Prepositions are small words, but they are important ones. Some words in English can only be followed by certain prepositions. This grammar exercise tests your understanding of such word groups.
Complete the following sentences using appropriate prepositions.
1One must never deviate ............... the right path.
Wrong!
The verb "deviate" is followed by "from" when it means move away from a path, rule, or standard.
2Eventually she acceded ............... my requests.
Wrong!
The verb "accede" is followed by "to" when it means agree to a request or demand.
3There is no cure ............... many forms of cancer.
Wrong!
The noun "cure" is followed by "for" when we name the disease or problem it treats.
4She is keen ............... pursuing higher education in the US.
Wrong!
The adjective "keen" is followed by "on" before a noun or gerund.
5His latest novels make several allusions ............... Hindu mythology.
Wrong!
The noun "allusions" is followed by "to" when it means indirect references.
6He was anxious ............... contact his parents.
Wrong!
The adjective "anxious" is followed by "to" before an infinitive when it means eager to do something.
7She has an aptitude ............... music.
Wrong!
The noun "aptitude" is followed by "for" when it means a natural ability in an area.
8The indulgent mother is always blind ............... her child's faults.
Wrong!
The adjective "blind" is followed by "to" when it means unwilling or unable to notice something.
9He was brought ............... by his grandparents.
Wrong!
The phrasal verb "brought up" means raised or cared for as a child.
10He is addicted ............... drinking.
Wrong!
The adjective "addicted" is followed by "to" before a noun or gerund.
Answers
- One must never deviate from the right path.
- Eventually she acceded to my requests.
- There is no cure for many forms of cancer.
- She is keen on pursuing higher education in the US.
- His latest novels make several allusions to Hindu mythology.
- He was anxious to contact his parents.
- She has an aptitude for music.
- The indulgent mother is always blind to her child’s faults.
- He was brought up by his grandparents.
- He is addicted to drinking.