Prepositional Phrases

Prepositions can be tricky. One problem is that there is often no logic at all! We use them in many
phrases and expressions and unfortunately, we just need to learn these by heart. There aren't
really any rules.

AT
+ meal (lunch, etc.) I’m afraid he’s at lunch until two.
+ place I stood at the bus stop for over half an hour.
He was standing at the top of the stairs.
There should be a menu bar at the bottom of your screen.
Several men were standing at the corner, talking to the police officer.
+ points of time The film starts at 3 o’clock.
The boats set of at dawn.
a cost of The new building’s going up at a cost of $82 million.
a critical juncture = very important point
The talks are at a critical juncture.
a guess = you are making a guess
It was built around the turn of the century, at a guess.
a/the crossroads = at an important point in somebody’s life or development
If you’re still at a crossroads, seek advice from your teachers.
a loss When her son finally left home, Emily felt completely at a loss.
a price = costing a lot of money
You can buy strawberries all year round, but at a price.
a profit They sold their house at a healthy profit.
a rate of = the number of times something happens/takes place
Asylum seekers were entering Britain at a rate of 1,600 per day.
a slow/steady pace = the speed at which sb/sth walks, runs, or moves
Public spending continues to rise at a steady pace.
a snail’s pace = extremely slowly
Traffic was moving at a snail’s pace.
a stretch = without stopping
She rarely sleeps for eight hours at a stretch.
all = (in negative statements and questions) emphasize what you’re saying
They’ve done nothing at all to try and put the problem right.
all cost(s) = whatever is needed to achieve something
You must stop the press from finding out at all costs.
all events I might see you tomorrow, but I’ll phone at all events.
all times = continuously
Parents are welcome at all times.
an ungodly hour = very early in the morning or very late at night
Why did you wake me up at such an ungodly hour?
any cost = under any circumstance
He is determined to win at any cost.
any price = whatever the cost or the difficulties may be
She was determined to have a child at any price.
any rate = anyway
They’ve had technical problems - at any rate that’s what they told me.
best / worst Choosing the right software can be time-consuming at best and confusing or
frustrating at worst.
cost = without making a profit
His uncles a car dealer and let him buy the car at cost.
cross purposes = misunderstanding each other unconsciously
I think we’re talking at cross purposes; that’s not what I meant at all.
fault The police said that the other driver was at fault.
first I felt quite disappointed at first.
first sight At first sight, there didn’t appear to be much damage.
hand = close to you and available to be used
Don’t worry, help is at hand.
= needed to be dealt with now
Peter turned his attention to the task at hand.
… km per hour He was driving at 120 km per hour.

Prepositional phrases 1 / 13
large = a dangerous person or animal have escaped from somewhere or have not
been caught
The escaped prisoners are still at large.
last = finally
After a long journey, at last we arrived at our hotel.
least = not less than
He had at least $100,000 in savings.
leisure = slowly and without hurrying
Come round for lunch and then we can discuss it at leisure.
length = for a long time
The young people spoke at length about their experiences.
most = no more than
There will be fifty people at most.
once = immediately
You must do it at once! Don't wait even one minute.
one time = at a period of time in the past
At one time , George Eliot lived here.
one’s desk Marie was sitting at her desk.
one’s own pace = as fast or as slow as they can
We encourage all students to work at their own pace.
pains Roy was at pains to point out that English was the only exam he’d ever failed.
peace / war The country is at peace with its neighbors for the first time in years.
play / work Dad’s at work right now.
present = at this time
The item you want is not available at present.
sb’s convenience = at a time or a place which is suitable for somebody
Can you telephone me at your convenience to arrange a meeting.
sea = on the sea, especially in a ship, or in the sea
He spent over 30 years at sea.
= confused or not sure what to do
I’m all at sea with these new regulations.
short notice = only a short time before sth happens (AE: on short notice)
I can’t cancel my arrangements at such short notice.
table Children must learn to behave at table.
that moment = a specific moment or a point in time (used for emphasis)
Just at that moment there was a knock on the door.
the age of Dad retired at the age of 58.
the beginning / end = when something begins / ends
There’s a short poem at the beginning of every chapter.
What would she find at the end of her journey?
the door = at the front door of a house
“Can I help you?” asked the man at the door.
the double = very quickly and without any delay (AE: on the double)
He was told to get back to London at the double.
the eleventh hour = the last moment before something important happens
At the eleventh hour the government decided that something had to be done.
the last minute / = the last possible time, just before it is too late
moment He cancelled his trip to England at the last minute.
the moment = now
Julia’s on holiday in Spain at the moment.
the time = period in the past when something happened
I was about ten or eleven at the time.
this juncture = a particular point in time
At this juncture I suggest we take a short break.
times = sometimes
Life is hard at times.

