Chapter 07 — Prepositions and collocations
Track: common | Study time: 75–100 minutes | Recall task: write the rule before checking the key.
Pareeksha English foundation notes
4. Prepositions
A preposition shows the relation of a noun or pronoun to another word. Learn the groups.
Time and place
Word | Use | Example
at | a point of time or place | at six, at the station
on | days and dates; on a surface | on Monday, on the table
in | months, years, seasons; inside a space | in June, in 2020, in the room
since | a point in time | since Monday
for | a period of time | for two years
by | not later than; by means of | by five o'clock; by bus
during | within a period | during the holidays
between / among | between two; among more than two | between the two, among the many
Verb, adjective and noun with fixed prepositions
With | Examples
of | afraid of, proud of, fond of, jealous of, capable of, aware of, full of, die of (disease)
at | good at, bad at, clever at, surprised at, laugh at
with | angry with (a person), pleased with, satisfied with, busy with, familiar with
to | married to, similar to, superior to, inferior to, senior to, junior to, prefer ... to, accustomed to
from | different from, free from, absent from, differ from, prevent ... from, suffer from
in | interested in, rich in, succeed in, believe in, disappointed in (a thing)
on | depend on, insist on, rely on, congratulate ... on, based on
More points:
- Beside means next to; besides means in addition to.
- Besides / except: "Besides him, three others came" (including him). "Everyone except him came" (excluding).
- Die of a disease; die from an injury or cause. Die by violence.
- Different from (not "different than" or "different to" in careful English).
- Prefer A to B: "I prefer tea to coffee." Not "prefer ... than".
- A preposition is followed by a noun, pronoun or gerund (V-ing): "She is fond of singing."
- In / into: "in" shows position; "into" shows movement. "He jumped into the pool."
- On / upon, over / above: "over" can mean covering or crossing; "above" means at a higher level without touch.
Exam traps
- Since vs for: "since 2015" but "for ten years".
- Present perfect with yesterday: wrong; use the simple past with a definite past time.
- "A number of" vs "the number of": plural verb vs singular verb.
- "Neither...nor" and "either...or": the verb goes with the nearer subject.
- "A university" and "an hour": sound decides, not the letter.
- Uncountable nouns: "advice", "furniture", "information" take no "a" and have no plural.
- "Prefer ... to": never "prefer ... than".
- "Each", "every" and "one of": singular verbs, even if a plural noun follows.
One-liners
- Habits and general truths use the simple present.
- The earlier of two past actions uses the past perfect.
- After "if" and "when", future meaning uses the present tense.
- "Know" and "like" are generally not used in the continuous form for state meanings.
- "News" and "mathematics" take singular verbs.
- "Scissors" and "trousers" take plural verbs.
- "Along with" does not make the subject plural.
- "The number of" takes a singular verb.
- "An" is used before the sound of a vowel, as in "an hour".
- "The" is used before rivers and seas.
- "Different from" is the correct form.
- "Interested in" is followed by "in", and "good at" by "at".
Worked reasoning and learner clinic
Prepositions are partly logical and partly conventional. Time and place rules help: at a point, on a surface or day, in an enclosed space or longer period. Collocations must also be learned as units: depend on, interested in, responsible for, capable of, arrive at a station, arrive in a city.
Movement and position. “In” usually reports location; “into” marks movement across a boundary. “On” can mean contact with a surface; “onto” can mark movement to it. “Beside” means next to; “besides” means in addition to. Small differences often alter the whole answer.
Preposition + gerund. When a preposition is followed by a verb, use the -ing form: “interested in learning”, “before leaving”, “by checking”. In “look forward to”, to is a preposition, so “look forward to meeting” is correct. Compare this with infinitive to in “want to meet”.
Avoid overgeneralising. Two prepositions can be grammatical with different meanings. “Angry with a person” and “angry about a situation” differ in focus. Where the question gives a standard collocation, select the option matching the intended relationship rather than relying on translation alone.
Telugu-medium transfer check
Treat prepositions as part of a time/place relation or a fixed collocation. Learn the whole pattern—‘interested in’, ‘responsible for’, ‘arrive at’—and check whether a following noun or gerund is required.
Retrieval practice
Make a two-column list of verb/adjective plus preposition pairs from the questions. Cover the preposition and retrieve it in a new sentence, then verify the full collocation.
Error-log prompt
Write the entire phrase, not just the wrong preposition. Record whether the trap was time, place, movement or a fixed verb pattern.
Study plate 07. Recall the sequence before you begin the question set.
