Adjectives and prepositions

Exercise 1

Read the sentences and underline the adjectives and the prepositions.

a) I’m not afraid of spiders.

b) She’s famous for her crime novels.
c) They’re nervous about going out on their own.
d) We’re not very interested in going to the beach.

Exercise 2

Complete the rules.

• In the first pair the adjective is followed by a preposition then a ................................

• In the second pair the adjective is followed by a preposition then a
....................................... plus –ing.

Exercise 3

Match the two halves of the sentences.

1) She’s really good a) of his financial problems.

2) He’s aware b) about starting my new job.

3) Managers are responsible c) with always doing the same thing?

4) I’m excited d) about making so much noise.

5) We’re sorry e) about his driving test.

6) Matt’s capable f) at listening to people.

7) He’s very worried g) of doing better.

8) Are you bored h) for training their staff.

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 Adjectives and prepositions

Exercise 4

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

1. He’s afraid ........................... flying.

2. We’re very interested ........................... the pyramids.

3. If you want to be good ........................... languages you have to practise a lot.

4. She says she’s not responsible ........................... their behaviour.

5. They were very excited ........................... the visit from the Queen.

6. I’m really sorry ........................... losing your book. I’ll buy you another one.

7. What would you like to be famous ...........................?

8. We weren’t aware ........................... any problem with the water.

9. Jack was bored ........................... driving on the motorway and stopped to

take a break.

10. She’s too nervous ........................... speaking in public to be a politician.

11. Sandra isn’t capable ........................... looking after herself.

12. If you’re worried ........................... seeing him, don’t go to the party.

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 Adjectives and prepositions

Teacher’s notes and answer key

Level: upper intermediate / lower advanced

Aim: to practise using adjectives with the correct preposition and to
establish how they are used
Duration: 45 minutes

Exercise 1

Have students read the sentences and underline the adjective and prepositions.

a) I’m not afraid of spiders.

b) She’s famous for her crime novels.
c) They’re nervous about going out on their own.
d) We’re not very interested in going to the beach.

Exercise 2

Let students work out the rule for themselves from the example sentences.

• In the first pair the prep is followed by a noun and in the second pair by the
verb + -ing.

Exercise 3

Have students read the sentences carefully first and then match the two halves.
Make sure they make note of the preposition used.

Answer key: 1f, 2a, 3h, 4b, 5d, 6g, 7e, 8c

Exercise 4

Using the information from the last exercise ask students to complete the
sentences.

Answer key:

1) of 7) for
2) in 8) of
3) at 9) with
4) for 10) about
5) about 11) of
6) about 12) about

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