PREPOSITION

CORRECT USE OF PREPOSITIONS

1. The players agreed to abide_________ the referee's decision
(a) with (b) by (c) in (d) into

2. Modern industry abounds____ opportunities for young people with good scientific
qualifications.
(a) in (b) for (c) into (d) with

3. A junior cashier has absconded ________ten thousand rupees.

(a) in (b) for (c) to (d) with

4. The children were so absorbed_______ their game that they did not notice the passage of time.
(a) into (b) for (c) in (d) with

5. He was abstained__________ salted food by the doctor.

(a) from (b) for (c) in (d) to

6. The committee regrets that it cannot accede_______ your request for a month's unpaid leave.
(a) for (b) to (c) in (d) with

7. My information does not accord______ the report which has just been presented.
(a) to (b) in (c) with (d) from

8. I have been accused______ many things in my life, but never of cowardice.

(a) for (b) of (c) with (d) in

9. You will soon get accustomed_______ the change of climate.

(a) to (b) for (c) in (d) with

10. The new teacher was very slow to adapt________ the unusual rules of the school.
(a) in (b) for (c) into (d) to

11. He became addicted_______ drugs at quite an early age.

(a) for (b) into (c) to (d) in

12. This point will adhere_______ any surface, whether rough or smooth.
(a) to (b) in (c) with (d) for

13. It is awful to be afflicted_________ a sense of inferiority.

(a) for (b) with (c) in (d) to

14. The debate adjourned_______ the following week.

(a) with (b) for (c) into (d) to

15. This college is affiliated_______ the Punjab University.

(a) to (b) in (c) for (d) with

1
 PREPOSITION

16. Whether I pay or my wife pays amounts______ the same thing.

(a) to (b) in (c) into (d) for

17. The condemned man appealed_______ the court of mercy.

(a) in (b) into (c) with (d) to

18. Several committee members had not been apprised__________ the contents of the
documents.
(a) with (b) of (c) into (d) for

19. I certainly do not approved______ you riding your motorbike over the speed limit.
(a) in (b) with (c) of (d) for

20. The success of the project can be ascribed__ to the dogged efforts of ordinary members of
the team.
(a) to (b) in (c) for (d) with

21. My father will never assent_____ my spending a holiday abroad before I am16.
(a) for (b) to (c) with (d) in

22. The defence of the oil installation had been assigned_____ my regiment.
(a) to (b) with (c) into (d) in

23. In less than sixty years of refugees from India had become fully assimilated______ the local
community.
(a) with (b) into (c) in (d) to

24. His mind is well attuned_______ mine.

(a) to (b) for (c) into (d) in

25. This record enables me to balance______ the facts of my life and decide what to do with it.
(a) up (b) in (c) with (d) upto

26. Realizing he could do nothing to save his aircraft, the pilot bailed_______.
(a) out (b) in (c) for (d) with

27. We did not exactly bargain______ him turning up like that, out of the blue.
(a) with (b) for (c) in (d) from

28. They had few essential supplies to begin______, so they had to improvise.
(a) with (b) to (c) in (d) from

29. Play was called ______due to bad light.

(a) with (b) off (c) by (d) for

30. In their anxiety, prisoners would often blurt______ pieces of vital information.
(a) out (b) in (c) from (d) up

2
 PREPOSITION

31. She shows the strain of bottled____ emotion.

(a) up (b) in (c) from (d) upto

32. He decided to break_____ from the party and seek re-election as an independent.
(a) with (b) away (c) up (d) in

33. There has been a complete break ____ of law and order.
(a) up (b) off (c) down (d) of

34. The plague broke______ in London that summer and hundred died.
(a) out (b) down (c) up (d) in

35. There has been an exciting new techno-logical break_______.

(a) through (b) down (c) in (d) for

36. Three minutes could bring________ this transformation.

(a) forth (b) about (c) into (d) with

37. I think we are agreed on the main points. Does anyone want to bring______ anything further.
(a) up (b) around (c) down (d) about

38. South Africa brushed_____ the threat of tougher economic sanctions.

(a) off (b) of (c) down (d) about

39. Jamil, who has been nervous and jumpy lately, suddenly burst_____ tears.
(a) in (b) into (c) on (d) with

40. The eagle swooped and carried________ a sleeping lizard.

(a) up (b) down (c) off (d) in

41. When one is adolescent one often gets caught up_____ one's thoughts and dreams.
(a) into (b) on (c) in (d) around

42. When Britain adopted the decimal system for its money, it changed_________ relatively
smoothly.
(a) over (b) for (c) to (d) in

