A preposition shows what one noun or pronoun has to do with another.

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012Introduction(from Mend Your English, Ian Brutton-Simmonds)“A preposition shows what one noun or pronoun has to do with another.”Underline the preposition in the following sentences:The sky is above the earth. Run up the hill. The cat sat on the mat.Your car is near mine. Flowers die without water. I want a dollar forthis.Please walk around the carpet, not across it. The boy fell into the water.“The Old English (Anglo-Saxon) [] lacked many prepositions and hadtherefore to rely on adverbs, changeable word endings (inflexions), andproximity of one noun to another in the word order. The proximity principle ofthat primitive languages survives today in compound expressions such asfootball = a ball for the feet or toothbrush = a brush for the teeth. In thesecompounds clarity is enhanced by absence of the preposition []. Most of theimportant prepositions were at first adverbs. This is why adverbs andprepositions are so closely related in English.”PrepositionsHe waited inside the house.We moved along the platform.He stood behind me.By whom was this done?AdverbsHe is inside.Move along please!Please walk behind.The bus went by.“Prepositions have great influence over verbs in that when compounded withcertain intransitives, they turn them into transitives.”It depends. => It depends upon me.Don’t speak. => Don’t speak to them.She was laughing. => She was laughing at her friends.“Phrasal verbs consist of a verb with a prepositional or adverbial participle,such as come to (regain consciousness), take off (of an aircraft), where thepreposition need not have an object following it.”1

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012There are over 100 prepositions in English, but some of them are more common thanothers. They express time, place, purpose, possession and result.aboardaboutaboveabsentaccording toacrossafteragainstahead ofalongalongsideamidamidstamongaroundasas far asas well asatatopbeforebehindbelowbeneathbesidebetweenbyby means ofdespitedowndue toduringexceptfar fromfollowingforfrominin addition toin case ofin front ofin place ofin spite ofinsideinside ofinstead ofin to (into)likemidminusnearnear tonextnext tonotwithstandingofoffonon account ofon behalf ofon top ofon to (onto)oppositeout ofoutsideoutside ofowing tooverpastplusprior toregardingroundsavesincethanthroughthroughouttilltimestotowardunderunderneathuntilupuponwithwith regards towithinwithout2

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012Exercises1. Time prepositions and adverbs: At the travel agency (L’anglais est un jeu, L.Rico et C.Groud)2. Place prepositions: Once upon a time in space (L’anglais est un jeu, L.Rico et C. Groud)3. Mixed prepositions (English Grammar exercises, A. Boudry)4. Fill in the gaps (English Grammar exercises, A. Boudry)5. Prepositions after particular words and expressions (Vocabulaire anglais, A. Boudry)6. Describing a room ( and all the following: Test your prepositions, P. Watcyn-Jones and J. Allsop)7. Time expressions8. Joke time9. Verb groups10. Noun groups11. Adjective groups12. Sentence transformation13. Adverbs + preposition pairs14. Similar, but different (MCQ)15. Proverbs and sayings16. The perfect woman17. Idioms18. Cartoon time3

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 20121. At the travel agency : fill in the gaps with a preposition and put the letters in bold in the correctorder to make adverbs.at (4x) during to for under in (5x) by next on- Good morning, young man. I want to book a ticket to Paris.- Good morning, madam. Yes, when would you like to travel?- I want to go away ________ week, as noso _____ as possible actually.- How long do you want to stay?- ______a month.- OK. You can take off _______ Monday _____ 10 am. You will arrive in Paris ______ 11 am.- Marvellous! I love Paris ______ June!- Oh, I’m sorry, but we are ______ December, you couldn’t be in Paris ____ June if you decided to go won________!- Oh! I’m disappointed! It’s cold ______ December, isn’t it?- Yes, I’m afraid it is. We are ____ winter!- And with the jet lag- There is no jet lag ______ France!- Oh! And in case of hijacking!- Take the Eurostar then! The train- Oh yes! I have taken the train frobee ________, ocne _______!- neyclert ___________?- No, sixty years ago. For my wedding! I got married ______ twenty. I went to Twickenham with Albert. Itwas such a nice trip! But it was so long.- Oh, I see. You know, adwayson ___________, the trip to Paris lasts 3 hours.- Am I taking a train or a plane?- You take the tunnel under the Channel.- Are you kidding me on? I can’t do that!- Take a ferry boat then!- Well, that’s a good idea. I prefer to be ______ the water rather than _______. Can I see the picture of theship captain, I want an old one.- But you can’t choose a trip according ______ the captain’s looks! You’ll see him alter _______ _____ theferry. Do you want to travel ______ night? You’ll take the boat and you’ll arrive ______ the following day.- I don’t want to be seasick _______ my trip. It’s so difficult to choose4