BY
+ bike, bus, car, We travelled all over Europe by bus.
kayak, moped, etc. I always travel by underground.
+ time = not later than
I expect you will have changed your mind by tomorrow.
accident = not intentionally
I dropped the vase by accident.

Prepositional phrases 2 / 13
air = travel by plane
It’s much quicker if you go by air, but it’s also more expensive.
all means = of course
Please, go ahead, by all means.
any / no means = say strongly that something is not true
It is by no means certain that you’ll get your money back.
birth Anne was French by birth but lived most of her life in Italy.
chance = without planning
I saw Julie at the station by chance.
cheque / credit card Can I pay by cheque?
day / night = during the day/night
Owls usually sleep by day and hunt by night.
degrees = very slowly
By degrees, he forced himself into a sitting position.
design = intentionally
We shall never know whether this happened by accident or by design.
email You can contact us by email or fax.
far = definitely
This is the cheapest restaurant by far.
force In the end he had to be thrown out of the house by force.
hand We had to wash our clothes by hand.
heart After a few days of phoning Joan, he knew her number by heart.
instalments = a number of parts into which a story, plan or amount of money owed has
been divided
We paid for the car by/in instalments.
land / sea = travel on land, or in a boat
Troops entered the region by land and sea.
law By law, seat belts must be worn by all passengers.
luck It was only by luck that they managed to avoid hitting the rocks near the shore.
marriage = married to someone in your/their family
John’s my cousin by marriage.
means of = using a particular method, tool, object etc.
She paid for the goods by means of a stolen credit card.
mistake = not intentionally
She gave him the wrong book by mistake.
name = I have heard about her but I haven’t met her
I only know her by name.
nature She’s very sensitive by nature.
Motor-racing is by nature a dangerous sport.
post The winners will be notified by post.
return (of post) = using the next available post; as soon as possible
Please reply by return of post.
right(s) The money is yours by right.
surprise His frankness took her by surprise.
virtue of = by means of, or as a result of
She became a British resident by virtue of her marriage.
the way By the way, have you seen my keys anywhere?
way of = as a mean of something
She rolled her eyes by way of an answer and left.

FOR
a change = to do something different
Let's have Italian food for a change. We always eat British food.
a/some time = a period of time, either long or short, during which you do sth or sth happens.
(or period of time) I lived in Egypt for a time.
I lived in Japan for three years.
a walk, etc. Let’s go for a walk on the beach.
all time = always
I will love you for all time.
ever = for all time
Nothing last forever.
good forever
She's gone to Australia for good.
instance = here is an example

Prepositional phrases 3 / 13
 John reads a lot. For instance, yesterday he read two books.
now = for a short time, but not permanently
Leave the groceries there for now - I’ll put them away later.
once = wish something happens more often
Be honest for once.
rent = available to be rented
Luxury villas for rent.
sale = available to be bought
There was a ‘for sale’ sign in the yard.
the better / the best = in a way that improves the situation
The president’s fortunes seem, at last, to have taken a turn for the better.
the moment = from now until a time in the future
For the moment, I’m quite happy in the job I’m doing.

FROM
A to Z = including everything
He knew his subject from A to Z.
bad to worse = become even more unpleasant or difficult
The schools have gone from bad to worse in this area.
the first = from the beginning of a situation
I was against the idea from the first.
the heart = with great sincerity and strength of feeling
She sang the song straight from the heart.
now = at a future time 24 hours, six months etc. from now and then continue in the
future
A week from now we will be in Paris.
now on = starting from now and continue in the future
You’ll be working with me from ow on.
that moment = after that time
From that moment on we were the best of friends.
then on = starting at that time.
They met in 1957 and from then on they were firm friends.

