Look at these examples to see how adjectives are used with prepositions.
I'm interested in the idea.
My jacket is similar to yours.
She's brilliant at maths.
My neighbour is angry about the party.
Try this exercise to test your grammar.
- Grammar test 1
Read the explanation to learn more.
Grammar explanation
Some adjectives go with certain prepositions. There are no grammatical rules for which preposition is used with which adjective, so it's a good idea to try to learn them together. To help you do this, write new vocabulary in your notebook in a sentence or phrase.
However, there are some patterns that can help you. Let's look at them first. Remember that a preposition is followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).
With at
We use at with adjectives like good/bad/amazing/brilliant/terrible, etc. to talk about skills and abilities.
He's really good at English.
She's amazing at the piano.
They're terrible at organising anything.
I'm not very good at drawing.
With about
We often use about with adjectives of feelings like angry/excited/happy/nervous/sad/stressed/worried, etc. to explain what is causing that feeling.
I'm angry about the decision.
He's nervous about the presentation.
She's excited about the new job.
They were worried about the exam.
With of
However, sometimes we use of with feelings.
She was afraid of telling her mum.
I'm frightened of having an accident.
He's scared of flying.
You should be proud of your progress.
With to
We can use to to show the connection between people or things.
He's married to the director.
I'm addicted to my phone.
I'm allergic to nuts.
It's similar to the old one.
We can also use to to talk about someone's behaviour towards someone else.
They were really friendly to me.
Was he nice to you?
He is always polite to everyone.
She was very rude to the waitress.
Here are some other useful adjectives with prepositions.
With for
Exercise is good for you.
Stress is bad for you.
The town is famous for its cheese.
I'm responsible for the financial side of the business.
With in
She's interested in the project.
They want someone who's experienced in design.
I didn't want to get involved in the argument.
Do this exercise to test your grammar again.
- Grammar test 2
Hi, I was doing the second test and I didn't understand the preposition choice in the seconds sentence. Why "I'm a bit nervous about going somewhere so different" is correct, but "I'm a bit nervous of going somewhere so different" is not.
Hi MarioMarioMario,
It's because the adjective "nervous" is generally followed by the preposition "about".
"Nervous of" is less common, although it is used when the object is a person, e.g. He's a bit nervous of strangers or I was nervous of her.
I hope that helps.
Jonathan
LearnEnglish team
It definitely helps! thanks for the explanation.
My sentences of grammar prepositions
My father is very goos at working in new proyect
I¨m scared of driving
I like to swiming with my friends
I'm excited at your dancing.
she's scared of the dragon.
We are Worries about the exams
my sentences on grammar prepositions:
My husband is very good at oratória.
I'm excited about my first exchange program.
My son is scared of sleeping alone.
I'm trying to protect you.
Adriano is married to Lays.
Learning a new language is great for you.
Peter is interested in buying a new house.
I hope my sentences are correct.
Magda Lara
I'm not very good at English therefore I'm interested in learning it.
I am so excited about studying this language and at the same time I'm afraid of speaking wrong but it's good for me because people are friendly to me in that process.
With"at" use with adjectives as: good/bad/amazing/brilliant/terrible/clever/excellent/hopeless/surprised.... to talk skills and abilities
With"about" use with adjs of feelings like: stressed,worried,happy,sad,angry,excited,nervours ...
With"of" somtimes use "of" with feelings as: afraid of, frightened of, scared of, pround of
With"to" use to connection between people or things. We use"to" to talk someone's behaviour towards someone else.
Good information. The grammar tests were very interesting.
This is the message my son sent me:
'He sent that Rupees 1,500 to mine account.'
Now I feel that it should be '...my account.', and not 'mine account.'
But how do I explain this to him! What are the reasons that only 'my' can be acceptable here - and not 'mine'?
And also, should it me '...that amount of Rupees 1,500...' in stead of '... that Rupees 1,500...'!
Will you please guide me!
Regards
Dipak R Gsmdhi