PREPOSITIONS AFTER ADJECTIVES EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
level: Intermediate (B1/B2)
A second exercise on adjective + preposition combinations, focusing on the trickiest cases — adjectives that take different prepositions depending on meaning, and less obvious but very common pairings. If you haven’t done exercise 1 yet, start there.
Grammar review
Prepositions after adjectives — tricky cases and multiple meanings
This second exercise is more challenging than exercise 1 because it includes adjectives that take different prepositions depending on what they mean. The same adjective, two different sentences, two different prepositions — and both are correct.
The pattern to watch for:
When an adjective can take more than one preposition, the preposition is determined by what follows it — a person, a thing, or an activity. Read the whole sentence carefully before choosing.
Two examples of this pattern (not from this exercise):
good at = skilled at an activity: “She’s good at cooking.”
good for = beneficial to something: “Vegetables are good for you.”
The same kind of split appears in this exercise with at least one adjective that changes meaning depending on the preposition. Look out for it.
General approach:
• If the adjective describes a feeling directed at a situation or outcome → think about
• If it describes a relationship with a person → think to or with
• If it describes something harmful or beneficial → think for
• If it describes being full of something or possessing a quality → think of
These are guides, not rules — context always decides.
This second exercise is more challenging than exercise 1 because it includes adjectives that take different prepositions depending on what they mean. The same adjective, two different sentences, two different prepositions — and both are correct.
The pattern to watch for:
When an adjective can take more than one preposition, the preposition is determined by what follows it — a person, a thing, or an activity. Read the whole sentence carefully before choosing.
Two examples of this pattern (not from this exercise):
good at = skilled at an activity: “She’s good at cooking.”
good for = beneficial to something: “Vegetables are good for you.”
The same kind of split appears in this exercise with at least one adjective that changes meaning depending on the preposition. Look out for it.
General approach:
• If the adjective describes a feeling directed at a situation or outcome → think about
• If it describes a relationship with a person → think to or with
• If it describes something harmful or beneficial → think for
• If it describes being full of something or possessing a quality → think of
These are guides, not rules — context always decides.
Choose the correct preposition to complete each of the sentences.
1.My grandparents are not fond ________________ his constant swearing.
Correct answer: of
2.British Columbia is known ________________ its beautiful scenery.
Correct answer: for
3.Why is Charlotte so upset ________________ the outcome?
Correct answer: about
4.I'm not satisfied _______________ my test results.
Correct answer: with
5.He wanted to dress _______________ black, but his girlfriend made him wear pink.
Correct answer: in
6.Staring at the computer screen all day is bad _______________ your eyesight.
Correct answer: for
7.William is engaged _______________ a woman from New Zealand.
Correct answer: to
8.What kind of business is he engaged ________________?
Correct answer: in
9.The beach is usually full _______________ people on Sundays.
Correct answer: of
10.I am so fed up _______________ his negative attitude.
Correct answer: with
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PREPOSITION EXERCISES:
Prepositions: at, on, in 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions: at, on, in 2 (B1/B2)
Prepositions of time 1 (A1/A2)
Prepositions of time 2 (A2/B1)
For or since? 1 (B1/B2)
Mixed prepositions 1 (B1/B2)
Mixed prepositions 2 (B1/B2)
Mixed prepositions 3 (A1/A2)
Prepositions after adjectives 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions: at, on, in 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions: at, on, in 2 (B1/B2)
Prepositions of time 1 (A1/A2)
Prepositions of time 2 (A2/B1)
For or since? 1 (B1/B2)
Mixed prepositions 1 (B1/B2)
Mixed prepositions 2 (B1/B2)
Mixed prepositions 3 (A1/A2)
Prepositions after adjectives 1 (B1/B2)