IN
+ place She has a house in London.
We sat in the sun, eating ice cream.
Is there a waiting room in the station?
We spent a week walking in the mountains.
There was an enormous oak table in the center of the room.
The TV station’s name appears in the corner of the screen.
+ time The phone rang at three in the morning.
We always go on holiday in July.
a flash / a = very quickly
twinkling / no time Just wait here. I’ll be back in a flash.
We’ll be there in no time.
a hurry = rushing
Why are you always in a hurry?
a jiffy = very soon
I’ll be with you in a jiffy.
a minute / = very soon
moment / second Wait here. I’ll be back in a minute.
I’ll come back to that point in a moment.
a word = used before giving a very simple answer or explanation
We are, in a word, busy. Ridiculously busy.
tick = soon
I’ll be with you in a tick.
abundance = in large quantities
Fruit and vegetables grew in abundance on the island.
action = do the job or activity they are trained or designed to do
I’d like to see the new computer system in action.
addition = add another piece of information
In addition, it makes shareware freely available.
advance = beforehand
She always buys her food for Christmas well in advance.

Prepositional phrases 4 / 13
all = including everything or person
In all, there were 210 candidates.
any case I don’t see why I couldn’t do it. In any case, I’m going to try.
any event I think she’ll agree to do it but in any event, all she can say is ‘no’.
brief = in as few words as possible
We should, in brief, invest heavily in digital systems.
= without any details
Here again are today’s headlines in brief.
bulk = in large amounts
The office buys paper in bulk to keep down costs.
business = be involved in business activities
The company has been in business for over 30 years.
captivity = the state of being kept as a prisoner
He was held in captivity for three years.
case of = if something happens
In case of fire, break the glass.
cash = pay with money in the form of notes and coins, rather than cheques or credit
cards
Will you pay by credit card or in cash?
character = typical of a person’s character
It wouldn’t be in of character of her to lie.
charge of = have control or be responsible for someone or something
They left the au pair in charge of the children for a week.
comfort Upstairs is a more intimate bar where guests can relax in comfort.
common (with) = something that's shared or the same
What does a cat have in common with a mouse? Well, they are both mammals.
comparison = when compared with somebody/something
The second half of the game was dull in/by comparison with the first.
conclusion = you’re about to finish wat you’re saying
In conclusion, I would like to say how much I have enjoyed myself today.
conflict (with) She found herself in conflict with her parents over her future career.
confusion = not know what to do
Matt stared at her in confusion.
connection with = concerning or involving something
Two men have been arrested in connection with the attack.
contravention of = in a way not allowed by a rule or law
These actions are in contravention of European law.
control I felt calm and in control.
danger = in a dangerous situation
The climbers are in danger - there's snow on the way.
debt A rash business decision left him $600 in debt.
demand = wanted
As speaker he was always in demand.
depth = in a detailed and thorough way
I haven’t looked at the report in depth yet.
detail = using a lot of details
He described the process in detail.
doubt = be uncertain about something
If in doubt, consult your doctor.
= something may not happen, continue, exist, or be true
The future of the peace talks is in doubt.
excess of = more than a particular amount
The car reached speeds in excel of 100 miles per hour.
exchange for = the act of giving sb sth and receiving sth else from them
Would you like my old TV in exchange for this camera?
fact = adding something, especially something surprising
In fact, I had dinner with her last week.
= the truth about a situation is the opposite of what has been mentioned
They told me it would be cheap but in fact it cost me nearly $500.
fashion Belted jackets are in fashion this winter.
favor of = to support
She's in favor of a new road through the town.
focus = showing clearly
The binoculars were not in focus.
full = including the whole of something

