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๐ Content updated on 21 April 2026
๐ Common Preposition Combinations – Quick Summary:
Certain verbs, adjectives, and nouns are naturally followed by specific prepositions. These combinations are fixed and must be memorised. Examples: 'good at', 'interested in', 'depend on', 'afraid of', 'congratulate on'. Using the wrong preposition can change meaning or sound unnatural.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each sentence and choose the correct preposition that naturally follows the verb, adjective, or noun. Then click “Show Answer” to see the right combination, a clear explanation, and a fresh example.
๐ง๐ซ Instructions for Teachers & Students: Read each sentence and choose the correct preposition that naturally follows the verb, adjective, or noun. Then click “Show Answer” to see the right combination, a clear explanation, and a fresh example.
In this worksheet:
(Click any topic to jump straight to that section)
Mastering verb + preposition and adjective + preposition combos makes your English sound fluent and natural. For a refresher on prepositions themselves, the
Prepositions hub
has all the basics. And if you're ready to tackle tricky distinctions, the
Confusing Prepositions worksheet
will sharpen your skills further.
✅ Solved Examples (20 Questions with Answers)
Let's learn which prepositions pair with common verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
Solved Q.1
"She is very good _____ mathematics." (at/in/on)
Show Answer
Answer: at
Explanation: The adjective 'good' is followed by 'at' when referring to a skill or activity. 'Good in' is sometimes used for places or subjects, but 'good at' is the standard combination for abilities.
Example: He is good at drawing and painting.
Explanation: The adjective 'good' is followed by 'at' when referring to a skill or activity. 'Good in' is sometimes used for places or subjects, but 'good at' is the standard combination for abilities.
Example: He is good at drawing and painting.
Solved Q.2
"I am interested _____ learning French." (in/on/about)
Show Answer
Answer: in
Explanation: The adjective 'interested' always takes the preposition 'in'. It shows curiosity or desire to know about something.
Example: She is interested in joining the drama club.
Explanation: The adjective 'interested' always takes the preposition 'in'. It shows curiosity or desire to know about something.
Example: She is interested in joining the drama club.
Solved Q.3
"We depend _____ our parents for support." (on/in/at)
Show Answer
Answer: on
Explanation: The verb 'depend' is always followed by 'on' or 'upon'. It means to rely on someone or something.
Example: The farmers depend on the monsoon for water.
Explanation: The verb 'depend' is always followed by 'on' or 'upon'. It means to rely on someone or something.
Example: The farmers depend on the monsoon for water.
Solved Q.4
"She is afraid _____ spiders." (of/from/with)
Show Answer
Answer: of
Explanation: The adjective 'afraid' is followed by 'of'. It expresses fear or anxiety about something.
Example: He is afraid of heights.
Explanation: The adjective 'afraid' is followed by 'of'. It expresses fear or anxiety about something.
Example: He is afraid of heights.
Solved Q.5
"I congratulated him _____ his success." (on/for/with)
Show Answer
Answer: on
Explanation: The verb 'congratulate' takes the preposition 'on'. We congratulate someone on an achievement or happy occasion.
Example: They congratulated her on winning the award.
Explanation: The verb 'congratulate' takes the preposition 'on'. We congratulate someone on an achievement or happy occasion.
Example: They congratulated her on winning the award.
Solved Q.6
"He succeeded _____ getting the job." (in/on/at)
Show Answer
Answer: in
Example: She succeeded in passing the exam.
Example: She succeeded in passing the exam.
Solved Q.7
"This book belongs _____ me." (to/with/for)
Show Answer
Answer: to
Example: That pen belongs to my friend.
Example: That pen belongs to my friend.
Solved Q.8
"She is married _____ a doctor." (to/with/for)
Show Answer
Answer: to
Example: He is married to my cousin.
Example: He is married to my cousin.
Solved Q.9
"We are looking forward _____ the vacation." (to/for/at)
Show Answer
Answer: to
Example: I'm looking forward to meeting you.
Example: I'm looking forward to meeting you.
Solved Q.10
"He apologised _____ being late." (for/about/on)
Show Answer
Answer: for
Example: She apologised for the mistake.
Example: She apologised for the mistake.
Solved Q.11
"The police are searching _____ the missing child." (for/after/about)
Show Answer
Answer: for
Example: I'm searching for my keys.
Example: I'm searching for my keys.
Solved Q.12
"She suffers _____ severe headaches." (from/with/of)
Show Answer
Answer: from
Example: He suffers from allergies.
