Learning a new language is an exciting journey, and mastering the intricacies of grammar can be one of the more challenging yet rewarding aspects. One of the areas that often confuses learners is the use of prepositions with certain adjectives. In English, many adjectives are followed by specific prepositions to convey precise meanings. Understanding these combinations is crucial for fluency and accuracy. This article delves into the common adjectives that are often paired with particular prepositions, providing examples and explanations to help you grasp their usage.
Common Adjective + Preposition Combinations
Afraid of
The adjective “afraid” is commonly followed by the preposition “of.” This combination is used to express fear or apprehension toward something.
– Example: She is afraid of spiders.
– Explanation: In this sentence, “of” links the adjective “afraid” to what she fears, which is spiders.
Good at
When describing someone’s competence or skill in a particular activity, the adjective “good” is paired with the preposition “at.”
– Example: He is good at playing the guitar.
– Explanation: The preposition “at” connects “good” to the activity in which he excels.
Interested in
The adjective “interested” is often followed by “in” to indicate curiosity or engagement with a subject or activity.
– Example: She is interested in learning new languages.
– Explanation: “In” links the adjective “interested” to the activity she finds engaging.
Famous for
“Famous” is usually followed by “for” to specify the reason for someone’s or something’s fame.
– Example: The city is famous for its historical landmarks.
– Explanation: The preposition “for” connects “famous” to the reason why the city is well-known.
Responsible for
When indicating accountability, “responsible” is paired with the preposition “for.”
– Example: He is responsible for overseeing the project.
– Explanation: “For” links the adjective “responsible” to what he is accountable for.
Worried about
The adjective “worried” is often followed by “about” to indicate concern or anxiety regarding something.
– Example: She is worried about her upcoming exams.
– Explanation: The preposition “about” connects “worried” to the source of her anxiety.
Adjectives of Emotion
Happy with
“Happy” is commonly followed by “with” when expressing satisfaction or contentment regarding something.
– Example: They are happy with their new home.
– Explanation: “With” links “happy” to the source of their contentment.
Angry at/with
The adjective “angry” can be followed by both “at” and “with,” though they are used slightly differently. “Angry at” is often used for situations, while “angry with” is used for people.
– Example: She is angry at the traffic.
– Example: He is angry with his colleague.
– Explanation: “At” connects “angry” to a situation or event, while “with” links it to a person.
Excited about
“Excited” is typically followed by “about” to express enthusiasm or eager anticipation.
– Example: The children are excited about their upcoming trip.
– Explanation: “About” connects “excited” to the event causing the enthusiasm.
Surprised by/at
“Surprised” can be followed by both “by” and “at,” often interchangeably, to indicate astonishment or amazement.
– Example: She was surprised by the unexpected gift.
– Example: He was surprised at the news.
– Explanation: Both “by” and “at” connect “surprised” to the source of astonishment.
Adjectives of Opinion and Judgment
Proud of
“Proud” is followed by “of” when expressing pride in someone or something.
– Example: They are proud of their achievements.
– Explanation: “Of” links “proud” to the source of pride.
Ashamed of
“Ashamed” is paired with “of” to indicate embarrassment or guilt about something.
– Example: He is ashamed of his behavior.
– Explanation: “Of” connects “ashamed” to the source of embarrassment.
Jealous of
“Jealous” is followed by “of” to express envy or resentment toward someone or something.
– Example: She is jealous of her friend’s success.
– Explanation: “Of” links “jealous” to the object of envy.
Critical of
“Critical” is paired with “of” when expressing disapproval or judgment.
– Example: The teacher is critical of the student’s performance.
– Explanation: “Of” connects “critical” to the object of disapproval.
Tolerant of
“Tolerant” is followed by “of” to indicate acceptance or patience toward something or someone.
– Example: He is tolerant of different viewpoints.
– Explanation: “Of” links “tolerant” to what is being accepted.
Adjectives of Relationship and Connection
Married to
“Married” is followed by “to” when indicating the person someone is married to.
– Example: She is married to a doctor.
– Explanation: “To” connects “married” to the person who is the spouse.
Engaged to
“Engaged” is also followed by “to” to indicate the person someone is engaged to.
– Example: He is engaged to his high school sweetheart.
– Explanation: “To” links “engaged” to the person who is the fiancรฉ.
Related to
“Related” is followed by “to” when indicating a familial or logical connection.
– Example: She is related to him by marriage.
– Explanation: “To” connects “related” to the person who shares the connection.