Prepositional phrases 5 / 13
 His statement on the handling of prisoners is worth quoting in full.
general = usually as in most situations
In general, about 10% of the candidates are eventually offered positions.
= the whole of a situation
These policies are unpopular with politicians and people in general.
half / halves = into two equal parts
She tore the piece of paper in half.
hand = something is being done or dealt with
Plans are in hand to perform ‘Oz’ next semester.
haste = quickly or in a hurry
They left in haste, without even saying goodbye.
ink / pencil Please write in black ink.
The note was written in pencil.
love Are you in love with her?
luck = be able to do or get sth, especially when you did not expect to
You’re in luck - it’s stopped snowing.
no condition = too ill, sick etc.
You are in no condition to go anywhere.
one’s free time = when you’re not working
What do you like to do in your free time?
one’s own words = speak without copying what someone else has said
Tell me what happened in your own words.
one’s teens, 20s, She was in her teens when she met him.
etc. She was in her early twenties when I met her.
order = one after another, according to a plan
Then they call out our names in order and we answer yes or no.
other words = introduce an explanation of something
They asked him to leave - in other words he was fired.
pain = to be experiencing a lot of pain
Someone was crying , as if they were in pain.
person = to do something yourself
You have to sign for it in person.
place = in the correct position
The chairs for the concert were nearly all in space.
= exciting and ready to be used
Funding arrangements are already in place.
practice = what really happens rather than what should happen
In practice women receive much lower wages than their male colleagues.
print = new copies of a book are still being printed
After fifty years, the book is still in print.
public = do something where anyone can see
Her husband was always nice to her in public.
question = the things, people etc. in question are the ones that are being discussed
Where were you during the evening in question?
= there is doubt about is
I’m afraid his honesty is now in question.
reality = something is different from what people thing
In reality, violent crimes are still extremely rare.
return = as payment or reward for something
He is always helping people without expecting anything in return.
season = fruit and vegetables are easily available and ready to eat because it’s the right
time of year for them
Vine tomatoes are in season from April to October.
short = to give the main point of something
In short, we should buy new books for the students.
sight = will happen soon
The end is in sight.
slow motion = at a much slower speed than it happened
Let’s see that goal again in slow motion.
stages = not all at one
The pay increase will be introduced in stages.
step = having ideas or actions that are like those of other people
He isn’t in step with ordinary voters.
stock = available in a particular shop
That particular model is not currently in stock.

Prepositional phrases 6 / 13
style Long skirts are back in style.
tears The children were all in tears.
terms of = describe which particular area of a subject you are discussing
In terms of money, I was better of I my last job.
the beginning / end = originally, at first
In the beginning, I found the course very difficult.
the chair = a person in charge of a meeting or organization
Who will be in the chair at tomorrow’s meeting?
the circumstances = a particular situation makes an action, decision etc. necessary or acceptable
It’s the best result that could be expected in the circumstances.
the end = finally at all events
What did you decide in the end?
the long run = what will happen at a later time
If we save money now, we'll be much happier in the long run.
the long/short term = for a long or short period of time in the future
Taking this decision will cost us more in the short term, but will be beneficial in
the long term.
the meantime = in the period of time between now and a future event
I can't finish the project this week, but in the meantime I'll call the client.
the news + be reported about
They’ve been in the news a lot recently because of their marital problems.
the open air The dancing was outside, in the open air.
the ordinary way = as normal
The money is taxed as income in the ordinary way.
the short run = in the near future
Sufficient supply, in the short run, will be a problem.
the window = just inside a window
We were looking at the Christmas displays in the shop window.
time = soon enough, not too late
Will you be home in time for dinner?
touch = know what is happening in a particular subject
It is important to keep in touch with the latest research.
tune = playing or singing the correct musical note
They sang perfectly in tune.
tune (with sb/sth) = have the same opinions, feelings, interests, etc. as sb/sth.
The industry is changing in tune with changing demands.
turn = as a result of something
Interest rates were cut and, in turn, share prices rose.
= one after the other, esp. in a particular order
Each of us in turn had to describe how alcohol had affected our lives.
use = being used
Electric vehicles built in 1920 were still in use in the 1950s.
view of = introduce the reason for a decision or action
In view of his conduct, the club has decided to suspend him.
work = have a job
More people are in work than ten years ago.
writing = be official proof of an agreement, promise etc.
Could you put that in writing, please?

OFF
duty = not working at a particular time
What time do you go off duty?
one’s head = crazy
You must be off your head if you think that.
school / work = temporarily away from school/work
The children are off school on Monday - it's a holiday.
the record = you don’t want people to repeat what you say
May I talk to you, strictly off the record?
the road My car’s off the road at the moment while I recondition the engine.

ON
+ day / date It was raining on Monday.
The concert is on 31st January.