Chapter 07 practice questions
001. In a cloze test, what should you do first?
A. Read the whole passage once
B. Fill the last blank first
C. Pick the longest option
D. Count the blanks only
Key: A | Explanation: A first skim gives the topic and mood of the passage. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
002. Which linker shows contrast?
A. Moreover
B. Therefore
C. Thus
D. However
Key: D | Explanation: However introduces an opposite or different idea. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
003. Which linker shows a result?
A. But
B. Although
C. Therefore
D. Yet
Key: C | Explanation: Therefore shows a result or effect. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
004. Which word fits: He was tired, ____ he kept working.
A. hence
B. yet
C. so
D. because
Key: B | Explanation: The idea contrasts, so a contrast linker is needed. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
005. Fill in the blank: She was late ____ the bus broke down.
A. although
B. but
C. so
D. because
Key: D | Explanation: The blank gives a reason. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
006. Fill in the blank: ____ it rained, we played the match.
A. Because
B. Therefore
C. Although
D. So
Key: C | Explanation: Although shows contrast between rain and the match. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
007. Fill in the blank: Each of the students ____ a book.
A. have
B. has
C. are having
D. were
Key: B | Explanation: 'Each' takes a singular verb. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
008. Fill in the blank: He depends ____ his uncle for help.
A. with
B. at
C. on
D. from
Key: C | Explanation: Depend is followed by on. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
009. Fill in the blank: She has been ____ for an hour.
A. waits
B. waited
C. wait
D. waiting
Key: D | Explanation: 'Has been' needs an -ing form. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
010. In a para-jumble, the opening sentence usually
A. introduces the topic
B. starts with 'However'
C. starts with 'He' for an unnamed person
D. gives the final result
Key: A | Explanation: The first sentence sets up the subject without referring back. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
011. Which of these is least likely to be the first sentence of a para?
A. Water is essential for life.
B. However, he refused to go.
C. The Krishna is a major river of south India.
D. Trees give us shade and fruit.
Key: B | Explanation: A linker like 'however' refers to an earlier idea. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
012. In a para-jumble, a sentence that begins with 'He' should come
A. before any sentence
B. as the very first sentence
C. only at the end
D. after the sentence naming the person
Key: D | Explanation: Pronouns need an earlier noun to refer to. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
013. A sentence beginning 'Finally,' most likely belongs
A. near the end
B. anywhere
C. at the start
D. in the middle
Key: A | Explanation: Finally marks the last step. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
014. Which pair must sit together in a good paragraph?
A. Two titles
B. A title and a date
C. A question and its answer
D. Two linkers
Key: C | Explanation: An answer follows its question closely. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
015. Which order is logical?
A. Conclusion then example
B. Result then reason
C. Effect then cause
D. Cause then effect
Key: D | Explanation: Cause is placed before its effect. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
016. Correct order of: P. It is made of marble. Q. The Taj Mahal is a famous building. R. Many people visit it.
A. P Q R
B. P R Q
C. Q P R
D. R P Q
Key: C | Explanation: Q names the topic; P describes it; R gives the result. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
017. Correct order of: P. Therefore he saved money. Q. Mohan wanted to buy a bicycle. R. But he had very little cash.
A. Q R P
B. P Q R
C. Q P R
D. R Q P
Key: A | Explanation: Wish first, then problem, then the action taken. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
018. Rearrange: 'she / every day / walks / to school'.
A. Walks she to school every day.
B. She walks to school every day.
C. To school she every day walks.
D. Every day to school she walks.
Key: B | Explanation: Subject, verb, place, time is the standard order. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
019. Rearrange: 'the teacher / explained / the lesson / clearly'.
A. Explained the teacher the lesson clearly.
B. The lesson clearly the teacher explained.
C. Clearly the lesson explained the teacher.
D. The teacher explained the lesson clearly.
Key: D | Explanation: Subject + verb + object + manner. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
020. In a statement, where does the helping verb go?
A. At the start of a sentence
B. After the object
C. Before the main verb
D. After the main verb
Key: C | Explanation: Example: She has finished. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
021. In a question, the helping verb comes
A. before the subject
B. after the object
C. after the subject
D. at the end
Key: A | Explanation: Example: Have you finished? Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
022. An adjective is normally placed
A. after the verb 'to be' only
B. before the noun
C. at the end of a sentence
D. before the subject
Key: B | Explanation: Example: a tall boy. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
023. Which linker introduces an example?
A. In short
B. However
C. For instance
D. As a result
Key: C | Explanation: For instance and for example introduce examples. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
024. Which phrase signals a conclusion?
A. For example
B. To sum up
C. Moreover
D. On the other hand
Key: B | Explanation: To sum up gives a final remark. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
025. Which word fits: He ____ a big mistake in the test.
A. did
B. took
C. gave
D. made
Key: D | Explanation: The usual pair is 'make a mistake'. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
026. Fill in the blank: Please ____ your homework before dinner.
A. do
B. take
C. give
D. make
Key: A | Explanation: The usual pair is 'do homework'. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
027. Which linker should NOT be used with 'although' in the same sentence?
A. but
B. and
C. still
D. also
Key: A | Explanation: Although and but together are repeated contrast. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
