Appropriate Prepositions | English Grammar Chapter 33

Your learning path

1. LearnRead the rules and examples carefully.

2. PractiseAnswer all 15 questions before revealing the key.

3. ReviewExplain each mistake and write a new example.

Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to explain the rules, recognise the target forms in context, avoid common errors and apply the patterns to new sentences.

Understand the core terms and distinctions.
Use examples to connect grammar rules with real sentences.
Complete all 15 practice items before opening the answer key.

1. Learn combinations as units

Many English expressions select a particular preposition. Memorise the whole combination with an example rather than translating word by word from another language.

depend on, interested in, reason for

2. Verb + preposition

Some verbs require a preposition before their object: belong to, rely on, insist on, apply for, apologise for and approve of. Others take a direct object without a preposition.

We rely on evidence. / She applied for the post.

3. Adjective + preposition

Adjectives often pair with fixed prepositions: afraid of, capable of, responsible for, familiar with, good at and different from. The preposition may not be predictable from meaning alone.

He is capable of solving it.

4. Noun + preposition and meaning

Nouns also select prepositions: access to, demand for, solution to, increase in and invitation to. Different prepositions can change meaning.

There is a demand for skilled workers. / The solution to the problem is simple.

5. Avoid common traps

Do not add a preposition when the verb already takes a direct object (discuss the issue, not discuss about the issue). Check whether a preposition is required by the word or by the sentence structure.

Correct: We discussed the plan and agreed on a date.

Guided practice

Try each item first without checking the answers. Afterward, open the key and read the explanation for every uncertain answer.

We must comply ___ the rules. (with / to)
She is interested ___ linguistics. (in / on)
They accused him ___ cheating. (of / for)
The solution ___ this problem is not easy. (to / of)
He is responsible ___ the final report. (for / of)
I prefer tea ___ coffee. (to / than)
She insisted ___ paying the bill. (on / at)
We need access ___ reliable information. (to / for)
He apologised ___ being late. (for / about to)
This book differs ___ the one I read before. (from / than)
They are capable ___ completing the work. (of / to)
The manager approved ___ the proposal. (of / for)
We discussed ___ the issue for an hour. (no preposition / about)
The demand ___ electric vehicles is growing. (for / to)
She is good ___ solving puzzles. (at / in)

Show answer key and explanations

with — Comply is followed by with.
in — The standard combination is interested in.
of — Accuse someone of an offence or action.
to — The usual noun pattern is solution to a problem.
for — Responsible for identifies a duty or task.
to — Prefer A to B is the standard comparison pattern.
on — Insist on is followed by a noun or gerund.
to — Access to is the standard noun combination.
for — Apologise for introduces the reason or action.
from — Differ from is the standard form.
of — Capable of is followed by a noun or gerund.
of — Approve of means regard as acceptable; approve a proposal can also take a direct object when meaning formally authorise.
no preposition — Discuss takes a direct object; do not add about.
for — Demand for identifies what is wanted.
at — Good at is the common ability pattern.

Learning reflection

I can explain the main rules in my own words.
I can recognise the correct form in a new sentence.
I can explain why a common incorrect form is wrong.
I can apply the rule without looking at the example.

Retention tip: Review your mistakes tomorrow, then again after three days and one week. Write one new example for each rule you missed.

Continue your study

For stronger learning, connect this lesson to the next chapter and the quiz library. Return to this page when a quiz reveals a weak area.

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Editorial note: Some conventions vary by dialect, context and examination syllabus. Where relevant, follow the standard specified by your course or exam board.