Comprehensive Guide to Adjectives Plus Prepositions in English

Understanding Adjectives Plus Prepositions: A Comprehensive Introduction

In English, adjectives often pair with specific prepositions to convey precise meanings. Mastering these combinations is crucial for ESL and TEFL learners aiming to enhance their language proficiency. This lesson delves into various adjective-preposition pairings, providing clear meanings and abundant examples to aid your understanding and usage.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid grasp of how adjectives and prepositions work together in English sentences. You will learn the meanings of common adjective-preposition pairs and see them used in context through numerous examples. This knowledge will help you express yourself more accurately and fluently in English.

Useful Vocabulary for Adjectives Plus Prepositions

Understanding the specific prepositions that follow certain adjectives is essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences. This lesson provides an extensive list of adjective-preposition combinations, detailed explanations of their meanings, and numerous examples to illustrate their usage.

List of Adjectives Plus Prepositions

Adjectives with "OF"

1. Afraid of: Feeling fear or anxiety towards something.

   • She's afraid of spiders.
   • He’s always been afraid of heights.
   • The child was afraid of the dark.

2. Ashamed of: Feeling embarrassed or guilty about something.

   • He felt ashamed of his actions.
   • She was ashamed of her poor performance.
   • They are ashamed of their behaviour.

3. Aware of: Having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

   • Are you aware of the new policy?
   • She wasn’t aware of the meeting.
   • He became aware of the problem too late.

4. Capable of: Having the ability or qualities necessary for something.

   • She is capable of handling the task.
   • He is capable of great things.
   • They are capable of making significant changes.

5. Certain of: Sure or confident about something.

   • I am certain of his success.
   • She is certain of her decision.
   • They were certain of their victory.

6. Envious of: Feeling or showing envy.

   • He was envious of his friend’s success.
   • She felt envious of her neighbour’s new car.
   • They were envious of his talent.

7. Conscious of: Aware of and responding to one’s surroundings.

   • He was conscious of being watched.
   • She became conscious of her mistake.
   • They were conscious of the noise outside.

8. Independent of: Free from outside control; not subject to another’s authority.

   • She is independent of her parents.
   • They are financially independent of any organisation.
   • The country became independent of colonial rule.

9. Proud of: Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one’s own achievements.

   • She is proud of her achievements.
   • He was proud of his son.
   • They are proud of their heritage.

10. Silly of: Lacking in seriousness; foolish.

    • It was silly of him to forget the keys.
    • She thought it was silly of them to argue.
    • They realised it was silly of her to worry.

Adjectives with "FOR"

1. Eager for: Very interested and excited by something that is going to happen or about something that you want to do.

   • She was eager for the holiday.
   • He is eager for new challenges.
   • They are eager for the concert.

2. Eligible for: Having the right to do or obtain something; satisfying the appropriate conditions.

   • He is eligible for the scholarship.
   • She is eligible for the position.
   • They are eligible for the loan.

3. Famous for: Known about by many people.

   • Paris is famous for its landmarks.
   • He is famous for his inventions.
   • The restaurant is famous for its desserts.

4. Grateful for: Feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received.

   • She was grateful for the help.
   • He is grateful for the opportunity.
   • They are grateful for the support.

5. Notorious for: Famous or well known for some bad quality or deed.

   • The area is notorious for crime.
   • He is notorious for his temper.
   • The politician is notorious for corruption.

6. Ready for: Prepared to do something.

   • She is ready for the exam.
   • He is ready for the meeting.
   • They are ready for the journey.

7. Responsible for: Having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone.

   • She is responsible for the project.
   • He is responsible for his actions.
   • They are responsible for the children.

8. Suitable for: Right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation.

   • This dress is suitable for the occasion.
   • He is suitable for the job.
   • The conditions are suitable for farming.

Adjectives with "WITH"

1. Associated with: Connected with something else.

   • The disease is associated with high fever.
   • He is associated with the company.
   • They are associated with the event.

2. Bored with: Feeling weary and impatient because one is unoccupied or lacks interest.

   • She is bored with her job.
   • He got bored with the lecture.
   • They are bored with the routine.

3. Blessed with: Endowed with a particular quality or talent.

   • She is blessed with intelligence.
   • He is blessed with a good family.
   • They are blessed with health.

4. Confronted with: Faced with or challenged by something.

   • She was confronted with a difficult decision.
   • He was confronted with evidence of his guilt.
   • They were confronted with opposition.

5. Crowded with: Full of people or things.

   • The room was crowded with guests.
   • The street was crowded with tourists.
   • The market is crowded with vendors.

6. Delighted with: Feeling or showing great pleasure.

   • She is delighted with the results.
   • He was delighted with the gift.
   • They are delighted with the news.

7. Disappointed with: Sad or displeased because someone or something has failed to fulfil one's hopes or expectations.

   • She is disappointed with her performance.
   • He was disappointed with the service.
   • They are disappointed with the outcome.

8. Familiar with: Well known from long or close association.

   • She is familiar with the procedure.
   • He is familiar with the area.
   • They are familiar with the rules.

9. Fed up with: Annoyed or upset at a situation or treatment.

   • She is fed up with the noise.
   • He got fed up with the delays.
   • They are fed up with the traffic.

10. Pleased with: Happy or satisfied.

    • She is pleased with her progress.
    • He was pleased with the meal.
    • They are pleased with the service.

Adjectives with "TO"

1. Attracted to: Feeling a pull towards something or someone.

   • She is attracted to bright colours.
   • He is attracted to her charm.
   • They are attracted to the idea.

2. Accustomed to: Used to something; familiar with something.

   • She is accustomed to the climate.
   • He is accustomed to waking up early.
   • They are accustomed to city life.

