IDIOMA I (INGLÉS)

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES

1. Paying attention to the meanings of the prepositions, fill in the blanks with
the most appropriate prepositions chosen from those given in brackets.

For example:
She made a speech _____ the future of the school. (about, around)
She made a speech about the future of the school.

D comes _______ C and E in the alphabet. (between, beyond)

D comes between C and E in the alphabet.

1. This train travels from London ______ Paris. (at, to)

2. We stood at the back ______ the theatre. (of, on)

3. She went to Rome _______ France. (versus, via)

4. The store is open daily _______ Monday to Friday. (for, from)
5. I took my hat ________ the table. (of, off)
6. He looks ________ his brother. (despite, like)

7. The children ran ________ the school. (of, out of)

8. He opened the box ________ a screwdriver. (at, with)

9. I will work ________ five o'clock. (until, up)

10. We walked ________ the restaurant. (despite, past)
11. At three o'clock we reached the top _______ the hill. (of, off)

12. You have delivered all of the papers ________ this one. (between, but)
13. The bank is ________ the school. (opposite, out of)
14. ________ the danger, he decided to climb the mountain. (despite, except)
15. The treasure was hidden ________ the earth. (under, up to)
16. A comes _______ B in the alphabet. (before, behind)
17. I went to work ________ my umbrella. (out of, without)

18. When it is heated, water changes _______ steam. (in, into)

19. Nocturnal animals usually sleep _______ the day. (during, underneath)
20. The squirrel ran _______ the wall. (along, among)

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 1

2. Paying attention to the uses of the prepositions among, at, beside, besides,
between, for, in, on and since, fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions
chosen from those given in brackets.

For example:

They live ____ 359 Southdale Avenue. (at, on)

They live at 359 Southdale Avenue.

The meeting will take place _____ Tuesday. (at, on)

The meeting will take place on Tuesday.

We have been traveling ___ several days. (for, since)

We have been traveling for several days.

She has been working _____ six o'clock this morning. (for, since)
She has been working since six o'clock this morning.

1. He lives ________ 19 Tower Road. (at, on)

2. We will be gone _________ two days. (for, since)
3. Tom and his friend will divide the money ________ themselves. (among,
between)
4. They will be returning ________ November. (in, on)

5. I have known him ________ three years. (for, since)

6. Many foods _________ milk contain calcium. (beside, besides)
7. I will arrive ________ six o'clock. (at, in)

8. He has been gone ________ Friday. (for, since)

9. The store is located ________ North Street. (at, on)

10. She is leaving ________ five minutes. (at, in)

11. Bridget, Leslie and Sarah will discuss the matter _______ themselves.
(among, between)
12. I have known her ________ last year. (for, since)
13. We expect them ________ Wednesday. (in, on)

14. The cat was sitting ________ the stove. (beside, besides)
15. The play begins ________ seven thirty. (at, on)
16. We waited ________ fifteen minutes. (for, since)

17. Columbus crossed the Atlantic ________ 1492. (at, in)

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 2

 18. There are many possibilities ________ the ones I have mentioned.
(beside, besides)
19. She will call us ________ half an hour. (at, in)

20. His birthday is ________ the 8th of January. (in, on)

3. Fill in the blanks with the missing prepositions.

For example:

She wants to leave __ once.

She wants to leave at once.

I brought the wrong book __ mistake.

I brought the wrong book by mistake.

1. Since the restaurant is usually crowded, it is advisable to make reservations

_________ advance.
2. Because we have no car, we go everywhere ________ foot.
3. I was _________ breath after running up the long flight of stairs.

4. We walked out of the room _________ tiptoe, so as not to disturb the sleeping
baby.
5. Inside your passport, you should write the name of your next ________ kin.
6. We made out the report _________ triplicate.
7. Citrus fruits, _________ example oranges and lemons, require a long growing
season.
8. The movie seemed to go on forever, but _________ last it was over.
9. She is so busy; she always seems to be ________ a hurry.

10. Many people believe birds are incapable of reasoning, but ________ fact, some
birds are quite intelligent.
11. Since he is not very trustworthy, I advise you to take what he says _________ a
pinch of salt.
12. I went to the library, but the book I wanted was out _________ loan.

13. To save money, we usually buy flour and rice _________ bulk.
14. Since he could offer us no proof, we had to take his story ________ trust.

15. She knows hundreds of poems ________ heart.

16. Since we cannot find a place to live, ________ the time being, we are staying at
a cheap hotel.
17. Little ________ little, the clouds dispersed and the sun became brighter.

