Adjective + preposition (dependent prepositions)
Quick rules
- Some adjectives are followed by a fixed preposition: interested in music, proud of my team. These pairs are called dependent prepositions.
- After a preposition, use a noun or verb-ing: keen on cycling, afraid of flying.
- Meaning can change with the preposition (see “Key contrasts”).
Key contrasts you should know
- good at (skill), good for (beneficial), good to (kind): She’s good at Maths; Fruit is good for you; He was very good to me.
- sorry for (you did something / sympathy for someone) vs sorry about (a situation/thing): Sorry for being late. • Sorry about the noise.
- angry with (a person) / angry at/about (a thing/situation).
- different from (usual), different to (BrE), different than before a clause in AmE: different from mine • different than I expected.
- surprised/shocked/amazed at/by (both OK); afraid/scared/frightened of (most common).
Tip: many feelings take of (afraid of, proud of, ashamed of, jealous of), abilities take at, interests take in, dependence takes on, and benefit/harm takes for.
Common adjective + preposition pairs
| Preposition | Adjectives | Example |
|---|---|---|
| to | addicted to, close to, kind to, married to, rude to, similar to, opposed to | It’s important to be kind to animals. • She’s married to a musician. |
| for | bad for, good for, famous for, ready for, responsible for, sorry for | Smoking is bad for your health. • I’m responsible for the budget. |
| at | good at, brilliant at, bad/terrible at, angry at (a thing), surprised at | He’s good at chess. • She was angry at the decision. |
| in | interested in, involved in, successful in, rich in (vitamins), experienced in | Are you interested in learning Spanish? |
| on | keen on (BrE), hooked on, dependent on, reliant on/upon | My brother is keen on playing the guitar. |
| of | afraid of, capable of, fond of, proud of, ashamed of, tired of, jealous of, aware of, full of, short of | They’re proud of their heritage. • I’m tired of waiting. |
| with | angry/annoyed/fed up with (a person/thing), bored with, obsessed with, pleased/delighted with, patient with, good with (people/things) | She’s good with children. • He’s fed up with the delays. |
| about | angry/annoyed about, excited about, happy/unhappy about, worried/nervous/anxious about, certain/unsure about | We’re excited about our trip but a bit worried about the weather. |
| by | surprised/shocked/amazed by, impressed by, bored by | The manager was impressed by your portfolio. |
Mini example bank
- to She’s addicted to coffee; he’s rude to strangers; your drawing is similar to mine.
- for Italy is famous for food; I’m sorry for the inconvenience.
- at He’s bad at lying; she was angry at herself.
- in They’re interested in robotics.
- on She got hooked on a new series.
- of Many kids are afraid of the dark; I’m tired of the routine.
- with She was angry with him; they were pleased with the results.
- about He’s sorry about the broken window; we’re worried about the forecast.
Remember: after the preposition, use a noun or -ing form: interested in learning, afraid of flying, keen on playing.
Exercises:
Adjective + preposition: Dependent prepositions
Choose the correct prepositions to complete the sentences below.
1
I’m not familiar
this software yet.
2
She’s brilliant
solving logic puzzles.
3
Are you interested
volunteering this weekend?
4
The manager is responsible
the budget this quarter.
5
He was angry
the delay at the airport.
6
I’m allergic
penicillin.
7
We’re sick
commuting for three hours a day.
8
The kids are afraid
the dark.
9
This model is similar
the one we tested last month.
10
It was very kind
you to wait for me.
May and might: What’s the difference?
Choose the correct forms for the gaps below
1
Laura is allergic _____ peanuts.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
I’m proud _____ what our team achieved.
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
Ben is interested _____ learning Japanese.
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
This city is famous _____ its street art.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
My sister is afraid _____ flying.
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
The manager is responsible _____ safety on site.
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
Our office is different _____ what you saw last year.
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
I’m bored _____ this game—let’s play something else.
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
Are you good _____ maths?
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
She’s married _____ a Spanish photographer.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Adjective + preposition: Dependent prepositions
Fill in each gap with the correct prepositions: at, in, on, of, to, for, about, with.
1
I’m really proud ____ my team for finishing on time.
2
Liam is married ____ a Spanish architect.
3
Are you familiar ____ this software?
4
My sister is allergic ____ nuts.
5
The manager was satisfied ____ the results.
6
We were amazed ____ how quickly they solved it.
7
The kids are keen ____ camping in the garden.
8
Our city is famous ____ its jazz festival.
9
I’m completely fed up ____ these delays.
10
He is responsible ____ customer support in our team.