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Prepositions After Verbs – Quiz 1
Prepositions After Verbs Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of prepositions used after verbs, particularly in contexts such as expressing emotions, agreeing or disagreeing, apologizing, and spending time. It also tests the ability to use appropriate prepositions with specific verbs and verb phrases.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Why are you accusing me ..... stealing money? I didn't do it!
A) At.
B) To.
C) About.
D) Of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "of" is correctly used in the sentence to indicate possession or association, meaning that you are being accused of stealing money. The structure "accuse someone of doing something" is a common idiom where "of" is necessary.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
At - Incorrect. "At" does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option B:
To - Incorrect. "To" would be used to indicate direction or purpose, not possession in this case.
Option C:
About - Incorrect. "About" could be used for a general topic but does not fit the specific accusation context well here.
Option D:
Of - Correct. This is the proper preposition to use after "accuse" in this sentence structure.
2.
Pick the right pair:agree ..... a plan.
A) For.
B) To.
C) On.
D) About.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "to" is correctly used after the verb "agree." When agreeing to a plan, we use "to" because it indicates the direction or purpose of the agreement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
For - Incorrect. "For" is not typically used with "agree."
Option B:
To - Correct. "To" is properly used after "agree" when indicating an action or purpose.
Option C:
On - Incorrect. "On" is not commonly used with "agree."
Option D:
About - Incorrect. "About" can be used in some contexts but is less precise than "to" here.
3.
I had a very strange dream ..... you last night.
A) At.
B) In.
C) About.
D) For.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "about" is correctly used in this context because the sentence indicates that the dream was related to something, which is implied by "I had a very strange dream about you last night." Other options like "at," "in," or "for" do not fit grammatically or semantically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
At - Incorrect. "At" does not fit the context of describing what the dream was about.
Option B:
In - Incorrect. "In" is typically used to indicate being inside something, which doesn't apply here.
Option C:
About - Correct. This preposition fits well as it indicates the topic or subject of the dream.
Option D:
For - Incorrect. "For" is not appropriate in this context to describe what the dream was about.
4.
We arrived ..... the airport.
A) On.
B) At.
C) In.
D) To.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is correct when referring to arrival at a specific place, such as an airport. The verb "arrive" typically requires the preposition "at," especially with locations like airports, stations, or hotels.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect for this context; used more for surfaces or open spaces.
Option B:
At - Correct for arrival at a specific place.
Option C:
In - Usually incorrect for arriving at a destination unless it's enclosed, like in a building.
Option D:
To - Incorrect; used to indicate movement towards but not the act of arrival itself.
5.
..... the end of the concert, there was great applause.
A) In.
B) At.
C) By.
D) Until.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is correct because it indicates the point in time when the event (the end of the concert) occurred, and it is commonly used with expressions like "the end of." Other options do not fit grammatically or contextually.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In - Incorrect. "In" typically indicates a period of time rather than a specific point in time.
Option B:
At - Correct. Used to indicate the end of an event, such as a concert.
Option C:
By - Incorrect. "By" is used to indicate up to or until a certain point, not specifically at the end.
Option D:
Until - Incorrect. "Until" suggests a duration leading up to an event, not the exact moment it ends.
6.
Choose the best answer:William is extremely afraid ..... travelling by planes.
A) Of.
B) For.
C) To.
D) On.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "of" is correct in this context because it is commonly used to express fear of something, as in the phrase "afraid of." For example: "William is afraid of travelling by planes."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Used with "afraid," meaning "fearful of."
Option B:
Incorrect. "For" does not fit naturally in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "To" is typically used for initiating an action, not expressing fear.
Option D:
Incorrect. "On" is not appropriate here to express the idea of being afraid.
7.
They are excited ..... the upcoming trip.
A) With.
B) Of.
C) About.
D) For.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "about" is correctly used here to express excitement regarding the upcoming trip. The phrase "excited about" is a common expression indicating anticipation and enthusiasm for an event or activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
With - This preposition does not fit naturally in this context.
Option B:
Of - While "of" can sometimes be used with excitement, it is less common and natural-sounding than "about" in this case.
Option C:
About - Correct. This preposition fits well to express the feeling of anticipation for an upcoming event.
Option D:
For - While "for" can be used with some verbs, it is not typically paired with "excited" in this way.
8.
Although we are alike, we disagree ..... the pollution problem. However, we do agree ..... decreasing the number of thrown away trash.
A) On, on.
B) About, about.
C) About, on.
