50+ frequent noun + preposition collocations
B2 · dependent prepositions
argument with / argument about · article on/about
1) What are noun–preposition collocations?
Some nouns naturally take a specific dependent preposition. Using the “wrong” one sounds off: we say interest in, contact with, room for.
- I have no interest in reality TV.
- I’ll stay in contact with you.
- There isn’t enough room for another chair.
Memory tip: words from the same family often share the same preposition: to succeed in → success in; be addicted to → addiction to; be responsible for → responsibility for.
2) Same noun, different preposition = different meaning
- argument with person: an argument with my brother
- argument about topic: an argument about money
- article on/about both common, similar meaning.
- relationship with one person; relationship between two or more people/things.
Learn the pairings as chunks; don’t translate prepositions word-for-word.
3) Noun + with
- appointment with the dentist
- argument with a neighbour
- contact with suppliers
- difficulty with the software
- matter with the engine
- relationship with a client
- trouble with the law
4) Noun + for
- cure for a disease (sadly, none yet)
- demand for housing
- need for change
- recipe for soup
- respect for elders
- room for improvement
- use for old papers
5) Noun + in
- belief in hard work
- change in policy
- decrease in sales
- increase in costs
- interest in sailing
- rise in temperature
- success in the exam
6) Noun + on
- agreement on terms
- article on migration
- ban on fireworks
- debate on gun control
- decision on funding
- information on the client
- report on crime
7) Noun + to
- addiction to painkillers
- attention to detail
- invitation to a wedding
- promise to the team
- reaction to the drug
- solution to the problem
- threat to wildlife
8) Noun + of
- advantage of online learning
- cause of the fire
- chance of rain
- cost of living
- lack of resources
- possibility of delays
- photo of the team
9) Noun + about
- argument about money
- article about Spanish history
- concern about safety
- confusion about the rules
- conversation about the party
- discussion about the issue
- story about a prince and a frog
on and about often overlap with texts: an article on/about climate change.
10) Noun + between
- bond between parent and child
- connection between events
- difference between the models
- distance between two cities
- gap between rich and poor
- link between diet and health
- relationship between departments
11) Quick checks & tips
- Family rule If you know the verb/adjective preposition, the noun usually keeps it: rely on → reliance on.
- Countable vs uncountable Some nouns prefer singular, uncountable use with a preposition: information on, not *informations on.
- With vs between Use with for one partner; between for a relationship connecting two or more.
12) Snapshot table
| Preposition | High-frequency nouns | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in | interest, rise, decrease, success | a rise in prices |
| on | article, decision, report | a report on fraud |
| to | solution, invitation, reaction | a reaction to pollen |
| of | lack, cost, chance | a lack of time |
| with | trouble, contact, relationship | trouble with payments |
| about | concern, discussion, story | concern about privacy |
| between | difference, link, distance | the link between exercise and mood |
| for | demand, need, respect | respect for teachers |
Exercises:
50 frequent noun + preposition collocations
Choose the correct noun + preposition collocations to complete the sentences below.
1
One major
remote work is flexibility.
2
There’s strong
electric cars this year.
3
The new policy had a positive
overall productivity.
4
We need a practical
this problem.
5
She has a strong
delivering on time.
6
We saw a sharp
applications last quarter.
7
Do you have easy
the shared drive from home?
8
There has been growing
data privacy among users.
9
I didn’t receive an
the launch party.
10
Their
local projects makes the campaign credible.
50 frequent noun + preposition collocations
Choose the correct prepositions for the gaps below.
1
There has been a sharp rise __ food prices this year.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
We need a practical solution __ the parking problem.
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
The new policy has had a negative effect __ small businesses.
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
There’s growing demand __ affordable housing in the city.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
His attitude __ feedback has really improved this year.
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
Do you have any experience __ project management?
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
She has no access __ the client database from home.
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
We need more information __ the side effects before deciding.
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
His research has little relevance __ our current aims.
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
The damage __ the roof will cost a lot to repair.
A.
B.
C.
D.
50 frequent noun + preposition collocations
Fill in the gaps with a suitable preposition.
1
There is growing demand affordable housing.
2
We noticed a sharp increase online sales last quarter.
3
The new policy had a negative effect small businesses.
4
There is no simple solution this complex issue.
5
The team carried out research the causes of coral bleaching.
6
Do you have any information the route?
7
His attitude feedback has improved a lot.
8
Everyone should have access clean water.
9
She has a clear preference working remotely.
10
Their participation the mentorship programme is voluntary.