Prepositional phrases 7 / 13
+ place The cars skidded on the icy pavement.
We are located on the seventh floor of the building.
She put the papers down on (the) top of the piano.
It must be true - I heard it on the news.
I hit my knee on the corner of the table.
a budget = not have much money to spend
Travelers on a budget might prefer to camp.
a diet = to only eat certain foods I order to lose weight
She's always on a diet but she never loses any weight.
a journey They were on a journey to the Far East.
a visit We’re just here on a short visit.
account of = because of something else
She was told to wear flat shoes, on account of her back problem.
approval = can be sent back if they aren’t satisfactory
The goods were supplied on approval.
average On average, men still earn more than women.
bail = money left with a court of law to make sure that a prisoner will return when
their trial starts.
Carpenter is free on bail while he appeals his conviction.
behalf of = instead of someone, or as their representative
On behalf of everyone here, may I wish you a very happy retirement.
business = in the process of doing business or something official
I’m going to Paris on business.
condition = only if
They agreed to lend us the car on condition that we returned it before the
weekend.
credit = an arrangement with a shop/bank etc. that allows you to buy sth and pay for
it later
Most new cars are bought on credit.
cue = happening or done at exactly the right moment
And then, on cue the weather changed.
demand = whenever someone asks
Should you feed your baby on demand, or stick to a timetable?
display = in a public place where people can look at it
Mapplethorpe’s photographs were first put on display in New York.
duty = working at a particular time
Who’s on duty today?
earth I must be the happiest person on earth!
fire = flames that are out of control and destroy buildings, etc.
The car was now on fire.
= giving you a painful burning feeling
He couldn’t breathe. His chest was on fire.
foot, horseback, I usually go to work on foot.
the underground, They completed the journey on horseback.
(roller) skates, etc. I go on the underground when I go to London.
guard Who was on guard the night the fire broke out?
hand = close by and ready when needed
Our staff are always on hand to help.
hold = something is going to be done or dealt with at a later date rather than now
The plans are on hold until after the election.
holiday = temporarily away from work or studies
They're on holiday just now, so they won't reply to your emails.
impulse = because you suddenly want to, although you haven’t planned to
On impulse, I picked up the phone and rang her.
loan = to be borrowed
The book I wanted was out on loan.
no account someone must not, for any reason, do something
On no account must you disturb me.
no condition = never
On no condition should untrained personnel use the equipment.
offer = available to be bought, chosen, or used
I was impressed with the designs on offer
= for sale for a short time at a cheaper price than usual
Lean minced beef is on offer this week.
one’s honeymoon = a holiday taken by a couple who have just got married

Prepositional phrases 8 / 13
 They’re on their honeymoon.
one’s own = alone
I’ve been living on my own for four years now.
order = asked for, but not yet received
My bicycle is on order.
purpose = intending to do something
She left without paying on purpose! It wasn't a mistake.
sale = available to be bought in a shop
Tickets are on sale from the booking office.
schedule = at the planned time
The majority of holiday flights depart and arrive on schedule.
second thoughts = you have changed your mind about something
I’ll call her tomorrow - no, on second thought, I’ll try now.
shore = on the land and not in a ship
We had a couple of hours on shore.
short time = when workers work for fewer hours than usual
Most of the workers were put on short time.
sight = as soon as you see someone
Jo disliked him on sight.
standby = be on a list of people who may be allowed to do sth if places become available
We can put you on standby.
strike Half the workforce are now on strike.
the basis of She was chosen for the job on the basis of her qualifications.
the brink of = be almost in a very new, dangerous or exciting situation
Scientists are on the brink of making a major new discovery.
the contrary = add to a negative statement
It wasn’t a good thing; on the contrary it was a huge mistake.
the dot = at exactly
Mr. Green arrived at six on the dot.
the edge of = close to the point at which sth different, esp. sth bad, will happen
Their economy is on the edge of collapse.
the increase = increasing
Cases of tuberculosis are on the increase.
the job = while you’re doing a particular job
Most clerical training is done on the job
= doing a particular job
We’ve got some of our best people on the job.
the market = available for people to buy
The manufacturers say the device will be on the market by May.
the morning of We got the news on the morning of the wedding.
the move = travelling from one place to another
The rebel army is on the move.
the radio / TV Did you hear the interview with the Prime Minister on the radio this morning?
the receiving end = the person who is affected by sb else’s actions, usually in an unpleasant way
She found herself on/at the receiving end of racist abuse.
the road = travelling in a car, especially for long distances
I’ve been on the road since 5.00 a.m. this morning.
= if your car is on the road, you’ve paid for the repairs, tax etc.
It would cost too much to put it back on the road.
the run = trying to escape or hide, especially from the police
He’s on the run from the police.
= do sth while you’re on your way somewhere or doing sth else
I always seem to eat on the run these days.
the table = a plan, idea, etc. has been suggested and someone is considering it
Management have put several new proposals on the table.
the (tele)phone = talking to someone on the phone
Lucy's on the phone.
the verge of = very near to the moment when sb does sth or sth happens
(sth/doing sth) They are on the verge of signing a new contract.
the way = arriving or happening soon
Many changes are on the way.
the whole = something is generally true
On the whole, I thought the film was pretty good.
time = at the time that was arranged
Why are you never on time? I'm so fed up with waiting for you.