D) On, about.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"About" is used to discuss a general topic, while "on" is used for a more specific subject. In the sentence, "Although we are alike, we disagree about the pollution problem" uses "about" because it refers to a broad topic of disagreement. "However, we do agree on decreasing the number of thrown away trash" uses "on" as it specifies a particular point of agreement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Both prepositions are wrong.
Option B:
Incorrect. Both prepositions are wrong.
Option C:
Correct. "About" for the general topic of disagreement, and "on" for the specific point of agreement.
Option D:
Incorrect. Both prepositions are wrong.
9.
It took me two weeks to recover ..... the flu.
A) For.
B) From.
C) In.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "from" is correct because the verb "recover" in this context means to get over an illness, and it requires the preposition "from." For example: "It took me two weeks to recover from the flu."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"For" is incorrect. The verb "recover" does not typically use "for" in this context.
Option B:
"From" is correct as explained above.
Option C:
"In" is incorrect. The verb "recover" does not take "in" to indicate recovery from an illness.
Option D:
"With" is incorrect. The verb "recover" does not use "with" in this context to mean getting over an illness.
10.
Select the right completion:succeed ..... solving it.
A) On.
B) At.
C) In.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "in" is correctly used after the verb "succeed" in this context to indicate the process of solving something. For example, "He succeeded
in
solving it." This usage shows that he achieved success with respect to the task or problem.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect preposition for this context.
Option B:
At - Typically used for specific points in time or small places, not suitable here.
Option C:
In - Correct usage as it indicates the process of solving something successfully.
Option D:
With - Usually followed by a tool or method, not directly with "succeed" for this context.
11.
Don't listen ..... him. He is a liar!
A) With.
B) At.
C) To.
D) Of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "to" is correctly used after the verb "listen" in this context, as it indicates that one should not follow or heed what the person says. The phrase "Don't listen to him" means you should not pay attention to his words because he is a liar.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
With - Incorrect; "with" does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option B:
At - Incorrect; "at" is typically used for specific points or locations, not for listening to someone's words.
Option C:
To - Correct; "to" is the appropriate preposition after "listen" when indicating what one should or should not listen to.
Option D:
Of - Incorrect; "of" does not fit grammatically in this context and would change the meaning of the sentence.
12.
The bird has escaped ..... its cage.
A) From.
B) By.
C) Of.
D) Over.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "from" is correct because the verb "escaped" requires a preposition indicating the source of escape, which in this case is the bird's cage.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The verb "escaped" typically uses "from" to indicate origin or source.
Option B:
Incorrect. "By" suggests a means or method, not a location of escape.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Of" does not fit grammatically with the verb "escaped."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Over" implies an action above something, which is not applicable here.
13.
I must apologize ..... Isobel for my lateness.
A) To.
B) For.
C) Before.
D) In front of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "to" is not typically used after the verb "apologize." In this context, "for" is the correct preposition to use when apologizing for something, such as lateness.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To" is not a suitable preposition following "apologize" in this sentence.
Option B:
Correct. "For" is the appropriate preposition to use when apologizing for lateness.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Before" does not fit grammatically or contextually here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "In front of" is not relevant in this sentence structure.
14.
He agreed ..... the idea of the barbecue on condition that he could do the cooking
A) To.
B) At.
C) With.
D) About.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Agreed to" is the correct preposition in this context because "to" introduces the object of his agreement, which is the idea of the barbecue. The phrase "He agreed to do something" is a common structure indicating consent or acceptance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To" properly introduces the object of his agreement.
Option B:
Incorrect. "At" does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "With" would imply a shared activity or accompaniment, which is not the case here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "About" suggests discussion or topic rather than agreement to perform an action.
15.
This schoolbag belongs ..... that student.
A) On.
B) At.
C) To.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "to" is correct because it indicates possession, meaning the schoolbag belongs to a particular student.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect as "on" does not indicate ownership or belonging.
Option B:
At - Incorrect as "at" is used for locations, not possession.
Option C:
To - Correct as it indicates the student to whom the schoolbag belongs.
Option D:
With - Incorrect as "with" means accompanying or having something with you, not ownership.
16.
Which preposition is typically used after the verb 'depend'?
A) For.
B) On.
C) In.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is typically used after the verb 'depend'. This usage indicates that something relies on or depends upon another thing for its existence, occurrence, or support.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
For - Incorrect. The preposition "for" is not commonly used with 'depend'.
Option B:
On - Correct. This is the standard usage for 'depend'. Example: "The project depends on clear communication."
Option C:
In - Incorrect. While "in" can be used in some contexts, it is not typically paired with 'depend'.
Option D:
At - Incorrect. The preposition "at" does not fit the context of 'depend'.
17.