Example: He suffers from allergies.
Solved Q.13
"I agree _____ you completely." (with/to/on)
Show Answer
Answer: with
Example: She agrees with her mother.
Example: She agrees with her mother.
Solved Q.14
"We need to focus _____ our goals." (on/in/at)
Show Answer
Answer: on
Example: He focuses on his studies.
Example: He focuses on his studies.
Solved Q.15
"She is fond _____ chocolates." (of/for/in)
Show Answer
Answer: of
Example: He is fond of reading.
Example: He is fond of reading.
Solved Q.16
"The teacher insisted _____ complete silence." (on/for/with)
Show Answer
Answer: on
Example: She insisted on paying the bill.
Example: She insisted on paying the bill.
Solved Q.17
"I prefer tea _____ coffee." (to/over/than)
Show Answer
Answer: to
Example: She prefers walking to driving.
Example: She prefers walking to driving.
Solved Q.18
"He is responsible _____ the project." (for/of/with)
Show Answer
Answer: for
Example: Who is responsible for this mess?
Example: Who is responsible for this mess?
Solved Q.19
"The manager dealt _____ the complaint quickly." (with/in/on)
Show Answer
Answer: with
Example: She dealt with the situation calmly.
Example: She dealt with the situation calmly.
Solved Q.20
"I am tired _____ waiting." (of/from/with)
Show Answer
Answer: of
Example: She is tired of studying.
Example: She is tired of studying.
Hindi also has fixed combinations like "เค
เค्เคा เคฎें" (good at) and "เคถाเคฆी เคเคฐเคจा เคธे" (married to). Explore more at the
Avyay Hub.
For more advanced distinctions, the
Confusing Prepositions worksheet
will help you master tricky pairs.
✏️ Practice Questions (20 Questions with Answers)
Choose the correct preposition that completes each combination naturally.
Practice Q.1
"She is proud _____ her achievements." (of/in/for)
Show Answer
Answer: of
Example: He is proud of his son.
Example: He is proud of his son.
Practice Q.2
"I believe _____ hard work." (in/on/at)
Show Answer
Answer: in
Example: She believes in miracles.
Example: She believes in miracles.
Practice Q.3
"He is waiting _____ the bus." (for/to/at)
Show Answer
Answer: for
Example: She is waiting for her friend.
Example: She is waiting for her friend.
Practice Q.4
"This song reminds me _____ my childhood." (of/about/for)
Show Answer
Answer: of
Example: He reminds me of my brother.
Example: He reminds me of my brother.
Practice Q.5
"She applied _____ the job last week." (for/to/at)
Show Answer
Answer: for
Example: He applied for a scholarship.
Example: He applied for a scholarship.
Practice Q.6
"I don't care _____ what they say." (about/for/of)
Show Answer
Answer: about
Example: She cares about the environment.
Example: She cares about the environment.
Practice Q.7
"He laughed _____ my joke." (at/on/for)
Show Answer
Answer: at
Example: Everyone laughed at the clown.
Example: Everyone laughed at the clown.
Practice Q.8
"She complained _____ the noise." (about/of/for)
Show Answer
Answer: about
Example: He complained about the food.
Example: He complained about the food.
Practice Q.9
"We need to invest _____ education." (in/on/at)
Show Answer
Answer: in
Example: They invest in real estate.
Example: They invest in real estate.
Practice Q.10
"She is jealous _____ her sister's success." (of/with/for)
Show Answer
Answer: of
Example: He is jealous of his colleague.
Example: He is jealous of his colleague.
Practice Q.11
"I rely _____ public transport." (on/in/at)
Show Answer
Answer: on
Example: She relies on her friends.
Example: She relies on her friends.
Practice Q.12
"He is capable _____ doing great things." (of/for/in)
Show Answer
Answer: of
Example: She is capable of leading the team.
Example: She is capable of leading the team.
Practice Q.13
"I am worried _____ my exam results." (about/for/of)
Show Answer
Answer: about
Example: She is worried about her health.
Example: She is worried about her health.
Practice Q.14
"They argued _____ politics all evening." (about/for/on)
Show Answer
Answer: about
Example: We argued about the best route.
Example: We argued about the best route.
Practice Q.15
"He arrived _____ a decision finally." (at/in/on)
Show Answer
Answer: at
Example: She arrived at a conclusion.
Example: She arrived at a conclusion.