Prepositional phrases 9 / 13
track = be likely to achieve the result you want
We’re still on track for 10% growth.

OUT OF
breath = having difficulty breathing after exercise
We were out of breath after only five minutes.
business = stop operating, especially because of financial problems
Higher interest rates will drive small firms out of business.
character = not typical of a person’s character
Her behavior last night was completely out of character.
condition I haven’t been exercising much recently, so I’m a little out of condition.
control = impossible to manage or to control
The children are completely out of control since their father left.
danger = not likely to die
Doctors said she is now out of danger.
date = without the most recent information and therefor no longer useful
These figures or very out of date.
debt It’s hard to stay out of debt when you are a student.
doors = outside
I prefer working out of doors.
fashion = stop being fashionable
Some styles never go out of fashion.
favor = people no longer approve of something or use it
The stock is currently out of favor with investors.
focus = not clearly shown
The children’s faces are badly out of focus in the photograph.
hand = difficult or impossible to control
Unemployment is getting out of hand.
hearing = to far away to hear sb/sth or to be heard
She had moved out of hearing.
humor = in a bad mood
He is a little out of humor today.
love If you love someone you can always fall out of love again.
luck = be prevented from getting or doing something by bad luck
The team were out of luck again at Scarborough on Saturday.
order = in the wrong order
The files are all out of order
= a machine is not working
The phone is out of order again.
place = not suitable for a particular situation or occasion
He never seemed to feel out of place at social functions.
= not in the correct or usual position
The kitchen was spotlessly clean, with nothing out of place.
pocket = have less money than you should have
If he loses the deal, he’ll be badly out of pocket
practice = be/become less good at doing something
Don’t ask me to speak French! I’m out of practice.
print = a book is no longer being printed and you cannot buy new copies.
Unfortunately, this book is out of print.
range = to far away to be reached, seen, or heard
I ducked down to get out of range of the gunshots.
reach = too high to touch (literally or metaphorically)
That job is out of reach. I don't have the right qualifications for it.
season = when an activity is not allowed
He was caught fishing out of season.
= fruit and vegetables are expensive or not available
In Britain, tomatoes are out of season in winter.
sight Leave any valuables in your car out of sight.
step = having ideas/ actions that are different from those of other people
This type of training is out of step with changes in the industry.
stock = unavailable in a particular shop
I’m sorry, that swimsuit is completely out of stock in your size.
style Her dress is out of style.
the blue = something happens very unexpected

Prepositional phrases 10 / 13
 The decisions came out of the blue.
the ordinary = unusual or different
I’m looking for something a little more out of the ordinary.
the question = it is definitely not possible or not allowed
You can’t go in that old shirt - it’s out of the question.
the way = a particular matter, job etc. has been done or dealt with
I’d rather get the interview out of the way in the morning.
touch = not have the latest knowledge about sth
I’m out of touch with modern medicine.
= not know much about modern life
Judges are often accused of being out of touch.
tune = playing or singing higher or lower than the correct musical note
Greg’s bass guitar was out of tune.
tune (with sb/sth) = not have the same opinions, feelings, interests, etc. as sb/sth else.
His theories were out of tune with the scientific thinking of the time.
turn = say something you should not say in a particular situation
I’m sorry if I spoke out of turn, Major Karr.
use = not being used
Some 3,000 railway stations have gone out of use since the 1960s.
work = without a job
He’s been out of work for two years.