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012- And what about a trip _____ Twickenham again? _______ bus? So you can remember the good olddays? After all2. Once upon a time in space: fill in the gaps with a preposition.Above behind close to from in (3x) in the middle of insideinto (2x) on (2x) through to (2x) underSomewhere over the rainbow, October 12 th 2015My name is Speak. I was born ____ England, in 1965. I’m the captain of this spaceship. I’ve been lost____ space for two weeks. I want to tell you my story before dying. I don’t think we can go back ____the Earth station. We are going nowhere, I’m afraid.Perhaps, I should have learnt to navigate before accepting this mission. But it’s too late now. We arecoming ___ the Moon but we were supposed to go ____ Mars.Everything started three weeks ago. We were ____ a meteorite storm. My second commandant keptsaying: “Be careful ___ your left, a meteor your left I said your left! your left!! The other side!...Quick!... Oh my God!” By criticizing me, he embarrassed me a lot and I lost my confidence. He hadsome difficulty in understanding me.“Could you shut up while going _____ the meteorite field!” Navigating with poor visibility on a busycelestial road may be dangerous. I want you to keep cool. You can sing if you want to since I forgot myradio”, I said. He insisted on taking the controls. He did not like my navigating. I was so irritated that Isat ____ him, I just wanted to see his back. I pretended not to care about this trip. You can’t trustsomeone who puts sweets ____ his ears. “Do you mind me having a cigarette? –A cigarette? Are youcrazy? Smoking is strictly forbidden!”I put an ashtray ___ the table, ___ my football magazine. I lit my cigarette. Soon, it started to raininside, because the smoke alarm ___ our heads set off the sprinklers. We started to run around. Weneeded to stop that. I pressed a button and we heard: “Mind the door, you have started the automaticdoor opening system. Are you sure you want to go outside?”On hearing the startling announcement, my second in command fainted. I screamed “Oh God!” and Iheard: “Door opening impossible. Chewing-gum ___ the opening system.” We were almost saved, but Iforgot the meteorites and before I could do anything, we crashed! Since then, we have been stuck ____a meteorite. I can’t operate the vessel anymore. The meteorite is now in control of our movements. Ihave got used to going where it wants. My second in command went ____ a coma. I put him ___ thetable. We have nothing left to eat, there is only one tin of corned beef left. I want the world to know whathappened. I can’t stop thinking about my future fame.5

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 20123. Mixed prepositions: select the suitable preposition.IN or INTO?a. This small weed will grow a large tree.b. Many rare plants grow his garden.c. All the villagers danced a circle round the May-pole.d. Intense cold turns water ice.e. He dug the ground for an imaginary treasure.FROM or OUT OF?a. Having lost my key, I found myself locked my own house.b. He lives miles away our village.c. A last ray of sun came behind the clouds.d. He is work at present, and can find nobody willing to employ him.e. The little child ran her nurse’s arms into her mother’s.AT or TO?a. The dog was barking furiously the boy who had been teasing it.b. I shall be home all day tomorrow.c. We shall take our friend a play, as she loves the theatre.d. They arrived the concert very late.e. The wounded rabbit hopped back its burrow.ON, OVER or ABOVE?a. She was standing the bridge, looking the parapet into the water.b. The moon was rising the dark line of the trees.c. The branches of the oak, stretching our heads, gave us a pleasant shade.d. The had dinner at a nice restaurant the lake.e. She is fourteen, as her birthday was two months ago, the second of July.ACROSS or THROUGH?a. He passed his handkerchief his brow.b. We succeeded in elbowing our way the crowd.c. The explorer made his way back to the camp, many dangers.d. The startled hen was running for its life the road.e. The train was running a thick wood.PAST, BY or ALONG?a. Jack was walking my side, a busy street, when we chanced to goa confectioner’s where we had to stop.b. If you go the river, the old bridge, you will soon come to a house that standsthe riverbank.c. He passed us without seeing us.6

