Table of Contents
Prepositions:
Prepositions might seem small and insignificant, but they play a crucial role in the English language. These tiny words connect nouns and pronouns to other parts of a sentence, indicating relationships, positions, directions, and more. Understanding their types and proper usage is vital for clear and concise communication. Therefore, in this post, we are presenting its definition, kinds, and exercises to Fill in the Blanks with Suitable Prepositions with Answers.
Definition:
A preposition is a word that is used with a noun or a pronoun to show how the person or thing denoted by the noun or pronoun stands in relation to something else. They act as bridges, connecting the noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence and providing information about its location, direction, time, manner, or cause.
Some common examples of prepositions include:
- Place: in, on, at, under, over, behind, beside
- Time: before, after, during, since, for, by
- Direction: to, from, towards, into, out of, across, along
- Manner: with, by, like, in, through
- Cause: due to, because of, on account of, as a result of
Kinds of prepositions:
1. Simple Prepositions:
at, by, for, from, in, of, off, out, through, till, to, up, with, into, etc.
2. Compound prepositions:
(They are formed by prefixing a preposition to a noun, an adjective, or an adverb)
About, above, across, along, amidst, among, amongst, around, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, inside, outside, underneath, within, without, etc.
3 Phrasal prepositions:
- According to: This means “based on the information provided by.”
Example: According to the report, the economy is expected to grow by 2% next year. - Ahead of: This means “in front of or before something in time or position.”
Example: The marathon runners were ahead of the pack by several miles. - Aside from: This means “except for or in addition to.”
Example: Aside from pizza, I also like to eat pasta and sushi. - Because of: This means “as a result of or owing to.”
Example: Because of the rain, we had to postpone the picnic. - By means of: This means “using or through.”
Example: We were able to communicate with them by means of email. - Due to: This means “because of or as a result of.”
Example: The flight was canceled due to bad weather. - In accordance with: This means “following or complying with.”
Example: The work must be done in accordance with the safety regulations. - In addition to: This means “besides or as well as.”
Example: In addition to a salary, the company also offers benefits such as health insurance and a pension plan. - In spite of: This means “despite or even though.”
Example: In spite of his illness, he managed to finish the race. - On account of: This means “because of or due to.”
Example: On account of her hard work, she was promoted to manager. - Out of: This can mean “from” or “beyond.”
Example: We chose the red paint out of the three options. - Prior to: This means “before or in advance of.”
Example: You must register prior to the event. - With regard to: This means “concerning or about.”
Example: I have a few questions with regard to the project.
Prepositions can be categorized based on the relationship they express:
1. Prepositions of Place:
These prepositions indicate the location or position of something.
Example: The cat is on the table. I put the book in the bag.
2. Prepositions of Time:
These prepositions indicate when something happens or will happen.
Example: The meeting starts at 10 am. I haven’t seen him since last week.
3. Prepositions of Movement:
These prepositions indicate the direction or path of something moving.
Example: The bird flew into the tree. We walked through the park.
4. Prepositions of Manner:
These prepositions describe how something is done or happens.
Example: She spoke with confidence. He walked in a hurry.
5. Prepositions of Cause:
These prepositions indicate the reason or cause of something.
Example: He was absent due to illness. I was surprised on account of his sudden visit.
6. Prepositions of Agent:
These prepositions indicate who or what performs an action.
Example: The painting was written by a famous artist. The book was translated into French by a professional translator.
7. Prepositions of Possession:
These prepositions indicate ownership or belonging.
Example: This book belongs to me. I borrowed the pen from him.
8. Prepositions of Measure:
These prepositions indicate amount or quantity.
Example: I bought a pound of apples. He drank a glass of water.
