Fill in the blanks with an appropriate preposition.
1. There are four stages …………….. the metamorphosis of a mosquito.
2. I can’t find anything ……………………. this messy desk.
On indicates position on the surface of something.
3. Trying to define God led us ………………….. even more metaphysical questions.
Led is used with to.
4. He was praised ……………………… his meritorious service.
5. The caretaker showed no mercy ……………………. trespassers.
6. Dickens was a great writer ……………………….. his tearful plots.
Although is a conjunction; despite is used alone without of.
7. The car was going ………………………. its maximum speed.
8. …………………….. the two examples, I prefer the latter.
Of is the correct word here.
9. The clown made the children laugh ………………………… joy.
With is used in a number of expressions which say how people are showing their emotions.
10. The comedian finally got a laugh ………………………… the unresponsive audience.
11. You will be a laughingstock …………………….. that silly outfit.
We use in to say what people are wearing.
12. I wish I had her knack ……………………… cooking.
Knack is used with for.
Answers
1. There are four stages in the metamorphosis of a mosquito.
2. I can’t find anything on this messy desk.
3. Trying to define God led us to even more metaphysical questions.
4. He was praised for his meritorious service.
5. The caretaker showed no mercy to trespassers.
6. Dickens was a great writer despite his tearful plots.
7. The car was going at its maximum speed.
8. Of the two examples, I prefer the latter.
9. The clown made the children laugh with joy.
10. The comedian finally got a laugh from the unresponsive audience.
11. You will be a laughingstock in that silly outfit.
12. I wish I had her knack for cooking.
