. Chan decided to
tell Christine. (16) ____________ Mrs. Chan’s help, Christine was able to rescue it.

50
12. 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 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) _____ 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) ________ the
world! In this open letter, we would like to thank all who have concern (16) _________
his health. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Charles and May Wan Kao, 13 October 2009.
13. 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

51
turned on surveillance cameras in the area. It is the fifth of this kind of attack (4) _______
last November. It is being viewed (5) _______ a direct threat to the security. As detectives
searched surveillance footage (6) ______last night, 380 officers swept the area to hunt (7)
________ the attacker or attackers. The Commissioner of Police Chris Smith promised to
track (8) _________ those behind it. Some of those hurt said the corrosive liquid rained
down just before 9.30 pm (9) _______ the junction of North and South streets. The
bottle used was 13-15 centimeters long, contained what was probably acid and was
similar (10) _________ those used (11) _______ the previous two attacks. It was found
(12) ______ the road outside 123 North Street still releasing a grayish gas. The area is only
60 meters (13) _________ the first attack in November and less than 100 meters from the
second 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.
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. 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 councilor 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. 8 "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 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.

14. Complete the story with the correct words and phrases from the box.

at first at once back home in a hurry in the end in time on fire

We had a terrible experience a few weeks ago. One evening, a friend of ours had dinner
with us, and we drove him to the station after our meal. We were quite late for his train
so we left the house (0) _____________, and I forgot to turn off the cooker. When we
got (1) _____________ from the station, the kitchen was (2) _____________! We were

52
shocked (3) _____________. but then we called the fire service. They arrived almost (4)
_____________ and put the fire out. We were lucky that they put the fire out (5)
_____________ to save our kitchen – there wasn’t much damage, so everything was OK
(6) _____________.

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 Unit 9: Mixed-Type Exercises
1.fill in the blanks using the right preposition [in, on, at]
Record-breaking Athlete
Michael Phelps made sports history by winning twenty-eight medals, 23 of them gold
medals, 1__ the 2008 Olympics 2__ Beijing, China, 3__ the 2012 Olympics 4__
London, and 5__ the 2016 Olympics 6__ Rio de Janeiro. Born 7__ June 30, 1985,
Phelps was just 15 years old when he qualified for the Sydney Australia Olympics 8__
2000. Phelps shattered the 200 meter butterfly by swimming it 9__ record time. He
swam it 10__ 1:54:58 seconds. He went on to break many more records 11__ the
2004 Athens Olympics. 12__ August 2008, he arrived 13__ the Beijing Olympic
games determined to break, former Olympic swimmer, Mark Spitz' 6-gold medal record.
He qualified to compete 14__ three team and five individual events. He swam 17 races
15__ nine days and won gold medal 16__ all eight events. 17__ August 16, Phelps
won his seventh gold medal of the Games 18__ the men’s 100-meter butterfly event,
setting an Olympic record for the event. He did it 19__ 50.58 seconds, edging out his
nearest competitor by 1/100 of a second. When his team won the 4 X 100 meter medley
relay, he stood 20__ the podium overwhelmed with emotion as he received his eighth
record-breaking medal. 21__ 2016, Phelps was chosen to be the flag bearer for the
US Olympic team 22__ Rio de Janeiro. He went on to win five more gold and one
silver medal. 23__ August 13, 24__ the 4 × 100-meter medley relay, Phelps ended his
career with another medal, his 23rd gold and his 28th medal overall. Incredibly, 25__
age 31, Michael Phelps broke a 2,168-year-old ancient Olympic record, set by Leonidas of
Rhodes, who had held the most Olympic individual titles of all time.
2.fill in the blanks using a preposition of time, place and direction where appropriate
I'm Peter and I live 1___ Germany. 2___ summer I like to travel 3___ Italy, because
4___ the weather and the people there. Last summer I took a plane 5___ Munich to
Rome. 6___ the airport we went to our hotel 7___ bus. We stopped 8___ a small
restaurant for a quick meal. The driver parked the bus 9___ the restaurant. Nobody
could find the bus and the driver, so we waited 10___ the restaurant 11___ one hour.
The driver was walking 12___ the small park 13___ the restaurant which we did not
know. So we were very angry14___ him. But my holidays were great. We sat campfires
and went dancing 15 __ the early mornings.
3.Add prepositions to the gaps in this passage. You will need: at, for, from, in, of, on, to
In order to write a thesis, one must engage ___ research which focuses ___ a specific topic
relevant ___ one's field of study. Current issues ___ the field should be addressed by
means of a review ___ the literature ___ their chosen subject. Candidates should show an

