Prepositions after adjectives in English

Test. Adjective + Preposition List

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:

AdjectivePrepositionExampleExplanation
AfraidofShe is afraid of spiders.She fears spiders.
AngrywithHe is angry with his friend.He is upset with his friend.
AngryaboutShe is angry about the delay.She is annoyed because of the delay.
AnxiousaboutThey are anxious about their future.They are worried about their future.
BadatI am bad at drawing.I am not skilled in drawing.
CapableofShe is capable of leading the team.She has the ability to lead the team.
FamiliarwithShe is familiar with the new software.She knows the new software.
FamousforThe city is famous for its museums.The city is well-known for its museums.
FondofHe is fond of music.He likes music a lot.
GoodatHe is good at solving puzzles.He is skilled in solving puzzles.
InterestedinThey are interested in technology.They are curious about technology.
InvolvedinShe is involved in charity work.She participates in charity work.
SatisfiedwithWe are satisfied with the service.We are happy with the service.
SurprisedatI was surprised at his reaction.I was taken aback by his reaction.
ProudofHe is proud of his son.He takes pride in his son.
RelatedtoThe book is related to history.The book is about history.
ResponsibleforHe is responsible for the project.He is in charge of the project.
ThankfulforI am thankful for your help.I appreciate your help.
TypicalofIt is typical of her to be late.It is common for her to be late.
DifferentfromThis is different from what I expected.This is not what I expected.
HappyaboutShe is happy about her promotion.She is pleased because of her promotion.
ConcernedaboutThey are concerned about the changes.They are worried about the changes.
OpposedtoHe is opposed to the new plan.He is against the new plan.
SensitivetoShe is sensitive to criticism.She reacts strongly to criticism.
EngagedinHe is engaged in research.He is involved in research activities.
KeenonHe is keen on sports.He is very interested in sports.
EligibleforShe is eligible for the scholarship.She qualifies for the scholarship.
DependentonThey are dependent on financial aid.They rely on financial aid.
AccustomedtoI am accustomed to the cold.I am used to the cold weather.
AddictedtoHe is addicted to coffee.He cannot stop consuming coffee.
AwareofShe is aware of the risks.She knows about the risks.
CapableofHe is capable of great things.He has the potential to achieve great things.
ConfidentofShe is confident of her success.She is sure she will succeed.
CrowdedwithThe room was crowded with people.The room was full of people.
DelightedwithHe is delighted with the results.He is very pleased with the results.
DependentonThey are dependent on their parents.They rely on their parents.
FamousforThe city is famous for its parks.The city is well-known for its parks.
FrightenedofShe is frightened of the dark.She is scared of the dark.
FullofThe box is full of books.The box contains many books.
GratefulforI am grateful for your help.I appreciate your assistance.
GuiltyofHe is guilty of the crime.He committed the crime.
HappyforI am happy for your success.I am pleased with your success.
ImpressedbyShe was impressed by his performance.She admired his performance.
JealousofHe is jealous of his brother.He envies his brother.
KnownforHe is known for his generosity.He is well-known for being generous.
NervousaboutShe is nervous about the test.She is anxious about the test.
OptimisticaboutThey are optimistic about the future.They have a positive outlook on the future.
PleasedwithHe is pleased with his new job.He is happy with his new employment.
ProudofI am proud of my achievements.I take pride in what I have accomplished.
SickofShe is sick of waiting.She is tired of waiting.
SorryforI am sorry for being late.I apologize for my tardiness.
SurprisedbyShe was surprised by the news.She was astonished by the news.
TerrifiedofHe is terrified of heights.He has a fear of heights.
TiredofThey are tired of the noise.They are fed up with the noise.
WorriedaboutShe is worried about her health.She is concerned about her health.

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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Test. Adjective + Preposition List

Prepositions after adjectives - practice (quiz, test)

We are not well acquainted ______ our neighbors yet.

I’m familiar ______ your work.

The teacher was angry ______ the student’s conduct.

The runner is anxious ______ his success in the competition.

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

Your criticisms are not applicable ______ the subject.

He was accused ______ theft by the police.

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

They felt quite certain ______ their failure.

What do you think inflation is due ______?

Bursa is famous ______ silk and peaches.

He looked ashamed ______ his foolishness.

She was born ______ a beautiful mother.

Never become addicted ______ drugs.

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

Most men are anxious ______ the advancement of their children.

Are you angry ______ me?

She is very fond ______ Turkish films.

She is cautious ______ telling secrets.

Is this proposal acceptable ______ you?

Mary is envious ______ Janet’s beauty.

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

I am not good ______ languages.

You are always blind ______ your own faults.

She was absorbed ______ an exciting story.

Are you content ______ the quality of the teaching?

His opinions are directly contrary ______ yours.

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

I was quite astonished ______ his quick reaction.

A child born ______ poverty will always be disadvantaged.

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