building blocksPreposition Combinations

Noun, Verb and Adjective + Preposition Combinations

Prepositions and the rules concerning their usage can be confusing to learners of English as a second language. Basically, prepositions are connecting words that join objects to other parts of sentences. Preposition choice is determined by the noun, verb, adjective or particle which precedes it.

Noun + Preposition Combinations

English has many examples of prepositions coming after nouns. In such cases, the prepositions are often followed by a phrase containing a noun, as in example (a) below. They can also be followed by a noun, as in example (b), or an -ing verb, as in example (c).

(a) Scientists at the research institute think they are close to finding a solution to the problem.
(b) Everyone was surprised by his lack of concern.
(c) We need to call an expert at plumbing as soon as possible.

Here are a few more nouns and prepositions which are used together:

the use of a solution to  influence on evidence of
the cost of an increase in a possibility of  danger of
the price of  a reason for a supply of a method of
a lack of belief in  the cause of  difficulty with

Verb + Preposition Combinations

Many English prepositions also follow verbs. Sometimes they introduce a phrase that contains a noun, as in example (a). They can also introduce a noun, as in example (b), or an -ing verb, as in example (c).

(a) I don't know how long we can depend on his generosity. He has already done so much for us.
(b) Many of the town's residents relied on neighbours for help during the flood.
(c) She believes in helping people who are less fortunate than her.

Here are some other verbs and prepositions that are used together:

I insist on . . . He can deal with . . .
This can result in . . . Do you plan on . . . 
We belong to . . . This could lead to . . .
 My answer will depend on . . . You can rely on . . . 
They fight for . . . We fight against . . .
We contribute to . . . I believe in . . .

Adjective + Preposition Combinations

English also has many instances of prepositions coming after adjectives. In many cases, the prepositions precede phrases containing nouns, as in example (a), or pronouns, as in example (b). It is also possible for the prepositions to precede an -ing verb, as in (c).

(a) I was amazed at all the improvements.
(b) We were all shocked by his behaviour.
(c) Because the exam was more difficult than I expected, I'm worried about passing.

Here are some more adjectives and prepositions that are used together:

proud of identical to different from tired of
related to opposed to satisfied with eager for
based on famous for necessary for excited about 

Common Sentence Errors with Prepositions

There are three common types of sentence errors which involve prepositions.

1. Using a preposition which doesn't fit the context of the sentence:

I was amazed from all the improvements. arrrow to the right  Wrong!
I was amazed at all the improvements. arrrow to the right  Right!

2. Omitting a preposition that belongs in a sentence:

I was amazed all the improvements. arrrow to the right  Wrong!
I was amazed at all the improvements. arrrow to the right  Right!

3. Adding a preposition which is not needed in the sentence:

I was amazed at that the improvements were done so quickly. arrrow to the right  Wrong!
I was amazed that the improvements were done so quickly. arrrow to the right  Right!

 

When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.