028. Which is correct?
A. Although he ill was, he came.
B. Although he was ill but, he came.
C. Although he was ill, he came to school.
D. Although he was ill, but he came to school.
Key: C | Explanation: Do not use 'but' with 'although'. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
029. If a past-time word like 'last year' appears, the verb should be
A. in the future tense
B. in the past tense
C. in the present tense
D. an infinitive
Key: B | Explanation: Time clues decide tense. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
030. In a cloze test, if two options seem grammatically correct, you should
A. pick at random
B. pick the longest
C. pick the first
D. choose the one that fits the whole passage
Key: D | Explanation: Meaning across the passage decides. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
031. A para-jumble is taking longer than the time you planned. What is the most practical step?
A. Mark it and return after attempting other questions
B. Spend the remaining test time on it
C. Pick the longest option without reading
D. Skip the rest of the paper
Key: A | Explanation: Move on after a planned limit and return if time remains; do not let one item consume the paper. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
032. Which word completes: The road was blocked, ____ we took another route.
A. so
B. yet
C. although
D. because
Key: A | Explanation: The second part is a result of the first. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
033. Which linker means the same as 'moreover'?
A. Although
B. In addition
C. However
D. On the other hand
Key: B | Explanation: Both add an idea. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
034. Which linker means the same as 'on the other hand'?
A. Moreover
B. Thus
C. However
D. Therefore
Key: C | Explanation: Both show contrast. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
035. Consider the statements about para-jumbles. 1. The opening sentence usually introduces the topic. 2. A sentence with 'however' should be the opening sentence.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Key: A | Explanation: A sentence with however depends on an earlier idea. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
036. Consider the statements about cloze tests. 1. Only the single sentence with the blank matters. 2. Reading the whole passage first helps.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Key: B | Explanation: Nearby sentences give clues too. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
037. Consider the statements about linkers. 1. 'So' shows result. 2. 'Because' shows result.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Key: A | Explanation: Because gives a reason, not a result. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
038. In formal exam prose, which pairs are normally avoided because they repeat the same link? 1. “Although … but” 2. “Because … so”
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Key: D | Explanation: Both constructions are commonly treated as redundant in formal exam writing; use one connector to express the relationship. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
039. Consider the statements. 1. In a statement, the helping verb comes after the main verb. 2. In a question, the helping verb comes before the subject.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Key: B | Explanation: In a statement, the helping verb comes before the main verb. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
040. Correct order of: P. He therefore planted a tree. Q. Ravi was worried about the heat. R. He learned that trees give shade. S. So he read a few books.
A. S Q P R
B. P Q S R
C. Q S R P
D. Q R S P
Key: C | Explanation: Problem, reading, learning, decision. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
041. Fill in the blank: He passed the exam ____ ease.
A. by
B. on
C. in
D. with
Key: D | Explanation: The fixed phrase is 'with ease'. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
042. Which sentence is a good opener for a paragraph about rivers?
A. This was built long ago.
B. Therefore, they are useful.
C. Also, it flows slowly.
D. Rivers are an important source of fresh water.
Key: D | Explanation: A general statement that names the topic is a good opening. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
043. In a para-jumble about a person, how is the person introduced?
A. By full name first, then by 'he' or 'she'
B. By 'he' first, then the name
C. Only by 'they'
D. Only by a linker
Key: A | Explanation: The name is given before the pronoun. Follow reference words, time order and cause-and-effect links. A sentence that introduces a person or topic usually precedes a sentence that refers back to it.
044. The cadet is interested ___ public service.
A. at
B. in
C. for
D. on
Key: B | Explanation: The standard collocation is “interested in”.
045. This result depends ___ careful checking.
A. from
B. with
C. at
D. on
Key: D | Explanation: The verb “depend” takes “on”.
046. The two drafts differ ___ their tone.
A. by
B. from
C. with
D. in
Key: D | Explanation: “Differ in” introduces the respect/feature in which they vary.
047. We arrived ___ the station before noon.
A. in
B. at
C. on
D. to
Key: B | Explanation: Use “at” for a point location such as a station.
048. The meeting begins ___ Monday.
A. in
B. on
C. by
D. at
Key: B | Explanation: Use “on” with a day of the week.
049. She has lived here ___ five years.
A. at
B. by
C. since
D. for
Key: D | Explanation: “For” introduces a duration.
050. The notice must be filed ___ Friday.
A. between
B. by
C. since
D. during
Key: B | Explanation: “By Friday” means no later than Friday.
051. The trainees walked ___ the room quietly.
A. in
B. into
C. at
D. on
Key: B | Explanation: “Into” marks movement from outside to inside.
052. He is capable ___ solving the puzzle.
A. of
B. at
C. for
D. to
Key: A | Explanation: The adjective pattern is “capable of” plus noun/gerund.
053. The report was prepared ___ the committee.
A. from
B. at
C. with
D. by
Key: D | Explanation: “By” identifies the agent in a passive sentence.