If you’re studying for higher-level English exams, it’s really important to know which prepositions go with which verbs, nouns and phrases. On exams like the Cambridge Advanced Exam, this knowledge is explicitly tested. In other situations, it can be something that makes you sound more advanced, refined and knowledgeable in English.
Prepositions are words like for, to, with, on, under, at, by, in, of, between, etc.
One way to help prepare for success when it comes to prepositions is to make note of which prepositions you often read next to nouns, phrases or verbs. Write these down in a notebook, or create a Quizlet to help practice. Keep special note of phrasal verbs where the preposition changes the meaning of the verb.
Another great resource is a collocation dictionary, where you can search for different nouns and verbs to see which prepositions often go together with the noun or verb you’re looking for. These kinds of dictionaries are amazing resources for learning which words often go together, and which do not.
As always, reading and listening practice, however you choose to read and listen (whether it’s video games, subtitles, movies, manga, or the newspaper), make note of the prepositions you read and hear and how they’re used.
Which prepositions are the hardest for you to use? Let me know in the comments!
English Class with Heather 