PREPOSITIONS IN IDIOMS — EXERCISE 1 (ESL)

level: Intermediate (B1/B2)

In many common English idioms, the preposition is fixed and cannot be predicted from meaning alone — it must simply be learned as part of the expression. This exercise covers ten widely-used idiomatic phrases.

Grammar review Prepositions in idiomatic expressions

Fixed phrases: in charge of, in advance, on behalf of, on purpose, at fault, at last, by accident, by heart.

The preposition cannot be predicted from meaning alone — must be learned as set expressions.

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Complete each of the idiom-containing sentences with the correct preposition. Click on ANSWER to see the correct response.

1. Richard's boss asked Richard to work overtime every day this week. And, to add insult _______________ (for, to, into) injury, he didn't even pay him anything extra for this.

2. He began to teach Mary everything he knew. = He took Mary _______________ (under, on, above) his wing.

3. Ever since Tom became famous, he turned his back _______________ (to, at, on) his friends.

4. Why are you making a big deal _______________ (with, around, about) this?

5. He doesn't really appreciate her fully. = He takes her _______________ (at, on, for) granted.

6. P1: How much do I owe you for the coffee? P2: Nothing, it's _______________ (in, on, for) the house. (= it's free)

7. OK, someone else confessed to the crime. You're _______________ (on, off, of) the hook.

8. Because of him, she had to experience a lot of negative things. = He put her _______________ (through, along, on) a lot.

9. Once he got a good job, everything else fell _______________ (to, into, onto) place.

10. She made the cake _______________ (of, from, in) scratch.

KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
More preposition exercises:
Prepositions in idioms 2 (B1/B2)
Prepositions: at, on, in 1 (B1/B2)
Prepositions: at, on, in 2 (B1/B2)
Mixed prepositions 1 (B1/B2)
Mixed prepositions 2 (B1/B2)
Prepositions after adjectives 1 (B1/B2)

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