Now that we can't agree, let's vote ..... it!
A) By.
B) In.
C) On.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correctly used after the verb "vote." When voting on something, it means that the vote is about making a decision regarding an issue or proposal. The other options do not fit grammatically: "by," "in," and "at" are not appropriate here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
By - Incorrect; "by" does not follow the verb "vote."
Option B:
In - Incorrect; "in" does not fit after "vote."
Option C:
On - Correct; "on" is appropriate when voting on something.
Option D:
At - Incorrect; "at" does not follow the verb "vote."
18.
We don't believe ..... "contractual" marriage. Marriage should be based ..... love.
A) In/ of.
B) About/ of.
C) In/ on.
D) At/ on.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Believe in" is a set phrase that means to accept something as true, so "In" is correct for the first blank. For the second blank, "based on love" indicates reliance or foundation, making "on" appropriate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"In/ of" - Incorrect because "of" does not fit well with "based".
Option B:
"About/ of" - Incorrect for the same reason as Option A.
Option C:
"In/ on" - Correct as explained above.
Option D:
"At/ on" - "At" is not appropriate here, making this option incorrect.
19.
When he smiled ..... me I knew everything was all right.
A) At.
B) By.
C) With.
D) For.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is correct because it indicates the point in time when he smiled, suggesting that his smile was a momentary event that conveyed reassurance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates the point in time when the action occurred.
Option B:
Incorrect. "By" typically indicates means or agents, not timing of an action.
Option C:
Incorrect. "With" is used to indicate accompaniment or manner, not timing.
Option D:
Incorrect. "For" is used for duration, not the moment when something happens.
20.
We can go to the park with you, ..... ?
A) Aren't we.
B) Do we.
C) Can't we.
D) Can we.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We can go to the park with you, .....?" is a tag question, which is used to seek confirmation from the listener. The correct form of such questions starts with "can" followed by "we," and ends with "can't we." Therefore, option C) Can't we is the appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Aren't we. - Incorrect; this would be used for verbs like 'be,' not 'can.'
Option B:
Do we. - Incorrect; this is a question form, not a tag question.
Option C:
Can't we. - Correct; it matches the structure of the given sentence.
Option D:
Can we. - Incorrect; this would be used as a regular question, not a tag question.
21.
Some members of parliament voted ..... the proposal.
A) With.
B) Against.
C) In.
D) To.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "against" is correct here because when members of parliament vote against a proposal, it means they are opposing the proposal. The verb "voted" requires a preposition that indicates the direction or stance taken towards the proposal.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"With" typically indicates agreement or support; thus, this option is incorrect.
Option B:
"Against" correctly shows opposition to the proposal, making it the right choice.
Option C:
"In" does not fit grammatically with "voted"; hence, it is wrong.
Option D:
"To" is generally used for movement or direction towards a place; it's inappropriate here.
22.
They are good ..... playing the piano.
A) At.
B) In.
C) On.
D) By.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is correct in this context because it properly indicates the activity of playing an instrument, such as the piano. The phrase "good at" is a common collocation used to describe proficiency or skill in doing something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Good at playing the piano" is a proper and commonly used phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. "In" is not typically used with this verb to indicate skill or proficiency.
Option C:
Incorrect. "On" is generally used for musical instruments in a different context, such as "play on the piano," but not when describing skill level.
Option D:
Incorrect. "By" does not fit grammatically or idiomatically here to describe playing an instrument with skill.
23.
His accident prevented him ..... riding a bike for a year.
A) With.
B) About.
C) At.
D) From.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "from" is correct because it indicates that the accident prevented him from performing the action of riding a bike for a year. The structure "prevent sb from doing sth" is commonly used in English to express that someone was stopped or hindered from carrying out an activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"With" does not fit this context as it would imply using something, which is not the intended meaning.
Option B:
"About" suggests a topic or subject, which is not relevant here.
Option C:
"At" is typically used with specific times or locations and does not fit this context of prevention.
Option D:
"From" correctly indicates the cessation of an activity due to a reason (the accident).
24.
He apologised to the police officer ..... driving fast.
A) About.
B) Of.
C) For.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "for" is correct because it properly indicates the reason for apologizing. When someone apologizes, they are acknowledging a wrongdoing or mistake; in this case, driving fast is the action that necessitates the apology.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
About - This preposition does not fit well with "apologised" to indicate the reason for the apology.
Option B:
Of - This preposition is typically used to show possession or origin, which does not apply here.
Option C:
For - Correct. It indicates the reason for apologizing (driving fast).
Option D:
With - This preposition is generally used to indicate means or accompaniment, which is not appropriate in this context.