Most Important One Word Substitution
Level 1: Basic Prepositions (Place and Time)
- The book is ____ the table. (on/at)
- We go to the beach ____ summer. (in/on)
- The meeting starts ____ 9:00 am. (at/on)
- She lives ____ the corner of Elm and Main. (at/on)
- The plane flies ____ the clouds. (above/below)
- The concert starts ____ 8:00 pm. (at/on)
- He put the flowers ____ the vase. (in/on)
- I saw a bird flying ____ the sky. (in/across)
- We met ____ the park yesterday. (at/in)
- He went to sleep ____ midnight. (at/on)
Answer Key: [1. On, 2. In, 3. at, 4. At, 5. above, 6. at, 7. in, 8. Across, 9. in, 10. at]
Level 2: Prepositions of Direction and Movement
- She walked ____ the street towards the park. (down/up)
- The ball rolled ____ the hill. (down/across)
- He threw the frisbee ____ the dog. (to/at)
- We drove ____ the highway for hours. (along/down)
- The bird flew ____ the open window. (into/out of)
- She climbed ____ the ladder to reach the roof. (up/down)
- He walked ____ the stairs to the basement. (down/up)
- The river flows ____ the valley. (through/across)
- We ran ____ the forest to escape the storm. (through/into)
- She turned ____ the corner and walked on. (around/at)
Answer Key: [1. Down 2. Down 3. to 4. along 5. into 6. Up 7. down 8. Through 9. through
10 . around]
Level 4: Prepositions of Possession and Agent
- The book belongs ____ me. (to/for)
- The painting was created ____ Picasso. (by/from)
- I borrowed the money ____ my friend. (from/by)
- The house was built ____ my grandfather. (by/for)
- The decision was made ____ the committee. (by/for)
- The dog chased ____ the ball. (after/behind)
- The gift was sent ____ my mother. (to/for)
- The answer was written ____ the teacher on the board. (by/from)
- The song was sung ____ a beautiful voice. (with/by)
- The report was written ____ John and Mary. (by/from)
Answer Key: [1. To 2. By 3. From 4. By 5. By 6. After 7. To 8. By 9. By 10. By]
Bonus Level: Compound Prepositions
- I’m looking forward ____ seeing you again. (to/on)
- She depends ____ her parents for support. (on/in)
- We argued ____ the meaning of the poem. (about/over)
- He insisted ____ having the last word. (on/in)
- She succeeded ____ overcoming her fears. (in/on)
- He apologized ____ his mistake. (for/to)
- They are concerned ____ the environment. (about/over)
- I’m tired ____ working all day. (of/from)
- She is afraid ____ heights. (of/from)
- They are proud ____ their achievements. (of/from)
Answer Key: [1. To 2. On 3. About 4. On 5. In 6. For 7. About 8. Of 9. Of 10. Of]
Exercise:
Fill in the Blanks with Suitable Prepositions with Answers:
