Prepositions after adjectives: explanations with examples and tests

Learning English involves mastering many grammatical constructions, among which prepositions following adjectives hold a special place. In this article, we will explore the main rules for using prepositions after adjectives, provide examples, and explain how to correctly choose the right preposition in different situations.

What Are Prepositions?

Prepositions are words that show the relationship between other words in a sentence. For example, prepositions can indicate direction (to), location (at), time (before), and more. They are essential for conveying meaning and context in sentences.

Prepositions After Adjectives

Adjectives often require specific prepositions to convey accurate meaning. Choosing the wrong preposition can alter or even distort the meaning of the sentence. Below are some of the most common adjectives paired with their corresponding prepositions.

Adjectives with the Preposition “About”

• Anxious about: concerned or worried about something
  Example: She is anxious about her exams.
  (She is worried about her exams.)
• Excited about: very enthusiastic or eager about something
  Example: I’m excited about the new project.
  (I am looking forward to the new project.)
• Worried about: feeling concerned or anxious about something
  Example: They are worried about the future.
  (They are concerned about what will happen in the future.)

Adjectives with the Preposition “For”

• Famous for: well-known for a particular reason
  Example: The city is famous for its beautiful architecture.
  (The city is known for its stunning buildings.)
• Responsible for: accountable or in charge of something
  Example: He is responsible for the team’s success.
  (He is accountable for the achievements of the team.)
• Suitable for: appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose
  Example: This book is suitable for children.
  (This book is appropriate for kids.)

Adjectives with the Preposition “Of”

• Afraid of: scared or fearful of something
  Example: She is afraid of spiders.
  (She has a fear of spiders.)
• Proud of: feeling pleased or satisfied about something or someone
  Example: He is proud of his achievements.
  (He takes pride in his accomplishments.)
• Capable of: having the ability or capacity to do something
  Example: She is capable of solving complex problems.
  (She has the ability to resolve difficult issues.)

Adjectives with the Preposition “To”

• Accustomed to: familiar with something through repeated experience
  Example: I am accustomed to waking up early.
  (I am used to getting up early.)
• Similar to: resembling or having common traits with something
  Example: This painting is similar to that one.
  (This artwork resembles the other one.)
• Addicted to: having a strong dependence on something
  Example: He is addicted to video games.
  (He has a strong habit of playing video games.)

Adjectives with the Preposition “At”

• Good at: skilled or proficient in something
  Example: She is good at mathematics.
  (She is proficient in math.)
• Bad at: lacking skill or proficiency in something
  Example: He is bad at cooking.
  (He lacks skill in cooking.)
• Surprised at: feeling astonished or taken aback by something
  Example: I was surprised at the news.
  (I was astonished by the information.)

Adjectives with the Preposition “With”

• Angry with: feeling upset or annoyed with someone
  Example: She is angry with her brother.
  (She is upset with her brother.)
• Satisfied with: feeling content or pleased with something
  Example: They are satisfied with the results.
  (They are pleased with the outcomes.)
• Familiar with: having knowledge or experience of something
  Example: He is familiar with this topic.
  (He knows about this subject.)

Adjectives with the Preposition “In”

• Interested in: showing curiosity or concern about something
  Example: I am interested in learning new languages.
  (I have a curiosity about acquiring new languages.)
• Involved in: taking part in something or being engaged in an activity
  Example: She is involved in community service.
  (She participates in volunteer work.)
• Rich in: containing a large amount of something valuable
  Example: This region is rich in natural resources.
  (This area has abundant natural resources.)

Tips for Learning Prepositions After Adjectives

1. Memorize Combinations: The best way to remember prepositions after adjectives is to learn them as phrases. For example, “afraid of” rather than “afraid” alone.
2. Practice Usage: Use the learned examples in your own sentences. This will help solidify the knowledge and understand the context.
3. Read More in English: Reading books, articles, and news in English helps you see how these constructions are used in real life.
4. Use Dictionaries: Dictionaries often provide examples of adjectives with their corresponding prepositions.
5. Practice with Native Speakers: Communicating with native speakers can improve your understanding of the correct use of prepositions.

Prepositions after adjectives are an important aspect of English grammar that requires attention and practice. Learning these constructions will help you express your thoughts more accurately and correctly in English. Remember to memorize, practice, and improve your knowledge to confidently use these constructions in both speaking and writing.

Table of the Top 50 most common adjectives and prepositions used after them in English, with examples and explanations

Here is a comprehensive table of 50 common adjectives and the prepositions that typically follow them, along with examples and explanations:

Practice. Test Tasks – Prepositions After Adjectives in English

Test your knowledge by completing the following test tasks. Choose the correct preposition that fits each sentence and see how well you’ve understood the topic.

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Prepositions after adjectives - practice (quiz, test)

The runner is anxious ______ his success in the competition.

on

at

about

of

He looked ashamed ______ his foolishness.

with

of

about

at

Are you content ______ the quality of the teaching?

with

at

on

by

Mary is envious ______ Janet’s beauty.

of

by

with

from

The house was built according ______ the owner’s plan.

by

with

to

of

I’m familiar ______ your work.

about

with

to

on

Your criticisms are not applicable ______ the subject.

on

to

about

with

Most men are anxious ______ the advancement of their children.

with

for

on

from

She is cautious ______ telling secrets.

in

on

about

of

You are always blind ______ your own faults.

from

in

at

to

Bursa is famous ______ silk and peaches.

for

on

by

with

The question was not relevant ______ the subject of the lecture.

to

for

in

on

They felt quite certain ______ their failure.

about

of

at

with

She is very fond ______ Turkish films.

on

in

about

of

His opinions are directly contrary ______ yours.

with

to

on

about

She was absorbed ______ an exciting story.

of

in

on

with

I was disgusted ______ the sight of the butcher’s shop.

with

at

on

of

I was quite astonished ______ his quick reaction.

on

of

with

at

The teacher was angry ______ the student’s conduct.

about

at

by

with

A child born ______ poverty will always be disadvantaged.

with

about

in

by

Are you angry ______ me?

about

by

with

at

I am not good ______ languages.

at

on

with

of

He was accused ______ theft by the police.

from

over

on

of

We are not well acquainted ______ our neighbors yet.

of

to

by

with

Never become addicted ______ drugs.

with

in

by

to

The poor old man has gone blind ______ his left eye.

in

on

from

by

I’m glad ______ the opportunity to repay you for your help.

of

on

with

at

What do you think inflation is due ______?

to

from

about

on

She was born ______ a beautiful mother.

from

of

by

in

Is this proposal acceptable ______ you?

from

to

in

by

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