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012d. Come with me and we shall take a long walk!e. The streetlamps made spots of light all the Embankment.4. Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition.1. Our teacher is always considerate our feelings.2. I don't want to interfere your plans.3. James studied Latin instead Greek.4. When did Gloria arrive New York?5. When did your friends arrive the airport?6. Will they cooperate us that matter?7. That kind of invitation is not suitable a wedding.8. I am glad I am not your place.9. Please listen me when I speak you important matters.10. When did Rachel get back her trip?Il. Those books belonga friend of mine.12. Are they ready the examination?13. Don't worry that matter.14. The road was full rocks.15. I am quite fond dancing, but I am doubtful my ability.16. Thomas is very excited his new car.17. Arthur is working an essay right now.18. Didn't you get tired hearing him boast his physical prowess?19. We were prevented attending the party.20. Don't hurry; I’ll wait you.21. You have been absent the last two meetings.22. We borrowed some money Jane yesterday.23. I am very sorry my mistake.24. We feel very sorry that old man.25. You had better not insist going.26. We take a great interest school affairs.27. Why did you lend money that unreliable person?28. She is angry John Brown his impolite behaviour.29. Elizabeth has spoken taking a trip to Jamaica.30. Are you looking forward taking a vacation?31. The ship finally came sight.32. Paul wasn't very sure his answers.33. We complained the poor service.34. That young girl is afraid being alone in the dark.35. Aren't you accustomed that yet?36. I certainly don't agree you that subject.37. Those people are always a hurry.38. Don't argue him money. It's useless!39. That author is famous his Civil War novels.40. The police are suspicious that strange man.41. Robert always depends his brother assistance.42. Have you decided a way to do it yet?7

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 20125. Prepositions after particular words and expressions.Fill in the text with the following prepositions.ALONG - OVER - UNTIL - TO - lN - BESIDE - AT - AWAY - FOR - OUTSIDE - TILL - UP - OF - PAST - OUT -AFTER - ON - / - / - BACK – DOWNThe young Greek, Michaelis, who ran the coffee joint 1) the ashheaps was theprincipal witness 2) the inquest. He had slept through the heat 3) after five,when he stroiled 4) 5) the garage, and found George Wilson sick 6)his office - really sick, pale as his own hair and shaking ail 7)Michaelis advised him togo 8) bed, but Wilson refused, saying that he'd miss a lot 9) business if he did.While his neighbour was trying to persuade him a violent racket broke 10) overhead.“I've got my wife locked 11) 12) there,” explained Wilson calmly. “She's going to stay there13) the day 14) tomorrow, and then we're going to move away.”Michaelis was astonished; they had been neighbours 15)four years, and Wilson had neverseemed faintly capable of such a statement. Generally he was one of these worn-out men: when hewasn't working, he sat 16) a chair 17) the doorway and stared 18) the peopleand the cars that passed 19)the road. When anyone spoke 20) him he invariably laughed21) an agreeable, colourless way. He was his wife's man and not his own.So naturally Michaelis tried to find 22) what had happened, but Wilson wouldn't say a word -instead he began to throw curious, suspicious glances 23) his visitor and ask 24)him what he'd been doing 25) certain times 26) certain days. Just as the latter wasgetting uneasy, some workmen came 27) the door bound 28) his restaurant, andMichaelis took the opportunity to get 29) intending to come 30) later. But hedidn't, he supposed he forgot 31) , that's all. When he came 32) again, a littleafter seven, he was reminded 33)the conversation because he heard Mrs Wilson's voice,loud and scolding, downstairs in the garage.“Beat me!” he heard her cry. “Throw me 34)Cross out the wrong preposition.and beat me, you dirty little coward!”Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, pp.129 - 130.1. ability in / at .2. to agree on / about (matter for decision)3. to allude to / at4. to be angry against / with5. to arrive in / at Great Britain6. to be astonished at / with7. to be bad at / in8. to care about / for chocolate9. to be clever at / in10. to congratulate s.o. on / forIl. covered with / by snow12. to depend on / of13. to be ill with / of.14. to be kind with / to s.o.15. to get married with / to s.o.16. to recover from / of17. rude with / to18. responsible of / for19. to shiver from / with20. to suffer from / ofComplete.1. A play Shakespeare.2. We live the river.3. his earliest childhood.4. To go a walk.5. To write pencil.6. To be the radio.7. Geneva Airport.8. We walked the rain.8