Similar to
“Similar” is paired with “to” when indicating likeness or resemblance.
– Example: This painting is similar to that one.
– Explanation: “To” links “similar” to what the painting resembles.
Adjectives of Cause and Effect
Known for
“Known” is typically followed by “for” to indicate the reason someone or something is known.
– Example: The restaurant is known for its delicious pasta.
– Explanation: “For” connects “known” to the reason for the recognition.
Famous for
Similar to “known for,” “famous” is followed by “for” to specify the reason for fame.
– Example: The actor is famous for his versatile roles.
– Explanation: “For” links “famous” to what makes the actor well-known.
Responsible for
“Responsible” is paired with “for” to indicate what someone is accountable for.
– Example: She is responsible for organizing the event.
– Explanation: “For” connects “responsible” to the duty or task.
Late for
“Late” is followed by “for” when indicating tardiness in relation to something.
– Example: He was late for the meeting.
– Explanation: “For” links “late” to the event or appointment.
Ready for
“Ready” is paired with “for” to indicate preparedness for something.
– Example: She is ready for the exam.
– Explanation: “For” connects “ready” to what one is prepared for.
Adjectives of Ability and Possibility
Capable of
“Capable” is followed by “of” to indicate the ability to do something.
– Example: He is capable of solving complex problems.
– Explanation: “Of” links “capable” to the action one can perform.
Good at
“Good” is paired with “at” when indicating proficiency or skill in an activity.
– Example: She is good at mathematics.
– Explanation: “At” connects “good” to the activity or subject.
Bad at
Conversely, “bad” is followed by “at” to indicate a lack of skill or proficiency.
– Example: He is bad at cooking.
– Explanation: “At” links “bad” to the activity where one lacks skill.
Adjectives of Difficulty and Ease
Hard on
“Hard” is followed by “on” when indicating a negative impact or difficulty.
– Example: The criticism was hard on him.
– Explanation: “On” connects “hard” to the person affected by the difficulty.
Easy on
“Easy” is paired with “on” to indicate leniency or a lesser impact.
– Example: Go easy on the sauce.
– Explanation: “On” links “easy” to what should be handled with care or moderation.
Tough on
“Tough” is followed by “on” to indicate strictness or harshness.
– Example: The new policy is tough on employees.
– Explanation: “On” connects “tough” to those affected by the strictness.
Adjectives of Frequency and Time
Accustomed to
“Accustomed” is followed by “to” when indicating familiarity or habituation to something.
– Example: She is accustomed to waking up early.
– Explanation: “To” links “accustomed” to what one is used to.
Used to
Similar to “accustomed to,” “used to” is followed by “to” to indicate familiarity.
– Example: He is used to the cold weather.
– Explanation: “To” connects “used” to what one is familiar with.
Late for
“Late” is followed by “for” to indicate tardiness.
– Example: She was late for the appointment.
– Explanation: “For” links “late” to the event or activity.
Adjectives of Measurement and Comparison
Full of
“Full” is followed by “of” to indicate that something is filled with a particular substance or quality.
– Example: The jar is full of cookies.
– Explanation: “Of” connects “full” to what the jar contains.
Short of
“Short” is paired with “of” to indicate a deficiency or lack.
– Example: We are short of time.
– Explanation: “Of” links “short” to what is lacking.
Different from
“Different” is followed by “from” when indicating distinction or dissimilarity.
– Example: This book is different from the other one.
– Explanation: “From” connects “different” to what is being compared.
Adjectives of Preference and Inclination
Keen on
“Keen” is followed by “on” when indicating enthusiasm or strong interest.
– Example: She is keen on hiking.
– Explanation: “On” links “keen” to the activity or interest.
Fond of
“Fond” is followed by “of” to indicate affection or liking.
– Example: He is fond of classical music.
– Explanation: “Of” connects “fond” to what one likes or enjoys.
Interested in
“Interested” is paired with “in” to indicate curiosity or engagement.
– Example: They are interested in astronomy.
– Explanation: “In” links “interested” to the subject or activity.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of prepositions with certain adjectives is a crucial aspect of achieving fluency in English. These combinations are not always intuitive, and they often need to be memorized and practiced through exposure and usage. By familiarizing yourself with common adjective-preposition pairs and understanding their contexts, you can significantly improve your grammatical accuracy and expressive capability. Keep practicing, and soon these combinations will become a natural part of your language repertoire. Happy learning!