3. Addicted to: Physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance.

   • He is addicted to coffee.
   • She is addicted to social media.
   • They are addicted to video games.

4. Allergic to: Having an allergy to something.

   • She is allergic to peanuts.
   • He is allergic to pollen.
   • They are allergic to dust.

5. Kind to: Friendly, generous, or considerate.

   • She is kind to animals.
   • He is kind to strangers.
   • They are kind to each other.

6. Married to: Having a husband or wife.

   • She is married to a doctor.
   • He is married to his college sweetheart.
   • They are married to each other.

7. Nervous about: Anxious or apprehensive.

   • She is nervous about the exam.
   • He was nervous about the interview.
   • They are nervous about the trip.

Adjectives with "ABOUT"

1. Angry about: Feeling or showing strong annoyance.

   • She is angry about the delay.
   • He was angry about the mistake.
   • They are angry about the decision.

2. Anxious about: Feeling worry or unease.

   • She is anxious about the test results.
   • He is anxious about the meeting.
   • They are anxious about the future.

3. Excited about: Eager and enthusiastic.

   • She is excited about the new job.
   • He is excited about the holiday.
   • They are excited about the event.

4. Happy about: Feeling pleasure or contentment.

   • She is happy about her promotion.
   • He is happy about the news.
   • They are happy about the outcome.

5. Worried about: Anxious or concerned.

   • She is worried about her health.
   • He is worried about the deadline.
   • They are worried about their safety.

Adjectives with "IN"

1. Comfortable in: Feeling physically relaxed and at ease.

   • She is comfortable in her new shoes.
   • He is comfortable in his role.
   • They are comfortable in their home.

2. Connected in: Linked or joined together.

   • They are connected in their efforts.
   • She is connected in her network.
   • He is connected in the community.

3. Disappointed in: Feeling let down by someone or something.

   • She is disappointed in her friend.
   • He was disappointed in the movie.
   • They are disappointed in the results.

4. Experienced in: Having knowledge or skill in a particular field.

   • She is experienced in teaching.
   • He is experienced in negotiations.
   • They are experienced in customer service.

5. Interested in: Showing curiosity or concern about something.

   • She is interested in art.
   • He is interested in politics.
   • They are interested in technology.

6. Polite/impolite in: Showing good or bad manners in behaviour.

   • He is polite in his speech.
   • She was impolite in her response.
   • They are polite in their manners.

Adjectives with "BY"

1. Amazed by: Filled with wonder.

   • She is amazed by the sunset.
   • He is amazed by her talent.
   • They are amazed by the performance.

2. Delighted by: Experiencing great pleasure.

   • She is delighted by the surprise.
   • He was delighted by the results.
   • They are delighted by the progress.

3. Disturbed by: Feeling troubled or worried.

   • She is disturbed by the news.
   • He was disturbed by the noise.
   • They are disturbed by the incident.

4. Excited by: Feeling enthusiasm.

   • She is excited by the opportunity.
   • He was excited by the challenge.
   • They are excited by the development.

Adjectives with "FROM"

1. Made from: Composed of.

   • The cake is made from flour and eggs.
   • The sculpture is made from clay.
   • The furniture is made from wood.

2. Different from: Not the same as.

   • His opinion is different from mine.
   • She is different from her sister.
   • The proposal is different from the original.

3. Safe from: Protected against.

   • The documents are safe from theft.
   • He feels safe from danger.
   • They are safe from harm.

4. Absent from: Not present in a place.

   • She is absent from the meeting.
   • He was absent from class.
   • They are absent from the list.

Adjectives with "ON"

1. Keen on: Eager or enthusiastic about.

   • She is keen on learning languages.
   • He is keen on sports.
   • They are keen on travelling.

2. Based on: Having as a foundation.

   • The movie is based on a true story.
   • The decision was based on facts.
   • The theory is based on evidence.

3. Serious about: Committed to.

   • She is serious about her career.
   • He is serious about his studies.
   • They are serious about the project.

4. Worried about: Anxious or concerned.

   • She is worried about her health.
   • He is worried about the deadline.
   • They are worried about their safety.

Adjectives with "AT"

1. Amazed at: Filled with wonder.

   • She is amazed at the view.
   • He is amazed at her skill.
   • They are amazed at the performance.

2. Angry at: Feeling or showing anger.

   • She is angry at the delay.
   • He is angry at the mistake.
   • They are angry at the decision.

3. Annoyed at: Slightly angry.

   • She is annoyed at the noise.
   • He is annoyed at the interruption.
   • They are annoyed at the changes.

4. Awful at: Very bad at something.

   • She is awful at cooking.
   • He is awful at singing.
   • They are awful at maths.

Summary and Takeaways

In this lesson, we explored the intricate relationships between adjectives and prepositions in the English language. By examining over 80 adjective-preposition combinations, learners gained insight into how these pairs function together to convey precise meanings. Each combination was illustrated with multiple examples to solidify understanding.

Key Phrases Learned

• Afraid of
• Eager for
• Associated with
• Attracted to
• Angry about

Tips for Remembering the Lesson

• Practice using these combinations in sentences.
• Create flashcards with each pair and its examples.
• Engage in conversations using these adjective-preposition pairs.

Exercises to Do by Yourself

1. Write sentences using each adjective-preposition pair.
2. Create a short story incorporating at least ten of the pairs.
3. Use flashcards to test yourself on the meanings and examples.

Summary of the Lesson

This lesson provided an extensive overview of adjectives plus prepositions in English. Learners now understand how these pairs work together and can use them correctly in sentences. The lesson included meanings, examples, and tips for remembering the combinations, enhancing both comprehension and practical application.

Encouragement to Engage

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