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 20129. my opinion.10. three four.6. Describing a room11. a funny hat.12. Christmas.AboveBehindBelowBetweenInIn front ofNext toOnOppositeTo the left ofTo the right ofUnder1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.9

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 20127. Time expressionsReplace the underlined words with a time expression using the words in brackets + a preposition.at (2x) before for (2x) from in (6x) out of to withouta. You’ll have to make your own bed from now on (future): you’ll have to make your own bed in future.b. Most of her clothes are no longer fashionable (date):c. You really make me angry occasionally (times):d. Your aunt Kate is using the spare bedroom now (moment):e. Now and then (time to time) we like to spend a weekend in the mountains:f. We’ll be in the UK, but only briefly (long):g. Nobody wanted to buy my car, so finally (end) I had to give it away:h. Please complete the rest of your assignment right away (delay):i. Please be very quiet. There is an examination going on (progress):j. I hope to see you next month. Until then, (meantime) best of luck with your driving:k. Wendy said that she would like to dance and immediately (no time) there were twenty young menoffering to dance with her:l. Our daughter left home three years ago, and we don’t know even now (this day) what happened toher:m. I hope to see you all again soon (long):8. Joke timeComplete the following jokes by filling in the missing prepositions.Teacher: Where are you ______? Student: Germany. Teacher: Which part? Student: All of me.An old lady went ______ the optician’s and said: “I need a new pair of glasses.” The optician replied: “Iknew that as soon as you walked ______ the window.”Patient: Doctor! Doctor! I think I’m a dog. Doctor: Sit down, please. Patient: I can’t. I’m not allowed______ the furniture.What’s the best way to remove paint _______ a chair? Sit down ______ it before it’s dry.Husband: I throw myself ______ everything I do.Wife: Go and dig a large hole then.Girl: You remind me ______ the sea. Boy: Because I’m so wild and romantic? Girl: No, because you makeme sick.Bulldog _______ sale. Will eat anything. Very fond _____ children.I’ve always believed _____ love _____ first sight – ever since I looked _____ a mirror.10

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012What’s the definition _______ “minimum”? A very small mother.11

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 20129. Verb groupsPlace each of the following verbs under a suitable preposition (5 under each). Then see if you can makesentences using each verb + preposition.AbstainAppealApplyApproveBelieveCompensateConcentrateConsistCopeDecreaseDisposeDreamEnrolExpelFleeLongMarvelObjectPointQuarrelTakeadvantageTreadVoteWinkBenefitDedicateGlanceRelyCaterDelightHintRespondCoincideDepartIndulgeSubscribeCollaborateDependInvestSympathizeat for from in of on to withglanceMatch each verb + preposition on the left with an object on the right.1. Enrol on a. miracles2. Believe in b. an oncoming vehicle3. Translate into c. an April Fool trick4. Fall behind with d. your knowledge of statistics5. Brush up on e. a course at the English institute6. Come into f. the chance to interview the President7. Book into g. a heavy shower of rain8. Inoculate against h. the best hotel in town9. Jump at i. typhoid, cholera and yellow fever10. Fall for j. your credit card payments12

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 201211. Shelter from k. a fortune12. Collide with l. several foreign languagesComplete the sentences with one of the following verbs + a preposition. Use the correct form of theverb.apologize arrive belong complain correspond die distinguish experimentfill hear knock lose pray rhyme suffer votea. Did you ______________________ Tom and Sally? They’ve decided to emigrate to New Zealand.b. It was almost midnight when we __________________________ the station.c. Do you know who this book ________________________?d. I _________________ taking so long to reply to your letter.e. Could you ___________________ this form, please?f. If you don’t agree with the proposal, you can always _____________________ it at the meeting.g. Some people find it difficult to __________________ and American accent and a Canadian accent.h. He _____________________ the manager about the poor service at the restaurant.i. Would you say that the British House of Lords ___________________ the American Senate?j. I think there’s someone _______________________ the door.k. Can you think of a word that _________________ “sing”? Yes, “bring”.l. Do you think scientists should be allowed to ______________________ animals?m. The priest said he would ______________________ us.n. For years, her husband had _____________________ migraines.o. I don’t know why, but I really hate __________________ cards. It puts me in a bad mood all day.p. Although he had survived the battle, the soldier later __________________ his wounds.13