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 3

 18. Because of its importance, we studied the report ________ detail.
19. All of the clothes sold in this store were made ________ hand.
20. At an intersection, pedestrians usually have the right ________ way.

4. For each underlined word or phrase, substitute an idiom containing the

preposition indicated in brackets.

For example:
She came punctually. (on)
She came on time.

His remarks were brief and relevant. (to)

His remarks were brief and to the point.

1. Incidentally, I heard that there is a sale at the bookstore. (by)

2. What do you do as a profession? (for)
3. The boy left his books at school deliberately. (on)
4. There is a great deal to be won or lost. (at)
5. Before long, the ship had cast off and was moving. (under)
6. The violin strings are not at the correct pitch. (out of)
7. Her paintings are being exhibited at the library. (on)
8. The university operates with a very small amount of money. (on)
9. Occasionally we have a picnic by the river. (in)
10. There are no job openings in the company now. (at)
11. We have a large variety of produce available. (on)
12. I want to speak to you not in front of other people. (in)
13. Under those circumstances, we should proceed cautiously. (at)
14. Gradually, we began to unravel the mystery. (by)
15. At the beginning, it was not obvious what to do. (at)
16. When looking back over past events, we can see that important changes have
taken place. (in)
17. The two friends sat beside one another. (by)
18. I could see immediately that something was wrong. (at)
19. I see her occasionally. (from)
20. Does the store have any paint brushes available? (in)

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 4

5. Paying attention to the nouns which are usually followed by certain
prepositions, fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions chosen from the
pairs given in brackets.

For example:
Do you have any objection ___ my plan? (on, to)
Do you have any objection to my plan?

She has a good attitude ______ her job. (of, toward)

She has a good attitude toward her job.

1. We played a joke ________ him. (of, on)

2. Who else has access _______ the computer files? (of, to)
3. I have no recollection _______ the event. (of, on)
4. Missing the bus is no excuse _______ being late. (for, of)
5. I have confidence _______ his ability. (for, in)

6. That is only one example _______ what I mean. (in, of)

7. Pay close attention _______ the traffic signals. (for, to)
8. She takes an active interest _______ community events. (in, of)

9. Do you have any proof _______ that? (of, to)

10. You should make allowances _______ their lack of experience. (for, on)

11. There is a lack _______ information on this subject. (for, of)

12. The report should shed some light _______ the situation. (for, on)
13. He has a talent ________ putting people at ease. (for, with)
14. I received no reply ________ my letter. (on, to)
15. We soon took command ________ the situation. (of, with)
16. They are constantly finding fault ________ other people. (of, with)
17. I have faith ________ their good intentions. (in, to)
18. She has a reputation _______ having the ability to deal with any situation. (for,
of)
19. People often make fun _______ what they do not understand. (of, to)

20. We will take a survey _______ the participants. (of, on)

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 5

6. Paying attention to the adjectives which are usually followed by certain
prepositions, fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions chosen from the
pairs given in brackets.

For example:
We were curious ______ what they were doing. (about, for)
We were curious about what they were doing. (about, for)

The design of most computers is based ______ binary arithmetic. (for, on)
The design of most computers is based on binary arithmetic.

1. We are ready _______ anything. (for, to)

2. I was anxious ________ her. (about, to)
3. Photographic film is sensitive _______ light. (of, to)
4. Seals are adapted ________ life in the water. (at, to)
5. He is descended ________ Mary, Queen of Scots. (from, of)

6. Cotton is more resistant ________ fire than nylon is. (for, to)
7. After the show, the radio station was besieged ________ telephone calls.
(from, with)
8. She was praised ________ her achievements. (for, to)

9. The public library is accessible ________ everyone. (to, with)

10. Are you familiar ________ the procedures? (for, with)

11. They were overjoyed ________ the news. (at, to)

12. We are proud ________ our accomplishments. (for, of)
13. I was pleased ________ the results. (of, with)
14. Are you aware ________ the risks involved? (of, with)
15. Lack of exercise can be detrimental _______ one's health. (of, to)
16. We are satisfied ________ the arrangement. (for, with)

