Wednesday, 30 July 2008

3JULY

UNIT 24

Dependent Prepositions

Many Adjectives and nouns are followed by a particular preposition:

They have every confidence in his judgment”

Margarine is a substitute for butter”

See Section 9 of the appendix for a list of common adjectives and nouns with this dependent prepositions.

Note: that if adjectives or nouns have similar or opposite meanings, they often take the same preposition:

  • be ready/prepared for school

  • be married/engaged/related to someone

  • be furious/angry/irritated with someone

  • be frightened/scared/terrified of snakes

  • be happy/sad about something

A) Complete the sentences with the correct prepositions


  1. I understand you will be eligible____ promotion soon

  2. We regret the delay ____ dispatching your order

  3. She was very conscious ____ her lack of experience on her first day at work

  4. He's come up with a new solution _____ the problem

  5. At least here you'll be safe_____ unwarranted intrusion

  6. There's no doubt ____ his feelings for you

  7. She's always been lacking __ tact

  8. I would like to take this opportunity ____ thanking my hosts

  9. I have complite confidence his ability to handle the situation.

  10. Be very patient ____ Ryan. He's suffered a lot, you know.

  11. It's a stragle smell, isn't it? It's peculiar ___ this type of plant

  12. How very typical ____ her! Nothing is ever her fault!

  13. Is there any chance ___ our meeting in the near future?

  14. Despite her age, she takes pleasure ___ pitting her wits against all comers.

  15. The island is rich ____ minerals and other natural resources.

  16. It's obvious he's incapable ____ holding down a job.

  17. I really don't see any point ____ continuing this conversation any longer.

  18. Without the certificate, you won't be sufficiently qualified ____ the job.

  19. There's no question ____ your leaving us soon.

  20. Would you kindly inform me who is responsible ____ the travel arrangements?

  21. We had great difficulty ___ hearing the station announcements.

  22. She's convinced ____ the justice of her case

  23. I must point out that I'm not in the habit ____ walking around in my pajamas.

  24. He's always been rather envious ____ his older brother.

  25. He takes pride ____ showing off his prize cucumbers.



Many Verbs are following by a particular preposition:

I've been puzzling over the problem for hours”.

See section 10 of the Apendix for a list of common verbs with their dependant prepositions.

Remember that verbs of similar or opposite meanings often take the same preposition:

  • apply/send/ask for information.

  • care/worry about someone.

  • agree/disagree with someone.

b) Complete each space in the conversation between two business colleagues with the missing verb or preposition.

“Come in, Harold!”

“I must 1)____ for arriving so late. The traffic, you know.”

“Oh, don't 2) _____ about that. The meeting's been put off anyway...

come in and help yourself 2) _____ coffee. Let me be the first to congratulate you 4) ___ your promotion.”

“Oh thanks, Paul. Yes, I'm delighted. But it hasn't be announced officially yet. Could you possibly 5)_____ it to yourself for a bit?”

“Well, of course, Harold. When do you think you'll be taking up the new post, then?”

“I'm no sure. It all 6) ______ on the contract, which I haven't seen yet. They're sending it to me this week. I was determined to 7) _____ on a pretty big salary increase, I can tell you.”

“Quite right too. It's a lot more responsibility.”

“Yes, and my outgoings are considerable these days. I still have to provide 8)____ Julie and the kids, of course, even though we split up over two years ago, What about you, Paul? Any jobs you've 9)____ for lately?”

“Not a thing. You are the only one here who's moving on. but don't worry, we won't 10)____ it against you!.”

“Good. Of course there's no need 11)______ us to lose touch. I value your judgment, you know.”

“Well, thanks, Harold. I'm always happy to advise a friend.”

“I've been thinking, Paul. I may have difficulty 12)_______ adjusting to living in Munich- I must confess 13)_______ a slight feeling of apprehension.”

“Oh, I have every confidence 14) ____ you, Harold. You'll be a huge success 15)____ our German colleagues, just wait and see!”


No comments: