Language Focus: Grammar

ADJECTIVES AND PREPOSITIONS

 Do you know how to use adjective with prepositions? like interested in or afraid
of

 Look at these examples to see how adjectives are used with prepositions:

1. I’m interested in the idea 2. My jacket is similar to yours

3. She’s brilliant at maths 4. My neighbour is angry about the

party
 Some adjectives go with certain preposition. There are no grammatical rules for
which preposition is used with which adjective, so it’s good idea to try to learn
them together.

 To help you do this, write new vocabulary in your notebook in a sentence or

phrase.

 However, there are some patterns that can help you. Let’s look at them first.
Remember that a preposition is followed by a noun, noun phrase or a gerund (-
ing form).

With ‘at’

 We use at with adjectives like ‘good/ bad/ amazing/ brilliant/ terrible, etc.’

 To talk about skills and abilities

1. He's really good at English. 2. They're terrible at organizing

anything.

3. She's amazing at the piano. 4. I'm not very good at drawing.

With ‘about’

 We often use about with adjectives of feelings

like ‘angry/excited/happy/nervous/sad/stressed/worried, etc.’

 To explain what is causing that feeling.

1. I'm angry about the decision. 3. He's nervous about the

presentation.
2. She's excited about the new job.
4. They were worried about the
exam.

With ‘of ‘
 However, sometimes we use of with feelings.

1. She was afraid of telling her 2. I'm frightened of having an

mum. accident.

3. He's scared of flying. 4. You should be proud of your

progress.

With ‘to’

 We can use ’to’ to show the connection between people or things.

1. He's married to the director. 2. I'm addicted to my phone.

3. I'm allergic to nuts. 4. She is destined to you

 We can also use ’to’ to talk about someone's behavior towards someone else.

1. They were really friendly to me. 2. Was he nice to you?

3. She was very rude to the 4. Is he lovely to your kids?

waitress.

 Here are some other useful adjectives with prepositions

With ‘for’

1. Exercise is good for you. 2. Stress is bad for you.

3. The town is famous for its 4. I'm responsible for the financial

cheese. side of the business.

With ‘in’

1. She's interested in the project. 2. They want someone

who's experienced in design.

3. I didn't want to get involved 4. Was your boyfriend enjoyed in your

in the argument. conversation?

Choose the Correct Word

1. I’m really proud ____ you! (of / to / with)

2. She’s responsible _____ health and safety. (for / in / of)

3. He’s allergic ____ seafood. (of / to / with)

4. They’re interested ___ our project. (about / in / on)

5. I’m addicted ____ the new series on Channel 4. (of / to / with)

6. Sugar is bad ____ your teeth. (at / for / of)

7. I’m really excited ____ the new house. (about / of / to)

8. My boss is terrible ____ communicating. (at / in/ to)

9. I’m a bit nervous ____ going somewhere so different. (about / of / to)

10. The activities will be similar ___ what we did last year. (at / to / with)

11. He wants to be involved ___ making the decision. (about / in / on)

12. She’s angry ____ not being invited to the dinner. (about / for / of)

13.You’re good ____ talking to big groups of people. (at / in / to)

14.Eating a lot of red meat is not good ___ you. (at / for/ on)

15. I’m afraid ___ swimming. (of / to / with)