17. She is interested ________ animals. (for, in)

18. He is well qualified ________ the job. (for, to)
19. Young children are often suspicious _______ strangers. (of, to)

20. Knowledge of mathematics is essential ________ an engineer. (to, with)

7. Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

1. There are some differences ________ British and American English.

2. Money isn’t a solution ________ every problem.

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 6

 3. There has been an increase ________ the amount of traffic using this road.
4. When I opened the envelope, I was delighted to find a cheque ________ £500.
5. The advantage ________ having a car is that you don’t have to rely on public
transport.
6. There are many advantages ________ being able to speak a foreign language.
7. Everything can be explained. There’s a reason ________ everything.
8. When Paul left home, his attitude ________ his parents seemed to change.
9. Ben and I used to be good friends, but I don’t have much contact ________ him
now.
10. There has been a sharp rise ________ property prices in the past few years.
11. What was Catherine’s reason ________ the news?
12. If I give you the camera, can you take a photograph ________ me?
13. The company has rejected the workers’ demands _______ a rise _______ pay.

14. What was the answer ________ question 3 in the rest?

15. The fact that Jane was offered a job has no connection ________ the fact that she
is a friend of the managing director.

8. Put in the correct preposition.

1. I was delighted ________ the present you gave me.

2. It was very nice ________ you to do my shopping for me. Thank you very much.
3. Why are you always so rude ________ your parents? Can’t you be nice
________ them?
4. It was careless ________ you to leave the door unlocked when you went out.
5. They didn’t reply to our letter, which wasn’t very polite ________ them.

6. We always have the same food every day. I’m fed up ________ it.
7. I can’t understand people who are cruel ________ animals.
8. We enjoyed our holiday, but we were a bit disappointed ________ the hotel.
9. I was surprised ________ the way he behaved. It was completely out of
character.
10. I’ve been trying to learn Spanish, but I’m not very satisfied ________ my
progress.
11. Linda doesn’t look very well. I’m worried ________ her.
12. Are you angry ________ what happened?

13. I’m sorry ________ what I did. I hope you’re not angry ________ me.

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 7

14. The people next door are furious ________ us ________ making so much noise
last night.
15. Jill starts her new job next week. She’s quite excited ________ it.

16. I’m sorry ________ the smell of paint in this room. I’ve just decorated it.
17. I was shocked ________ what I saw. I’d never seen anything like it before.
18. The man we interviewed for the job was intelligent, but we weren’t very impressed
________ his appearance.
19. Are you still upset ________ what I said to you yesterday?

20. He said he was sorry ________ the situation, but there was nothing he could do.
21. I felt sorry ________ the children when we went on holiday. It rained every day
and they had to spend most of the time indoors.

9. Put in the correct preposition.

1. The letter I wrote was full ________ mistakes.

2. My home town is not an especially interesting place. It’s not famous ________
anything.
3. Kate is very fond ________ her younger brother.
4. I don’t like going up ladders. I’m scared ________ heights.
5. You look bored. You don’t seem interested ________ what I’m saying.
6. Did you know that Liz is engaged ________ a friend of mine?
7. I’m not ashamed ________ what I did. In fact I’m quite proud ________ it.
8. I suggested that we should all go out for a meal, but nobody else was keen
________ the idea.
9. These days everybody is aware ________ the dangers of smoking.
10. The station platform was crowded ________ people waiting for the train.
11. Sue is much more successful than I am. Sometimes I feel a bit jealous ________
her.
12. I’m tired ________ doing the same thing every day. I need a change.
13. Do you know anyone who might be interested ________ buying an old car?
14. We’ve got plenty to eat. The fridge is full ________ food.
15. She is very honest person. I don’t think she is capable ________ telling a lie.

16. Helen works hard and she’s extremely good ________ her job.
17. I’m not surprised he changed his mind at the last moment. That’s typical
________ him.
18. Mark has no money of his own. He’s totally dependent ________ his parents.

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 8

19. We’re short ________ staff in our office at the moment. We need more people to
do the work.

10. Put in to where necessary. If the sentence is already complete, leave the
space empty.

1. I know who she is, but I’ve never spoken ________ her.
2. Why didn’t you answer ________ my letter?
3. I like ________ listen to the radio while I’m having breakfast.
4. We’d better phone ________ the restaurant to reserve a table.
5. Did Mike apologise ________ you? Yes, he said he was very sorry.
6. I explained ________ everybody the reasons for my decision.
7. I thanked ________ everybody for all the help they had given me.

8. Ask me what you like and I’ll try and answer ________ your questions.
9. Mike described ________ me exactly what happened.

10. Karen won’t be able to help you, so there’s no point in asking ________ her.

11. Put in to or at.

1. I wrote ________ the hotel complaining about the poor service we had received.

2. Look ________ these flowers. Aren’t they pretty?

3. Please don’t shout ________ me! Try to calm down.

4. I saw Sue as I was cycling along the road. I shouted ________ her, but she didn’t
hear me.
5. Don’t listen ________ what he says. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
6. What’s funny? What are you laughing ________?