Practice Q.16
"She is excellent _____ solving problems." (at/in/for)
Show Answer
Answer: at
Example: He is excellent at chess.
Example: He is excellent at chess.
Practice Q.17
"I dreamt _____ you last night." (of/about/for)
Show Answer
Answer: about / of
Example: She dreamt of becoming a pilot.
Example: She dreamt of becoming a pilot.
Practice Q.18
"He participated _____ the debate competition." (in/at/on)
Show Answer
Answer: in
Example: She participated in the marathon.
Example: She participated in the marathon.
Practice Q.19
"I am grateful _____ your help." (for/to/with)
Show Answer
Answer: for
Example: We are grateful for your support.
Example: We are grateful for your support.
Practice Q.20
"She is famous _____ her paintings." (for/of/in)
Show Answer
Answer: for
Example: He is famous for his role in the film.
Example: He is famous for his role in the film.
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๐ Challenge Questions (10 Questions with Answers)
These questions test your knowledge of less common or easily confused combinations.
Challenge Q.1
"She is angry _____ me _____ being late." (Prepositions?)
Show Answer
Answer: with; for
Explanation: Angry with a person, angry for a reason. (Also 'angry at' a situation.)
Example: He is angry with his friend for forgetting his birthday.
Explanation: Angry with a person, angry for a reason. (Also 'angry at' a situation.)
Example: He is angry with his friend for forgetting his birthday.
Challenge Q.2
"I differ _____ you _____ this matter." (Prepositions?)
Show Answer
Answer: with; on / about
Example: She differs with me on political issues.
Example: She differs with me on political issues.
Challenge Q.3
"He was accused _____ stealing, but found guilty _____ fraud."
Show Answer
Answer: of; of
Example: She was accused of lying, but convicted of perjury.
Example: She was accused of lying, but convicted of perjury.
Challenge Q.4
"I'm familiar _____ this topic, but I'm not an expert _____ it."
Show Answer
Answer: with; on / in
Example: She is familiar with the software, but not an expert in coding.
Example: She is familiar with the software, but not an expert in coding.
Challenge Q.5
"We need to decide _____ a date _____ the meeting."
Show Answer
Answer: on; for
Example: They haven't decided on a venue for the wedding.
Example: They haven't decided on a venue for the wedding.
Challenge Q.6
"She insisted _____ paying, but I wouldn't hear _____ it."
Show Answer
Answer: on; of
Example: He insisted on driving, but I wouldn't hear of it.
Example: He insisted on driving, but I wouldn't hear of it.
Challenge Q.7
"I'm tired _____ working. I need a break _____ this routine."
Show Answer
Answer: of; from
Example: She is tired of studying and needs a rest from her schedule.
Example: She is tired of studying and needs a rest from her schedule.
Challenge Q.8
"He is good _____ maths, but weak _____ languages."
Show Answer
Answer: at; in / at
Example: She is good at sports, but weak in academics.
Example: She is good at sports, but weak in academics.
Challenge Q.9
"I have no interest _____ gossip. I prefer to focus _____ my work."
Show Answer
Answer: in; on
Example: She has interest in music and focuses on her practice.
Example: She has interest in music and focuses on her practice.
Challenge Q.10
"He was absent _____ school due _____ illness."
Show Answer
Answer: from; to
Example: She was absent from work due to a family emergency.
Example: She was absent from work due to a family emergency.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ 1
What are common preposition combinations?
Show Answer
Answer: They are fixed phrases where a verb, adjective, or noun is naturally followed by a specific preposition. Examples: 'good at', 'depend on', 'interested in', 'afraid of'.
FAQ 2
Why is it important to learn these combinations?
Show Answer
Answer: Using the wrong preposition can change meaning or make sentences sound unnatural. Correct combinations show fluency and accuracy in English.
FAQ 3
What preposition follows 'good'?
Show Answer
Answer: Usually 'at' for skills (good at singing), 'for' for beneficial effect (good for health), and 'with' for people or tools (good with children, good with numbers).
FAQ 4
Is there a rule for verb + preposition combinations?
Show Answer
Answer: No simple rule; they are idiomatic and must be memorised through practice and exposure. Reading and listening help internalise them.
FAQ 5
Can the same verb take different prepositions with different meanings?
Show Answer
Answer: Yes! Example: 'look at' (see), 'look for' (search), 'look after' (care for), 'look into' (investigate). The preposition changes the meaning.