TO
a great/large extent Its success will depend to a large extend on local attitudes.
advantage = in a way that shows the best of something
The photograph showed him to advantage.
date = until now
To date, we have received over 200 replies.
hand = that you can reach or get easily
I’m afraid I don’t have the latest figures to hand.
my surprise = I was surprised
To his surprise, the baby stopped crying and smiled at him.
the point = only about the subject they are supposed to be talking about
The chairman’s speech was short and to the point.

UNDER
age = too young by law
He was prosecuted for having sex with a girl who was under age.
arrest = the police are guarding someone
A man is under arrest following the suspicious death of his wife.
canvas = in a tent
I love sleeping under canvas.
control = be being dealt with successfully
“Do you need any help?” “No, it’s under control, thanks.”
cover = pretending to be someone else in order to do something secretly
She was working undercover to get information on drug gangs.
= under a roof or other structure
The aircraft is displayed under cover in the USAF Gallery.
discussion = being discussed
The project is under discussion as a possible joint venture.
(no) obligation You are under no obligation to buy any more books.
one’s breath = in a quiet voice so that no one can hear you
“Son of a bitch,” he muttered under his breath.
one’s feet = in the way, stopping you from working, etc.
I don’t want you kids under my feet while I’m cooking.
observation = watch closely by the police
His orders were to keep the men under observation.
orders = an instruction to do sth that is given by someone in authority
She is under orders to have a complete rest.
pressure I’m under constant pressure at work.
repair = being repaired
Is the bridge still under repair?
siege = be being criticized, attacked, or threatened all the time

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 The TV station has been under siege from irate viewers phoning in to complain.
(a) strain = feeling worried and nervous
I know you’ve been under a lot of strain lately.
suspicion = suspected of doing something wrong
He felt he was still under suspicion.
the aegis of = with the protection or support of a person or organization
The project was set up under the aegis of the university.
the auspices of = with the help, support or protection of sb/sth
The community center was set up under the auspices of a government
initiative.
the impression = believe that something is true when it is not
I’m sorry, I was under the impression that you were the manager.
the lee of = next to sth, and protected from the wind by that thing
We sat under/in the lee of a tall hedge.
the rules Under the rules, the company must publish its annual accounts.
the table = something is a secret, hidden, illegal action
They offered him money under the table to change his mind.
the weather = slightly ill
You look a bit under the weather.
threat = the possibility that something very bad will happen
The area remains under threat from commercial developers.
way = have started to happen or be done
Plans are well under way for a new shopping center.

UP TO
date = modern
This technology is bang up to date.
mischief = behaving badly and causing trouble or damage
Don’t get up to any mischief while we’re out.
much = be fairly bad
The restaurant’s very grand but the food isn’t up too much.
no good = doing something wrong or dishonest
These kids are always up to no good.
one’s ears = have a lot of something to deal with
We’re up to our ears in work.
someone = be the responsibility of someone
It’s up to the manager to make the final decision.

WITH
reason = rightly
She complained, with reason, that she had been underpaid.
regard to = relating to a particular subject
The company’s position with regard to overtime is made clear in their contracts.
respect to = concerning
The two groups were similar with respect to income and status.
the exception of = except, not including
We all laughed, with the exception of Maggie.

WITHIN
minutes = very soon after something has happened.
The ambulance was there within minutes.
range = near enough to be reached, seen, or heard
We waited until the enemy was within range.
reach = close enough to touch
The house is within easy reach of schools and sports facilities.
reason = within reasonable limits
I’ll lend you the money you need - within reason, of course!
seconds = after only a few seconds
Within seconds, Ben called back.
the law = not do illegal things
The security forces must act within the law.

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WITHOUT
any bother We found the hotel without any bother.
ceremony = in a very informal way, without politeness
He wished me good luck in the future and left without further ceremony.
delay = immediately
They must restore normal services without delay.
doubt = used to emphasize an opinion
Jo is without doubt one of the finest swimmers in the school.
exception = a statement is always true and everyone/everything is included
Each plant, without exception, contains some kind of salt.
fail = always / definitely
You must take these tablets every day without fail.
prejudice = (law) without harming or affecting something
He was able to turn down the promotion without prejudice, and applied again
several years later.

Prepositional phrases 13 / 13