Since the use of Prepositions is one of the most difficult parts of the English language for an ESL student, Ogrinc saw the necessity to create a series of booklets to help better understand the "unusual" logic in their application in a variety of instances. By going through these pages of exercises, the learner will gradually discover the pattern of usage. It is hoped by the end of the booklet, the use of these common English words will become clearer.

Practice with Prepositions in Everyday English Intermediate Level

By Franc Ogrinc

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2010 Franc Ogrinc, BA
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4490-3739-0

Chapter One

(of, down, in, on, up, to, by, with, for, about)

1. Regardless ______ your age you can always learn something new.

2. The boy knocked ________ anything that stood in his way.

3. I was absent because ________ illness.

4. Are you certain ________ what you are saying?

5. She was so absorbed ________ her reading that she didn't hear us come in.

6. ________ case ________ an accident phone us right away.

7. She did it ________ her own accord.

8. This news is ________ no account.

9. How does he account ________ that?

10. He acted ________ my suggestion.

11. What he says does not add ________.

12. It takes time to adjust ________ this climate.

13. I was not affected ________ the bad news.

14. I went all that way ________ nothing.

15. They do not agree ________ me.

16. Do you agree ________ this decision?

17. We ran ________ shelter when we heard the gunshots.

18. In case of danger you must be ________ the alert.

19. Such actions are alien ________ her character.

(of, from, for, with, to, at, in, under)

20. Once and ________ all, let's get this done.

21. They allied themselves ________ politically strong groups.

22. What does the total amount ________?

23. There weren't many people ________ the concert.

24. This building stands apart ________ the others.

25. I apologized ________ my mistake.

26. He appealed ________ his parents for financial help.

27. If you don't study hard in school you may not amount ________ much in your life.

28. Her type appeals ________ some men.

29. Apply an ice pad ________ your swollen ankle.

30. What company should I apply ________ for a job?

31. This argument is ________ our favour.

32. He was put ________ arrest.

33. She was ashamed ________ her mistake.

34. He is an expert ________ designing these engines.

35. I was surprised ________ her courage.

36. Her name has been associated ________ local politics.

37. I hope these tips can be ________ benefit to you.

38. We greatly benefited ________ his generous help.

(on, with, in, to, at, before, by, of, into)

39. They never associated much ________ us.

40. We got to the theatre just ________ time for the main attraction.

41. ________ what do you attribute your success?

42. ______ average there are five employees absent every Friday.

43. We must avoid that ________ all cost.

44. The bookshelf is ________ the back of the classroom.

45. They usually keep ________ the background.

46. Don't be smart ________ me, young man.

47. Is the dining car ________ the end of the train?

48. The child was banging ________ the piano.

49. Minors are not admitted ________ the pub.

50. They like to bargain ________ buying something.

51. "Do you want to play with us?" "Yes, count me ________."

52. Success is usually based ________ hard work.

53. What was the motive _________ all these proposals?

54. The article in the magazine was written ________ a friend ________ mine.

55. We were ________ the beach every day.

56. Are there beans ________ the menu?

57. Our team was beaten ________ the game.

58. What has become ________ her?

(for, before, in, into, behind, by, with, without, at, off, to)

59. He did that ________ anything else.

60. The children were selling chocolate bars door _______ door.

61. The fog may set ________ early in the fall.

62. The old woman begged ________ money.

63. She talked about us ________ our backs.

64. Let's set this matter aside ________ the time being.

65. We pushed the button ________ the elevator.

66. This table belongs ________ the library.

67. Can you bend this rod ________ a U-shape?

68. The merchandise is delivered to your residence _______ no extra charge.

69. How far can you run ________ stopping?

70. Do we have to pay ________ advance?

71. Are you Japanese ________ birth?

72. The cup broke ________ pieces.

73. Shelley has given birth ________ twins.

74. The child bit ________ the apple.

75. The factory machines were working ________ full blast.

76. He was blind ________ the truth.

77. The strong wind knocked ________ my hat.

78. We could hear the thunder ________ miles.

(at, from, to, for, out, on, up, over, in, by, along)

79. She died ________ an injury ________ her head.

80. He stood there ________ a long while.

81. Blow _______ the candle before you leave.

82. The train is leaving soon so let's get ________ board.

83. The tire blew ________ the sharp turn in the road.

84. She always drops ________ at the wrong moment.

85. Is the kettle boiling ________ again?

86. He is too agressive ________ his behavior.

87. Have you ever traveled ________ plane?

88. The men were subjected ________ an investigation.

89. The singer was booked ________ three months ________ advance.

90. The hotel is being renovated ________ present.

91. Have you been ________ the fair?

92. The soles of my shoes are worn ________.

93. The president's speech bored us ________ death.

94. There was some sugar left ________ the bottom of the jar.

95. They could never get ________ the bottom of the case.

96. The barkeeper bounced ________ the troublemaker.

97. The child was hopping ________ the sidewalk

98. The bus was bound ________ Toronto.

(in, down, on, to, out, behind, about, into, up, off, before)

99. The man bowed respectfully ________ leaving.

100. We generally bowed ________ our mother's wishes.

101. She had an operation ________ her knee.

102. You'll see the house where the road branches ______ to the right.

103. The bike did not break ________ when I had it.

104. What year did the war break ________?

105. ________ brief, this is what we are going to do.