7. Do you think I could have a look ________ your magazine, please?

8. I’m a bit lonely. I need somebody to talk ________.

9. She was so angry she threw a book ________ the wall.

10. The woman sitting opposite me on the train kept staring ________ me.
11. Can I speak ________ you a moment? There’s something I want to ask you.

12. Put in the correct preposition. If no preposition is necessary, leave the

space empty.

1. I’m not going out yet. I’m waiting ________ the rain to stop.

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 9

 2. I couldn’t find the street I was looking for, so I stopped someone to ask ________
directions.
3. I’ve applied ________ a job at the factory. I don’t know if I’ll get it.

4. I’ve applied ________ three colleges. I hope one of them accepts me.
5. I’ve searched everywhere ________ John, but I haven’t been able to find him.
6. I don’t want to talk ________ what happened last night. Let’s forget it.
7. I don’t want to discuss ________ what happened last night. Let’s forget it.
8. We had an interesting discussion ________ the problem, but we didn’t reach a
decision.
9. We discussed ________ the problem, but we didn’t reach a decision.
10. I don’t want to go out yet. I’m waiting ________ the post to arrive.
11. Ken and Sonia are touring Italy. They’re in Rome at the moment, but tomorrow they
leave ________ Venice.
12. The roof of the house is in very bad condition. I think we ought to do something
________ it.
13. We waited for Steve ________ half an hour, but he never came.
14. Tomorrow morning I have to catch a plane. I’m leaving my house ________ the
airport at 7.30.

13. Put in the correct preposition.

1. Did you hear ________ what happened at the party on Saturday?

2. I had a strange dream last night. Did you? What did you dream ________?
3. Our neighbours complained ________ us ________ the noise we made last
night.
4. Kevin was complaining ________ pains in his chest, so he went to the doctor.

5. I love this music. It reminds me ________ a warm day in spring.

6. He loves his job. He thinks ________ his job all the time, he dreams ________

it, he talks ________ it and I’m fed up with hearing ________ it.
7. I tried to remember the name of the book, but I couldn’t think ________ it.
8. Jackie warned me ________ the water. She said it wasn’t safe to drink.
9. We warned our children ________ the dangers of playing in the street.

14. Put in the correct preposition. If no preposition is necessary, leave the

space empty.
1. Some students were suspected ________ cheating in the exam.

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 10

 2. Sally is often not well. She suffers ________ very bad headaches.
3. You know that you can rely ________ me if you ever need any help.
4. It is terrible that some people are dying ________ hunger while others eat too
much.
5. Are you going to apologise ________ what you did?
6. The accident was my fault, so I had to pay ________ the repairs.
7. I didn’t have enough money to pay ________ the bill.
8. I complimented her ________ her English. She spoke very fluently and her
pronunciation was excellent.
9. She hasn’t got a job. She depends ________ her parents for money.
10. I don’t know whether I’ll go out tonight. It depends ________ how I feel.
11. They wore warm clothes to protect themselves ________ the cold.
12. The apartment consists ________ three rooms, a kitchen and bathroom.

15. Put in the correct preposition. If the sentence is already complete, leave the
space empty.

1. The school provides all its students ________ books.

2. A strange thing happened ________ me a few days ago.

3. Mark decided to give up sport so that he could concentrate ________ his studies.
4. I don’t believe ________ working very hard. It’s not worth it.
5. My present job isn’t wonderful, but I prefer it ________ what I did before.
6. I hope you succeed ________ getting what you want.

7. As I was coming out of the room, I collided ______ somebody who was coming in.
8. There was an awful noise as the car crashed ________ a tree.

9. Patrick is a photographer. He specialises ________ sports photography.

10. Do you spend much money ________ clothes?
11. The country is divided ________ six regions.
12. I prefer travelling by train ________ driving. It’s much more pleasant.
13. I was amazed when Joe walked into the room, I couldn’t believe ________ it.

14. I was quite cold, but Tom insisted ________ having the window open.
15. Some words are difficult to translate _______ one language _______ another.

16. What happened _______ the money I lent you? What did you spend it _______?
17. The teacher decided to split the class ________ four groups.

18. I filled the tank, but unfortunately I filled it ________ the wrong kind of petrol.

UNIT 2. PREPOSITIONS. EXERCISES 11