54
awareness ___ recent debate ___ the area and not rely ___ secondary sources but make
use ___ primary data with particular reference ___ recent findings. Training ___ research
methodology is important and students should be guided ___ their choice ___
appropriate software packages and receive instruction ___ their use. They should be
introduced ___ qualitative and quantitative research methods and learn how to
construct questionnaires ___ volunteers to complete, with questions ___ relevant details.
The answers should be given ___ a scale ___ one ___ seven. Researchers should clearly
indicate the limitations ___ their study and its usefulness in terms of the wider research
___ the field. All researchers must study ___ a South Australian university ___ the second
semester ___2015.
4. Read the passage and circle the correct preposition
Do you live (at, on) Bay Street (in, on) Newport? I hung the picture (above, on) the
fireplace. She walked (in, into) the kitchen and put her packages (on, over) the table. Is
Jane (at, in) home? No, she is (on, at) the library. Mary is sitting (in, on) the sofa (at, in)
the living room. Michigan is situated (in, between) Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
While waiting for my train, I took a walk (around, across) the station. A formation of
twelve airplanes flew (over, on top of) our house. The artist spends many hours (in, on)
his studio (on, at) 50 Charles Street. John found a note pinned (in, on) his door which
said: “Meet me (at, in) the corner of Pine and Fifth Streets.” The Blake family lives (at,
on) Third Street (in, on) Cleveland, Ohio. Don’t forget to put your return address (in,
on) the envelope. He sat (near, against) the camp fire. Mr. Flanagan, who is (from, of)
Ireland, is staying (at, to) his sister’s home in Boston. Someone has spilled ink (in, on)
this rug and has burned a hole (in, on) that one. The door was locked; so I shoved the
letter (under, around) the door. He piled the books (above, on top of) the table. He
arrived (in, at) Switzerland last week. You are ahead of me. Your name is (above, at the
top of) the list. Your score on the examination is well (above, over) average.
5.Circle the correct preposition in parentheses in the following paragraphs:
1. John Doe, who graduated (of, from) the University of North Carolina two years ago,
is now doing graduate work (in, on) engineering (at, to) Georgia Tech. He expects to
receive his Master’s degree (by, in) next June. After that, he plans to accept a job (as,
like) a technician (by, with) an oil company (in, at) South America.
2. Jim was walking (across, over) the campus (in, at) noon when he met a friend whom
he had not seen (since, during) summer. They stopped (in front of, around) the
gymnasium and sat down (in, on) the steps. After they had talked (for, during) about
ten minutes, Jim said, “I must go (toward, to) Jefferson Hall this semester. Why don’t
you drop by some afternoon (over, after) classes?”
3. Mr. Hill arrived in New York (on, in) May 10 (at, on) eight o’clock (in, on) the
evening. He decided to call on his uncle who lived (on, in) Fifth Avenue. He got on a

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bus (at, of) the station and put his fare (on, into) the farebox. The bus was very
crowded, so Mr. Hill had to stand up all the way. When he reached 85th Street, Mr.
Hill got off the bus and walked a short distance (in, to) the apartment building (in, of)
which his uncle lived. He knocked (at, in) the door (of, on) his uncle’s apartment. He
waited (for, during) a few minutes, but no one came (to, at) the door. He was
disappointed to find no one (to, at) home. He didn’t know where to go because his
uncle had promised to reserve a room for him (at, by) a downtown hotel. He saw a
bench (at, to) the end of the hall, and he sat down (on, in) it to wait for his uncle.
6. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate preposition in the following paragraph
__________June 13 the Circle Players will open__________Star Theater________a
revival_________George Bernard Shaw’s play, Major Barbara. When the play
opened_________Philadelphia a week ago, the critics gave the Circle Players enthusiastic
reviews. Good reviews are not unusual for the Circle Players, who have thrilled
audiences________ their performances__________the past decade. In fact, they were so
loudly acclaimed_________London for their performance of Major Barbara that the play
ran_________three years.
Tickets are now on sale_________the box office__________the Star
Theatre__________the three week engagement. There will be a performance every night,
except Sunday,___________8:30p.m., and a matinee________Wednesday and
Saturday_________2:30 p.m. Reservations may be made__________mail or telephone.
7. Complete the text below by choosing the correct prepositions from the box.
Among at into of in out
on to