1. You should apply _______ the post.
A. for
B. to
C. on
D. in
2. He goes for a walk _______ the morning.
A. at
B. in
C. on
D. by
3. He bought that pen _______ five rupees.
A. with
B. for
C. over
D. in
4. Flour is made _______ wheat.
A. of
B. with
C. from
D. on
5. The birds are flying _______ the bridge.
A. upon
B. in
C. on
D. over
6. The tiger sprang _______ the buffaloes.
A. upon
B. with
C. to
D. in
7. The police ran _______ the thief.
A. with
B. after
C. to
D. across
8. She writes _______ left hand.
A. to
B. on
C. with
D. from
9. Father was displaced _______ my poor result.
A. to
B. in
C. with
D. of
10. I am indebted _______ you for your help.
A. to
B. with
C. in
D. of
11. He is satisfied _______ his job.
A. with
B. on
C. at
D. on
12. Pay attention _______ what your teacher says.
A. on
B. at
C. in
D. to
13. He died _______ Hanging.
A. for
B. in
C. on
D. by
14. I am tired _______ the long journey.
A. with
B. of
C. at
D. in
15. The truth will prevail _______ falsehood.
A. on
B. to
C. over
D. upon
16. He hardly cares _______ my opinion.
A. of
B. for
C. to
D. on
17. We should not look down _______ the poor.
A. upon
B. at
C. on
D. from
18. You should abide _______ the advice of your teachers.
A. at
B. with
C. by
D. to
19. I was quite surprised _______ his behavior.
A. at
B. with
C. in
D. by
20. The man was accused _______ theft.
A. by
B. with
C. for
D. of
21. He died _______ overeating.
A. of
B. at
C. from
D. on
22. We must struggle _______ poverty and hatred.
A. to
B. against
C. with
D. for
23. He has no taste _______ music.
A. in
B. for
C. at
D. with
24. I congratulate you _______ your success.
A. on
B. for
C. with
D. at
25. She is blind _______ her son’s fault.
A. for
B. with
C. at
D. to
26. She is known _______ her expertise in linguistics.
A. for
B. by
C. with
D. at
27. The artist is renowned _______ his abstract paintings.
A. with
B. in
C. by
D. for
28. The CEO is confident _______ the company’s future.
A. at
B. in
C. about
D. with
29. The students are excited _______ the upcoming seminar.
A. for
B. at
C. about
D. in
30. The detective was puzzled _______ the mysterious disappearance.
A. by
B. with
C. it
D. about
31. The novel is reminiscent _______ classic literature.
A. to
B. of
C. with
D. by
32. The politician is committed _______ social justice.
A. at
B. for
C. with
D. to
33. The project was delayed _______ unforeseen circumstances.
A. by
B. with
C. due to
D. from
34. She is dedicated _______ her career in medicine.
A. to
B. for
C. at
D. with
35. The team is comprised _______ professionals from diverse backgrounds.
A. of
B. with
C. by
D. in
36. The author is skeptical _______ the government’s policies.
A. in
B. about
C. of
D. by
37. The scientist is fascinated _______ the complexity of the human brain.
A. by
B. at
C. with
D. to
38. The company is struggling _______ financial difficulties.
A. by
B. with
C. through
D. from
39. She is dedicated _______ her career in medicine.
A. for
B. at
C. to
D. with
40. The team is confident _______ their ability to win the championship.
A. in
B. about
C. with
D. for
41. The technology is advancing _______ leaps and bounds.
A. by
B. with
C. to
D. in
42. The entrepreneur is optimistic _______ the success of the startup.
A. in
B. for
C. about
D. with
43. The poet is celebrated _______ his evocative use of language.
A. with
B. for
C. by
D. in
44. The project manager is experienced _______ handling large-scale initiatives.
A. with
B. by
C. at
D. in
45. The therapist is empathetic _______ her clients’ struggles.
A. at
B. to
C. with
D. by
46. The comedian is famous _______ his witty and satirical humor.
A. by
B. for
C. with
D. in
47. The astronaut is accustomed _______ zero gravity conditions.
A. by
B. with
C. to
D. at
48. The journalist is critical _______ the government’s transparency.
A. about
B. of
C. at
D. to
49. The company is investing _______ cutting-edge technology.
A. at
B. with
C. in
D. to
50. The professor is renowned _______ his contributions to theoretical physics.
A. in
B. for
C. with
D. at
51. The lawyer is dedicated _______ advocating for human rights.
A. in
B. to
C. with
D. at
52. The film director is known _______ pushing artistic boundaries.
A. for
B. at
C. with
D. by
53. The entrepreneur is committed _______ environmental sustainability.
A. with
B. at
C. to
D. by
54. The athlete is determined _______ achieving peak physical condition.
A. for
B. to
C. at
D. by
55. The chef is skilled __________ crafting exquisite culinary delights.
A. in
B. with
C. by
D. at
56. The musician is devoted __________ preserving classical music traditions.
A. at
B. by
C. to
D. for
57. The artist is captivated __________ the play of light and shadow.
A. by
B. at
C. with
D. in
58. The author is known __________ his thought-provoking novels.
A. by
B. for
C. with
D. in
59. The CEO is dedicated __________ fostering a positive workplace culture.
A. for
B. to
C. with
D. at
60. The diplomat is skilled __________ navigating international relations.
A. in
B. at
C. by
D. with
61. The scientist is passionate __________ exploring the frontiers of knowledge.
A. about
B. to
C. with
D. for
62. The scientist is amazed __________ the rapid progress of technology.
A. at
B. in
C. with
D. by
63. The cows were grazing ________ the fields.
A. on
B. at
C. in
D. of
64. I shall do it _________ pleasure.
A. with
B. to
C. at
D. by
65. Tigers live _______ flesh.
A. to
B. in
C. at
D. on
66. He is fond _________ playing cricket.
A. in
B. of
C. with
D. for
67. Smoking is bad _______ lungs.
A. for
B. to
C. in
D. with
68. Mohan was born _______ 10th January 1996.
A. at
B. in
C. on
D. for
69. I rely __________ you.
A. at
B. on
C. in
D. with
70. He is guilty _________ theft.
A. of
B. with
C. for
D. by
71. Early rising is conducive ________ health.
A. with
B. for
C. to
D. in
72. He is addicted __________ smoking.
A. for
B. with
C. in
D. to
73. He is angry________ me.
A. at
B. with
C. for
D. on
74. I prefer tea _________ coffee.
A. at
B. with
C. to
D. for
75. She was sure __________ success.
A. in
B. of
C. at
D. with
76. He is senior ___________ me.
A. to
B. with
C. by
D. of
77. She gets up _________ dawn.
A. on
B. in
C. at
D. by
78. Pupils were sitting __________ their desks.
A. on
B. in
C. with
D. at
79. Please send a reply _________ my letter.
A. for
B. to
C. with
D. by
80. I shall look __________ the complaint.
A. into
B. on
C. at
D. for