Prepositions are small words, but they are important ones. This grammar exercise tests your understanding of prepositions.
Fill in the blanks using appropriate prepositions.
1Manchester is known ............... its textile industry.
Wrong!
We use "known for" to talk about the reason something is famous.
2The goat subsists ............... leaves.
Wrong!
The verb pattern is "subsists on" when we mean lives by eating or using something.
3She is quite fond ............... her grandchildren.
Wrong!
The adjective pattern is "fond of" when we mean liking someone or something.
4It is natural for people to wish ............... distinction.
Wrong!
The verb pattern is "wish for" when we mean want something strongly.
5It is evident that he is enamored ............... her.
Wrong!
In this formal pattern, "enamored of" means strongly attracted to or in love with someone.
6Ambition does not always conduce ............... happiness.
Wrong!
The formal verb pattern is "conduce to" when we mean help "to" produce a result.
7Nowadays computers are cheap enough to be accessible ............... most people.
Wrong!
The adjective pattern is "accessible to" when we mean available for someone "to" use.
8A gentleman is courteous ............... his neighbors.
Wrong!
The adjective pattern is "courteous to" when we talk about polite behavior toward someone.
9I am indebted ............... you for your help.
Wrong!
The adjective pattern is "indebted to" when we feel grateful "to" someone.
10People who are averse ............... hard work do not succeed in life.
Wrong!
The adjective pattern is "averse to" when we mean strongly disliking something.
11There is no cure ............... the common cold.
Wrong!
The noun pattern is "cure for" when we talk about a treatment "for" an illness.
12The noise from upstairs prevented me ............... sleeping.
Wrong!
The verb pattern is "prevented from" before a gerund such as "sleeping".
Answers
- Manchester is known for its textile industry.
- The goat subsists on leaves.
- She is quite fond of her grandchildren.
- It is natural for people to wish for distinction.
- It is evident that he is enamored of her.
- Ambition does not always conduce to happiness.
- Nowadays computers are cheap enough to be accessible to most people.
- A gentleman is courteous to his neighbors.
- I am indebted to you for your help.
- People who are averse to hard work do not succeed in life.
- There is no cure for the common cold.
- The noise from upstairs prevented me from sleeping.