Suddenly she came upon a little three-legged table, all made ___solid glass; there was
nothing ____ it except a tiny golden key, and Alice's first thought was that it might
belong ____ one of the doors of the hall; but, alas! either the locks were too large, or the
key was too small, but any rate it would not open any __them. However, on the
second time round, she came upon a low curtain she had not noticed before, and behind
it was a little door about fifteen inches high: she tried the little golden key in the lock,
and ___ her great delight it fitted!
Alice opened the door and found that it led ___ a small passage, not much larger than a
rat-hole: she knelt down and looked along the passage ___ the loveliest garden you ever
saw. How she longed to get ___ of that dark hall, and wander about ___ those beds of
bright flowers and those cool fountains, but she could not even get her head through the
doorway; 'and even if my head would go through,' thought poor Alice, 'it would be____
very little use without my shoulders.'

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 An excerpt from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll
8. Use the prepositions in the box to fill in the blanks in the text below.
of from in on to

I went down even into the vaults, where the dim light struggled, although to do so was a
dread __ my very soul. Into two of these I went, but saw nothing except__ fragments__
old coffins and piles __dust. In the third, however, I made a discovery.
There, in one of the great boxes, of which there were fifty in all, ___ a pile of newly dug
earth, lay the Count! He was either dead or asleep. I could not say which, for eyes were
open and stony, but without the glassiness of death, and the cheeks had the warmth of
life through all their pallor. The lips were as red as ever. But there was no sign __
movement, no pulse, no breath, no beating ___ the heart.
I bent over him, and tried to find any sign of life, but ___ vain. He could not have lain
there long, for the earthy smell would have passed away___ a few hours. By the side of
the box was its cover, pierced with holes here and there. I thought he might have the
keys ___ him, but when I went to search I saw the dead eyes, and in them dead though
they were, such a look __ hate, though unconscious of me or my presence, that I fled __
the place, and leaving the Count's room by the window, crawled again up the castle
wall. Regaining my room, I threw myself panting upon the bed and tried to think.
9. Use the prepositions in the box where appropriate
With to in into on by

PIZZA BIANCO
This pizza is made__ no toppings other than salt and oil and is served as a snack.
Preparation:
Preheat oven ___ 500°F.
Whisk together hot water and 1/2 a teaspoon of kosher salt until most of the salt is
dissolved, then whisk__ one tablespoon of oil.
Coat the dough lightly __ flour, then stretch it ___ a floured surface into a 13- by 9-inch
rectangle. Transfer the dough___ an oiled baking pan, stretching the dough to cover the
bottom of the pan. Dimple the dough ___ pressing your fingertips all over, then brush__
the oil mixture.

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Bake the pizza __ a pan on the bottom rack of the oven until it is golden brown __ top
and bottom, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the pizza ___ a rack, then brush it with the
remaining oil and sprinkle it with the remaining kosher salt. Serve the pizza warm, torn
__ pieces.
10. Fill in the blanks with the right preposition
The planet Mars, I scarcely need remind the reader, revolves about the sun 1____a mean
distance of 140,000,000 miles, and the light and heat it receives 2____ the sun is barely
half 3____ that received 4____ this world. It must be, if the nebular hypothesis has any
truth, older than our world; and long before this earth ceased to be molten, life upon its
surface must have begun its course. The fact that it is scarcely one seventh 5____ the
volume 6____ the earth must have accelerated its cooling 7____ the temperature 8____
which life could begin. It has air and water and all that is necessary 9____ the support of
animated existence.
11. 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.

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 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
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 backpacking. You have to plan the trip
yourself and take the initiative to explore everything. Sometimes you get help (15)
_______experienced travelers, the lecturers. At the doctorate level, you will explore new
ground untouched (16) _____ others. Some Master’s students may get lost (17) _____ first
because they don’t realize that a different approach (18) ______ their earlier study
experience is called (19) ______. They study hard reading the lecture notes (20) _______
they did before. They wonder why so little has been taught while the scope for their
assignments is so broad. They have not yet realized that the lecture notes show them the
directions, not destinations. However, once you realize 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

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questions. They don’t teach you, they inspire. How many chances do you have (22)
______ life to have your work assessed (23) ______a world class scholar?
Adapted from and inspired by an original article by Ho Wai Man

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Unit 10: Preposition Chart

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