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 201210. Noun groupsFill in the columns by placing the following nouns under a suitable preposition (4 under each). Then see ifyou can make up a sentence for each of these prepositional phrases.A momentFirstLeastSaleAccidentFutureLunchSalvador DaliDawnHeartNameScheduleFactHolidayPrivateStrikeat by in onfirstMatch the phrases in the two columns. Note which preposition is used with each noun.1. She is undergoing treatment a. in wildlife2. A bright student with an aptitude b. of the theatre manager3. Congratulations c. into the causes of ageing4. Scientists conduct research d. for spaghetti carbonara5. He has fallen in love e. for learning foreign languages6. The Princess is heir f. on your arms and shoulders7. Coffee drinkers have a choice g. for a serious illness8. Free tickets with the compliments h. to the Dutch throne9. Kenya is a country rich i. with the girl next door10. It is time for the children to pay a visit j. on your wedding anniversary11. The Italian chef gave me a recipe k. to their grandparents12. Working constantly at a computer puts a strain l. between black and white14

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.a. Congratulations ________ your thirty-fifth birthday!b. With reference _____ your advertisement in today’s Guardian, I wish to apply ____ the position ofSales Manager.c. We have a good working relationship _________ the local authority.d. Do you take pride ______ your appearance, or are you just vain?e. John’s got very strange taste ______ clothes, hasn’t he?f. Football fans showed their disapproval _____ the referee’s decision by booing loudly.g. Please give my regards _____ your mother when you see her.h. In a surprising departure ______ tradition, the Queen rode to the Parliament on a bicycle.Complete the sentences with one of the following nouns + a preposition.Basis campaign choice control cruelty excuse fall freedomGenius anger knowledge objection opposite strain problema. What is the opposite of “timid”? Is it “bold” or “brave”?b. The _______________________ chewing gum is that it loses its flavour too quickly.c. If you had a ___________________ marrying for love or marrying for money, which would you do?d. I know you have a clod, but that’s no __________________ not doing your homework.e. If you have to deal with overseas clients, a _______________ foreign language is very useful.f. Do you have any ____________________ my parking my car in front of your house?g. Since the salmonella scare there has been a considerable ____________________ theconsumption of eggs.h. Perhaps the three most important human rights are ____________________ hunger, fear andpersecution.i. Einstein hated school and often missed classes, but he was a real ________________mathematics.j. In the dispute between the union and the management, new proposals have been put forward whichshould at leas provide a ___________________ discussion.k. In our class, we can do as we like; our teacher has no ___________________ us at all.l. The RSPCA is the Royal Society for the Prevention of ______________________ Animals.m. Overweight people should not job because it puts a great _________________ their hearts.n. The African elephant will be extinct within twenty years if an international __________________ivory trade is not started immediately.15

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012o. Vandalising public property is the only way some youngsters can express their ________________society.11. Adjective groupsFill in the columns by placing the following adjectives under a suitable preposition (4 under each). Then seeif you can make sentences containing each of the adjectival phrases.AccordingFamousJealousPopularShortAccustomedFriendlyLateQuickSimilarAnnoyedHandOpposedReadySurprisedAwareHopelessPleasedRegardlessValuedat of for to withhopelessMatch each phrase on the left with a phrase on the right and put in the missing adjective. Choose from thefollowing.accompanied accustomed blind convenient due hopelesskeen late nervous opposed pleased regardless rich suspiciousa. She’s a farmer’s daughter, so she is _ 1. for the motorway.b. Harry’s so slow, he’ll even be _ 2. of strangers.c. This car has high mileage and is _ 3. to working with animals.d. She didn’t like the jacket but she was _ 4. of gender, age or ethnic origin.e. I don’t like rap music, but I am _ 5. with the skirt.f. The examination wasn’t difficult, but I’m _ 6. to his weaknesses.g. She’s good at languages, but _ 7. about the results.h. I’m in favour of fishing, but _ 8. by an adult.i. The job is open to all, _ 9. on salsa.j. The house is outside town, but is _ 10. for his own funeral!k. He lives alone in a remote village, so is _ 11. in other minerals.l. No children are admitted unless _ 12. to hunting.m. It’s a country without much oil, but _ 13. for a service.16

