Words followed by prepositions
Pair verbs, adjectives and nouns with their fixed prepositions.
You now know the main prepositions. This lesson covers verbs, adjectives and nouns that always pair with a particular preposition.
Many words take a fixed preposition, and these pairs must be learnt because the wrong one sounds incorrect or changes the meaning.
Examples
- Ishaan is good at chess.
- I am afraid of spiders.
- Please listen to the instructions.
- She has a keen interest in history.
- The answer differs from mine.
How it works
Verb + preposition
Many verbs need a set preposition before their object, such as depend on, belong to, consist of and insist on.
This scooter belongs to my uncle.
Adjective + preposition
Adjectives that describe feelings or abilities often take fixed partners, such as aware of, fond of, keen on and angry with a person.
We are proud of our city band.
Noun + preposition
Some nouns also have fixed partners, such as reason for, solution to, interest in and respect for.
Nobody found a solution to the problem.
One word, different partners
Some words change meaning with the preposition. We agree with a person but agree to a plan. After prefer, use to, not than.
Vinod prefers walking to driving.
Quick reference
| Word | Preposition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| depend | on | It depends on the weather. |
| consist | of | The team consists of six members. |
| aware | of | Are you aware of the risk? |
| afraid | of | She is afraid of the dark. |
| angry | with (a person) | Dad was angry with me. |
| congratulate | on | We congratulated her on her win. |
| prefer | to | I prefer idli to dosa. |
| divide | into | Divide the staff into groups. |
Common mistakes
✕The form consists from three parts.
✓The form consists of three parts.
The verb consist is followed by of.
✕I prefer cricket than football.
✓I prefer cricket to football.
After prefer, the second item is introduced by to.
✕She congratulated me for my promotion.
✓She congratulated me on my promotion.
We congratulate someone on something.
Worked example
Exercise 1
Tap the preposition that goes with 'proud'.
Mother is proud of my promotion.
✓of
The adjective proud is followed by of.
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