106. This work must be done immediately. It's already two weeks ________ schedule.

107. This event brought ________ some changes.

108. I think he is rather broad ________ his views.

109. The theft occurred ________ broad daylight.

110. You should brush up ________ your English.

111. I bumped ________ the table in the dark room.

112. Their hut burned ________.

113. My letter was torn ________ by the playful puppy.

114. Two electric bulbs burned ________.

115. The racing car burst ________ flames.

116. The old woman burst ________ laughter.

117. The child burst ________ crying.

118. Another button has fallen ________ my shirt.

(around, about, by, down, for, in, of, to, out, near, up)

119. Button ________ your jacket.

120. We're going there ________ train.

121. It took him a while to calm ________.

122. They left ________ camp yesterday.

123. She addressed the letter ______ me ______ care of my mother.

124. They travel ________ night.

125. The horses are well cared ________.

126. What do you mean ________ that?

127. You are not playing ________ the rules.

128. The store is just ________ the corner.

129. "Is the ferry ________ yet?" "Yes, it has just arrived."

130. We just know her ________ her first name.

131. I did everything I could think ________.

132. The hotel is ________ the sea.

133. These men are careless ________ the way they dress.

134. This car is ________ far the most reliable of all.

135. The apartment was painted before we moved ________.

136. Is there a hotel ________ here?

137. They carried ________ their plan immediately.

138. The agent turned in their reports day ________ day.

(at, about, against, for, in, out, of, by, to, up, within, on)

139. Those figures were carved ________ of wood.

140. ________ that case we have to leave earlier.

141. ________ any case I'll be at home all day.

142. The ship cast anchor ________ daybreak.

143. We called him as soon as we caught sight ________ him.

144. Wait for them ________ case they are late.

145. They have to let us know ________ five days.

146. Is there any chance ________ meeting the president?

147. We thought ________ staying but later we decided against it.

148. Who's ________ charge of the office?

149. If you talk ______ your superiors they might find ______ soon.

150. After he had left we took charge ________ the store.

151. He was charmed ________ her smile.

152. They all joined _____ the search ________ the lost kittens.

153. The troublemakers were chased ________ of here.

154. He was chilled ________ the bone.

155. I almost choked ________ that fishbone.

156. We went there to cheer her ________.

157. She tore her jacket ________ a nail.

158. There are rumors circulating ________ them.

159. They are shouting ________ no obvious reason.

(at, against, by, from, of, off, for, in, out, to, up, with, about, on)

160. The weather cleared ________ sooner than we had expected.

161. ______ this seat the lifeguard will have a clear view of the swimming pool.

162. We heard him turn the key when he came ________.

163. Her high heels were clicking ________ the tiled floor.

164. He was soon cleared ________ the accusation.

165. The two boys clicked ________ the very beginning.

166. Seeing the nuts the squirrel climbed ________ the tree.

167. I clipped my resume ________ the job application.

168. _____ the close of the meeting, everybody left ________ a hurry.

169. The school is close ________ the park.

170. This question is closely connected ______ what you were saying.

171. Wipe _______ the table with a clean cloth.

172. I clipped this article ________ of the newspaper.

173. Show your tickets ________ the gate.

174. Are you interested ________ playing cards?

175. "While you're ____ it, can you cut a piece of cake for me too, please?"

176. Once you get _______ in the air you'll feel much better.

177. He picked up the poster ____ one corner and handed it over to me.

178. There's some cheese and bread in the fridge and that's ______ it.

(about, at, by, to, on, of, out, in, through, with, over, for)

179. Foreign languages come easy ________ her.

180. I found the book ________ accident.

181. Do you have any comments ________ their behavior?

182. My computer is ________ of commission.

183. Are you ________ the committee?

184. We own the property ________ common.

185. I met her ________ my trip to Rome.

186. She was complaining ________ a toothache.

187. They referred me ________ the attendant at the desk.

188. Let me compliment you ________ your fine speech.

189. It is composed ________ several parts.

190. The young man was conceited ________ his looks.

191. The mother was showing much concern ________ her children.

192. She's concerned ________ your health.

193. Let's not be concerned ________ the details.

194. ________ the conclusion of the symphony, they played their favorite tune.