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012n. He knows his good points, but he’s _ 14. at maths and science.Complete the sentences below with one of the following adjectives + preposition.allergic deep distracted envious exempt fortunatequick sensitive suited sympathetic unawarea. Although they said they were ___________________________ our cause, they were not preparedto support us officially.b. Sarah was very _______________________ figures, so she eventually became a successfulaccountant.c. I am _____________________ anyone who can play the piano really well.d. Most people are ______________________ the difference between Eskimo and Inuit.e. Some plants are so ___________________ pollution that they can only survive in a perfectly cleanenvironment.f. Newton, the discoverer of gravity, was so __________________________ thought one morningthat his housekeeper found him holding an egg in his hand, having dropped his watch into theboiling water.g. The flat wasn’t very big, but is was perfectly ______________________ our needs.h. Candidates with university degrees are _____________________ parts I and II of the examination.i. Charles is disabled, so he is _______________________ having a wife who is also a trained nurse.j. I don’t like open-plan offices. I am too easily _________________________ other people’s phones.k. I am _________________ animal fur, so I avoid visiting friends who have cats or dogs in the house.17

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 201212. Sentence transformationUse the noun or verb in brackets + a preposition to write a new sentence: I can recite Wordsworth’s “Prelude” without looking atthe book (memory): I can recite Wordsworth’s “Prelude” from memory.a. She spent the evening alone (herself):b. They got married without telling anyone (secret):c. I lent my cousin 5£ (to borrow):d. What do the letters EU mean? (to stand):e. I don’t feel like going out tonight (mood):f. We have decided to stay here permanently (good):g. I accidentally pressed the “eject” button (mistake):h. My best friend is someone I can really trust (confidence):i. Do you want a drink? (to care):j. The way to get the best out of me is to make me work very hard (pressure):k. My grandfather died when he was 96 (age):l. Many filmmakers were influenced by the film Citizen Kane (impact):m. I have the same name as my grandmother (to name):n. I like the idea of a universal language (to appeal):o. Henry really knew how to make people laugh (talent):p. This rule is always true (exceptions):q. Who’s taking care of the children? (to look):r. Emma knows a great deal about organic farming (expert):s. Are you and Jennifer related? (relative):t. I don’t usually give lifts to hitch-hikers (habit):u. My bank manager and I get on together very well (good terms):v. My dog really likes you (to take):w. I will not abandon you John (to stick):x. Pay no attention to what he says (notice):y. She decided to treat herself to a large box of chocolate (to indulge):18

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012z. Some people are opposed to women with small children going out to work (to agree):13. Adverbs + preposition pairsComplete each of the sentences using one of these adverbs + preposition pairs.Around for around to away for away with back on behind with down todown with in for in with on at out of over to up on up to up witha. If you go into the park alone, watch ____________ pickpockets.b. If you can’t do the job, why don’t you hand it _______________ someone else?c. I’ve had so many other things to do lately that I’ve fallen _______________ my studies. Never mind,I’ll soon catch up.d. I’ve been looking ___________________ somewhere to live, but I haven’t found anything suitableyet.e. When the sky is red in the morning, it means we are _________________ some bad weather.f. Is Pat ill again? He’s forever going ___________________ some illness or other!g. Just because I kissed you last night, don’t run ____________ the idea that I’m serious about you.h. When are you going to mend that broken window? Don’t worry, I’ll get ________________ itone of these days.i. I didn’t bring any money with me. If you pay for the meal, I’ll settle _______________ you later.j. If you’re going to apply for that interpreter job, you’d better brush _____________ your French andGerman.k. When shall we meet for lunch? Well, I’m free anytime, so I’ll fit ______________ your plans.l. He thinks he’s superior to everyone else. That’s why he always talks _______________ people.m. My sister was very disappointed when she went to see the Backstreet Boys in concert. She said thegroup failed to live ___________ her expectations.n. My parents nag me constantly. They keep ________ me to smarten myself up and get a proper job.o. When money is short, you have to think about cutting ___________ luxuries.p. Did you get this booklet from a bookshop? No, I had to write ______________ it.19

