English Advanced Grammar Exercises – Prepositions after adjectives and nouns

A. Put each adjective from the box under the preposition which is usually used after it.

B. Match the sentence beginnings to the correct endings.

1   There’s no way

2   A new ban

3   Estevez is playing some very good tennis, but there is still some room

4   One of the most common phobias nowadays is a fear

5   I don’t have any sympathy

6   People have a lot more respect

7   After he gave an excellent speech to the nation last week, support

8   If James continues to work hard he will have a good chance

9   It’s only a general rule, and like all rules there must be an exception

10   New statistics show a decrease

a   for improvement.

b   to it.

c   of knowing if your idea will work until you try it.

d   in the number of unemployed, from 1.8 million to 1.6 million.

e   for Luis. This situation is all his own fault.

f   of flying.

g   for the environment than they did 20 years ago.

h   for the President increased.

i   on the use of mobile phones in hospitals will take effect today.

j   of passing his exam.

C. Complete each sentence, using a preposition and a word or phrase from the box.

1   We need someone with experience to lead this project because there is a lot of money ……………………………. .

2   It was great to see you again, and we must make sure we keep ……………………………. more regularly in future.

3   We don’t normally let people come in without a ticket but ……………………………. we can make an exception – I can see it’s not your fault.

4   Sorry, I can’t stop now. I’m ……………………………. to an important meeting.

5   Do you think Kevin kicked you ……………………………., or was it an accident?

6   There are lots of things wrong with that idea, ……………………………. the fact that it would be really expensive.

7   I am writing ……………………………. to the advertisement for an Accounts Clerk on JobSearch.com.

8   I don’t feel like going to Frank’s party, but ……………………………. Jess is going, so I’ll have someone to talk to.

D. Complete the questions by adding the missing letters to the expressions from this unit.

1   Where did you go on h_lid_y last year?

2   How much time do you spend o_ t_e  _o_e each day?

3   Can you suggest one good w _y o _ improving your English?

4   Are you still i_ t_u_h w_t_ any of your childhood friends?

5   What habits do you have which are b_d f_ r you?

6   Do you know anyone who is always i_ a h_r_y?

7   What has there been an i_c_e_s_ i_ where you live in the last few years?

8   Are you happy spending long periods of time o_ y_u_ o_n?

9   Is your bedroom usually tidy or do you leave it i_ a m_s_?

10   Have you ever done something embarrassing i_ p_b_i_?

Now answer the questions for yourself.

E. Complete the advert with the correct prepositions.

Are you confused 1……………. all the different health advice you find in the media these days? Most of us are resigned 2…………….  having a life which is full 3……………. stress, but if we don’t look after ourselves, we are putting ourselves 4……………. risk of developing health problems in the future. Although we are all 5……………. pressure to look and feel good, finding a fitness programme which is right 6……………. us can be difficult – and expensive.

But now there is a solution 7……………. all your health and fitness problems! Here at FEEL GOOD FITNESS we have a firm belief 8……………. the importance of regular exercise, and with the help of your own personal fitness trainer you will soon discover the benefits 9……………. following a training programme which you actually enjoy – so there’s no chance 10……………. you getting bored and giving up after a week! FEEL GOOD FITNESS helps you to FEEL GOOD NOW!

F. Complete at least six of the sentences, starting with an appropriate preposition in each case.

1   At the moment I’m a bit worried about ……about my next English test…….. .

2   I very quickly get bored …………………………………… .

3   I’ve never really got used …………………………………… .

4   My home town is famous …………………………………… .

5   When I was younger I was scared …………………………………… .

6   As a child I was obsessed …………………………………… .

7   I would love to be skilled …………………………………… .

8   I was disappointed …………………………………… .

9   I get furious …………………………………… .

10   Something surprising about me is that I’m good …………………………………… .

G. Circle the correct option.

1   Good advertisements are important for attracting customers who are unsure …………… which product to buy.

      a with     b about     c of

2   You shouldn’t eat so much fast food because it’s really bad …………… you.

      a for     b at     c about

3   She’s a terrible teacher. She has no control …………… her students.

      a for     b to     c over

4   Your idea …………… offering customers a special deal was a really good one.

      a of     b to     c for

5   I can’t talk now – I’m …………… my way to meet my sister and I’m a bit late!

      a in     b on     c by