25.
The old lady thanked me ..... helping her across the street.
A) On.
B) About.
C) For.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "for" is correct because it is used to express the reason for an action. In this sentence, "for" indicates that the old lady thanked you as a result of your help in crossing the street.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
On - Incorrect. "On" does not indicate the reason for the action.
Option B:
About - Incorrect. "About" is used to discuss topics or subjects, not reasons for actions.
Option C:
For - Correct. "For" indicates the purpose or reason of an action.
Option D:
With - Incorrect. "With" is used to indicate means or accompaniment, not the reason for an action.
26.
The teacher congratulated all the students ..... passing the exam.
A) At.
B) On.
C) To.
D) Up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correct here because it is commonly used to express celebration or congratulation for an achievement, such as passing an exam. The phrase "congratulate someone on something" is a set expression indicating praise or well-wishes for a specific accomplishment.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
At - Incorrect; "at" does not fit the context of congratulating.
Option B:
On - Correct - Used to congratulate someone on passing an exam.
Option C:
To - Incorrect; "to" is used for direction or purpose, not celebration.
Option D:
Up - Incorrect; "up" does not fit the context of congratulating.
27.
Choose the right preposition:spend money / time ..... something
A) With.
B) For.
C) On.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct preposition to use with "spend" when referring to money or time is "on." This is because spending something on something indicates the allocation of resources towards a particular activity or object. For example, you can say "I spend money on groceries" or "She spends time on her hobbies."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
With - Incorrect. "With" is typically used to indicate accompaniment or association.
Option B:
For - Incorrect. "For" is generally used to indicate purpose or reason, not the allocation of resources.
Option C:
On - Correct. This preposition accurately indicates the expenditure of money or time on something.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. "On" is the correct choice.
28.
She spends a lot of money ..... clothes.
A) For.
B) To.
C) At.
D) On.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correct because it is commonly used to indicate the expenditure of money on an item, such as clothes. This usage follows a pattern where "spend" + preposition "on" + object (clothes).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
For - Incorrect; "for" typically indicates purpose or reason.
Option B:
To - Incorrect; "to" is often used to indicate direction or intention, not expenditure.
Option C:
At - Incorrect; "at" is usually used with specific locations or prices, not general items like clothes.
Option D:
On - Correct - This preposition is standard for indicating the object of spending money.
29.
They laughed ..... her jokes.
A) At.
B) By.
C) For.
D) In.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "at" is correct because it is commonly used to indicate the reaction of people to something, such as a joke. When someone laughs at a joke, they are responding to it in a positive way.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "They laughed at her jokes." This sentence means that the people responded positively to the jokes.
Option B:
Incorrect. "By" is typically used to indicate the means or instrument of an action, not a reaction to something.
Option C:
Incorrect. "For" is generally used to indicate purpose or reason, not a reaction to humor.
Option D:
Incorrect. "In" is usually used to indicate location or time, not the act of laughing at jokes.
30.
Prepare ..... , apologize ..... , ask .....
A) In.
B) To.
C) With.
D) For.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "for" is correctly used in the context of apologizing, as in "apologize for [something]." This phrase indicates the reason for the apology.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In. - Incorrect. "Prepare in" or "ask in" do not fit naturally with the verbs given.
Option B:
To. - Incorrect. "Apologize to" is used, but it does not fit the context of apologizing for something specific.
Option C:
With. - Incorrect. "Prepare with," "apologize with," and "ask with" do not make sense in these contexts.
Option D:
For. - Correct. "Apologize for [something]" is the proper construction to indicate the reason for an apology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are prepositions after verbs?
Prepositions after verbs are words that follow certain verbs and indicate the relationship between the verb's subject or object and other parts of the sentence, such as time, place, or direction.
Why is it important to learn prepositions after verbs?
Understanding prepositions after verbs helps improve sentence structure and clarity in writing and speaking, making communication more effective and precise.
How do tag questions relate to prepositions after verbs?
Tag questions often use auxiliary verbs followed by a subject and a preposition, such as "aren't you at the party?" This shows how prepositions can be part of the structure in forming questions.
Are there any common verbs that always use specific prepositions?
Yes, certain verbs like "apologize" (e.g., apologize to someone), "spend" (e.g., spend time with friends), and "agree" (e.g., agree on a plan) commonly require specific prepositions that indicate the nature of the action.
Can you give an example of a verb expressing emotion followed by a preposition?
Certainly, verbs like "regret" (e.g., regret having said something) or "enjoy" (e.g., enjoy the scenery) are often followed by specific prepositions that help convey the emotional context of the action.