195. His house is built completely ________ bricks.

196. They accepted the proposal ________ one condition.

197. The guide walked the tourists ________ the museum.

198. I conducted the business ________ his absence.

(in, to, on, at, with, between, of, for, by)

199. As soon as I got ________ the train, it started to move.

200. We asked the taxi driver to stop ________ the next corner.

201. I was one of the delegates ________ the conference.

202. She confined herself ________ a few brief comments.

203. The patient was confined ________ this room for several weeks.

204. He did not conform ________ their views.

205. The bus also stops ________ the train station.

206. We can connect his name ________ that incident.

207. I don't see the connection ________ the two arguments.

208. Was he aware ________ what he was saying?

209. Is he fit ________ this difficult job?

210. His actions are not ________ accordance with the constitution.

211. The old church was consumed ________ fire.

212. Was he ever consumed ________ anger?

213. I am still in contact ________ my old friends.

214. He acted contrary ________ my expectations.

215. ________ the contrary, nothing else could be worse.

216. How much did they contribute ________ the local paper?

217. The ownership of the house was passed ________ his children.

218. Please call me back ________ your convenience.

(of, on, out, to, off, for, with, at, across, in, up)

219. Since that time she has been cool ________ me.

220. How often do you correspond __________ your old friends?

221. I was lonely and anxious _________ my family.

222. He acts without regard ________ the consequences.

223. You must get it ________ all costs.

224. He finished his dangerous task ________ the cost of his health.

225. What costume did you wear ________ the dance?

226. Can we count ________ you this time?

227. The cover of the magazine has been torn _________.

228. Cross _____ the names of the persons who cancelled the date.

229. This incident cured him ________ his bad habit.

230. How did your chocolate cake turn ________?

231. The cat curled ________ and went to sleep.

232. The old ten dollar banknote is no longer ________ circulation.

233. She cuffed him ________ the ear.

234. It will save time if we cut ________ this park.

235. The heavy snowfall cut ________ all communication with the neighboring towns.

236. I was speaking with her ____ the phone but someone cut us ___.

237. What a nice dress you have ________.

238. Her hat seemed ________ of date.

(on, to, at, by, in, out, with, from, onto)

239. We haven't heard from her ________ date.

240. This castle dates ________ the fourteenth century.

241. I was invited ________ a dance ________ their home.

242. We are getting older day ________ day.

243. He is deaf ________ my request to do the dishes.

244. We deal ________ all sorts of merchandise.

245. He deals fairly ________ his customers.

246. You have to declare your liquor ________ Customs.

247. There has been a decline ________ gas prices.

248. This is true ________ a certain degree.

249. These articles are now ________ great demand.

250. Has there been any decline ________ enrolment?

251. Our work depends ________ the weather conditions.

252. Do we hand our application _____ the secretary ______ the desk?

253. I am devoting much time ________ reading books.

254. When was he discharged ________ the hospital?

255. If you disobey the rules you are subject ________ punishment.

256. They sold me the bike ________ a discount.

257. The mother dished ________ food ________ our plates.

258. I went to see them ______ their mother's invitation.

(about, in, of, on, with, for, without, out, by, over, down, from, to, at)

259. Where can I dispose ________ my garbage?

260. There are trees ________ each side of the road.

261. The young man drove his car ________ a dizzy speed.

262. That has nothing to do ________ what I said.

263. Some women can't do ________ a hat.

264. How are you doing ________ your new desk job?

265. She left ________ the big city.

266. Finally we were ________ of danger.

267. She was accused ________ conspiracy.

268. I have no doubt ________ it.

269. The falling pine cone hit me ________ the head.

270. We lived down ________ the road.

271. The children climbed on the wooden horse and then slid ____ its sides.

272. His girlfriend left him and his spirits are ________.

273. The dog is dragging the rag all ________ the floor.

274. I have to withdraw one hundred dollars ________ the bank.

275. She wouldn't dream ________ doing it.

276. Let's drink ________ your return.

277. Was the child driven ________ stealing ________ hunger?

278. The taxi dropped us ________ the corner.

(on, down, to, by, up, at, in, of, out, with)

279. The coin dropped ________ of my hand.

280. From the top of the wall there is a drop of 30 feet ________ the ground.

281. You can buy this drug only ________ a doctor's prescription.

282. The pond is now completely dried ________.

283. Due ______ the adverse weather conditions the plane will not fly.

284. We were shocked ________ the news.

285. He lost all his money and is now ________ ________ the dumps.

286. How many tables are there ________ each room?

287. Is there much duty ________ cigarettes?

288. The security guard is ________ duty all night.

289. Since we were all ears he went ________ with his story.

290. I feel ________ ease with all my teachers.

291. How long have you lived ________ the East?

292. I think she has the edge ________ me.

293. All our efforts to get hold ________ him were ________ vain.

294. How much are eggs ________ the dozen?

295. I was embarrassed ________ what she said.

296. Be cautious ________ crossing the busy street.

297. I will be paid ________ the end of the month.

298. We have to put an end ________ this abuse.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Practice with Prepositions in Everyday English Intermediate Levelby Franc Ogrinc Copyright © 2010 by Franc Ogrinc, BA . Excerpted by permission.
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