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 201214. Similar, but differentChoose the only suitable preposition for each sentence.a. I always keep a dictionary _ hand in case I come across a word I don’t know.1) by 2) to 3) out ofb. The technicians have checked the sound equipment and report that everything is _ order.1) on 2) by 3) inc. I tried to find someone to type up my essay for me, but _ the end I had to do it myself.1) in 2) by 3) tod. I’ve found a great newsgroup devoted to ice hockey! I came across it _ chance when I was surfing theWeb the other night.1) from 2) out of 3) bye. Have you seen this morning’s paper? There’s a big picture of you _ the front page!1) at 2) on 3) inf. I’ve taken this watch _ pieces, and now I can’t put it together again.1) into 2) to 3) ing. I never met Joe Louis, but he was a great boxer_.1) by all accounts 2) on account 3) in the accounth. There is nothing illegal about my business dealings. Everything is strictly _ board.1) on 2) above 3) by thei. The red light goes on outside the studio door to let people know that you are _ air.1) on the 2) in the 3) through thej. I forgot to pack any food so we’ll get something to eat _ the way back.1) in 2) on 3) over20

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 201215. Proverbs and sayingsComplete the common sayings and proverbs below. Choose from the following prepositions (some of themare used more than once).Against before between from in into onout of over up with withouta. A bird _____ the hand is worth two _____the bush.b. It’s like banging our head _____ a brickwall.c. _____ the devil and the deep blue sea.d. To have a card _____ your sleeve.e. To have several irons _____ the fire.f. An iron fist ____ a velvet glove.g. It’s no use crying ____ spilt milk.h. To keep the wolf ____ the door.i. To kill two birds _____ one stone.j. To make a mountain ____ a molehill.k. ____ sight, ____ mind.l. ____ the frying pan and ____ the fire.m. To put the cart ____ the horse.n. The grass is always greener ____ theother side.o. There’s no smoke ____ fire.Now match the expressions you have made with the meanings below.To take advantage of one action to achieve something else as well.To be surrounded by problems with no escape.There must be some truth in even the most unlikely rumour.This describes someone who is much tougher or stricter than theyappear to be on the surface.You can only be sure of what you have at the moment; you cannotbe sure of something which you might get in the future.To exaggerate or make a big fuss over something which is not serious.To do things in the wrong order.In negotiations, to have something in reserve that you have not yetrevealed.To just manage to earn enough to live on.To express the idea that all your efforts are getting you nowhere.An expression which describes the way you no sooner get out of onedifficulty than you find yourself in another that is just as bad or worse.An expression which describes our tendency to believe that life wouldbe better for us somewhere else.An expression which describes how easily we forget people as soon aswe are no longer with them.To have a number of different interests.__________________________________________21

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 2012This proverb advises you not to waste time regretting things which youcannot change.___16. The perfect womanThis is a short story where all the lines are mixed up. We have given you the first and last line. Put the restin the correct order.22

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 201217. IdiomsEach sentence contains an idiom which uses a prepositional phrase. Complete the sentences below withone of the following prepositions. You will need to use some more than once.At by from in into on out of under up toa. She’s very busy at the moment; she’s up to her eyeballs in work.b. The police arrived just in time; they came _______ the eleventh hour.c. He’ll never pass the exam -- not _______ a month of Sundays.d. The goods were not sold openly but were available ______ the counter.e. She never once needed to consult the instructions, she had all the information ____ her fingertips.f. Since he has won Wimbledon, everyone wants to interview him. He’s ____ great demand.g. The boss didn’t tell Kevin off for coming late. He must be _____ her good books.h. He’s almost dying; I’m afraid he’s ____ last leg.i. There’s nothing else she can do now – the matter is completely ____ her hands.j. I know everything I need to know about Roman Britain. I know the subject ____ A to Z.k. She rarely goes to the cinema – just once _____ a blue moon.l. They had very little money but they survived. They lived ____ a shoestring.m. He hasn’t won yet – not ____ a long shot.n. People arrived slowly, two or three at a time. They arrived ______ dribs and drabs.o. Stop wasting time! Get to my office ______ the double!p. I hate spiders. I break ______ a cold sweat just thinking about them.23

Prepositions Gymnase du Bugnon CD 201218. Cartoon timeMatch the captions to the cartoons, adding the missing prepositions.24