43. A young officer was charged_______ the task 200 prisoners to the rear.
(a) for (b) by (c) in (d) with

44. When the man saw the police car, he cleared______ as fast as his legs could carry him.
(a) away (b) of (c) off (d) to

45. I am not saying I am useless, but machinery and modern techniques have come_______ to
make me the odd man out.
(a) about (b) around (c) in (d) round

46. I came_______ an old friend in liberty market this morning.

(a) around (b) round (c) across (d) with

3
 PREPOSITION

47. When he finally came round_______ writing the letter, he found h is feelings were easier to
express than he had expected.
(a) to (b) in (c) against (d) with

48. The modern child finds it difficult to conceive_______ a time when there was not radio or
TV.
(a) for (b) of (c) in (d) up

49. The two were found guilty of robbery, and condemned______ four years imprisonment.
(a) with (b) for (c) to (d) into

50. When everyone has been conferred______ perhaps I can give you an answer.
(a) with (b) to (c) for (d) up

51. The policemen's story conflicts_________ that of the accused.

(a) from (b) to (c) with (d) in

52. Confronted______ the evidence of half a dozen witnesses, the accused broke down and
confessed.
(a) to (b) with (c) in (d) of

53. If you want to converse_______ Japanese people, why don't you start learning Japanese?
(a) in (b) to (c) with (d) into

54. In this engine the rotary section corresponds_______ the cylinders of conventional model.
(a) to (b) with (c) in (d) on

55. You can always count __________ Zaheer for help when you are in difficulties
(a) in (b) into (c) to (d) on

56. Why are so many of us credited_______ so little intelligence and self-determination?

(a) with (b) upon (c) for (d) in

57. The truth about the human condition dawns_____ those who have the humility to recognize
their unimportance
(a) upon (b)_ in (c) with (d) into

58. They are bad people to deal__________, always late in delivery dates.
(a) in (b) with (c) into (d) upon

59. You will notice water rising in the tube; now that do you deduce_________ that?
(a) from (b) in (c) with (d) for

60. I felt I must defer________ my host's judgment.

(a) in (b) for (c) to (d) from

4
 PREPOSITION

61. He was momentarily deflected_________ this train of thought by a knock on the door.
(a) with (b) in (c) into (d) from

62. The rules were rigid in principle, sometimes departed________ in practice.

(a) upon (b) on (c) from (d) of

63. But the splendid occasion reminded him bitterly of the opportunities he had himself been
deprived______.
(a) of (b) from (c) with (d) out

64. After being cut off from the main party for two weeks they began to despair ______ rejoining
their companions.
(a) from (b) in (c) of (d) on

65. They could not be deviated______ what they believed to be their duty.
(a) for (b) with (c) from (d) to

66. As boys, we had various ways of making the history professor distress________ the subject
of the lesson.
(a) in (b) on (c) with (d) from

67. You may dislike having to depend upon him, but it will be sometime before you can
dispense______ his help altogether.
(a) with (b) in (c) to (d) from

68. The upper classes may be dispossessed______ their special powers and privileges by a slow
process of evolution.
(a) from (b) of (c) with (d) in

69. The main cylinder will have to be drained_______ before I can change the fittings.
(a) from (b) with (c) off (d) in

70. He looked causally to left and right and, when the flow of traffic had eased___, crossed the
road.
(a) off (b) from (c) of (d) in

71. The strength of the European community emanates _________ the prosperous economies of
relatively few member states.
(a) with (b) from (c) around (d) to

72. I apologize for encroaching________ your valuable time, but I should appreciate your advice
in an important matter.
(a) Upon (b) in (c) from (d) on

73. The estate was so encumbered_______ debts that it was not worth buying.
(a) with (b) in (c) from (d) into

5
 PREPOSITION

74. That a man should become so engrossed______ a pursuit that he risks his life on a mountain
needs explanation.
(a) with (b) for (c) into (d) in

75. He had become a sort of sub-editor, entrusted_______ hiring other members of staff.
(a) in (b) for (c) with (d) to

76. The young women were escorted_______ the court by their solicitor.
(a) from (b) with (c) up (d) off

77. After a lengthy inquiry, the management was exonerated______ any responsibility for the
fire that destroyed the factory.
(a) in (b) from (c) for (d) to

78. Time has expunged__________ his memory all recollections of these terrible events.
(a) from (b) with (c) in (d) out

79. Naeem neatly fended_________ a thrust at his chest.

(a) in (b) off (c) of (d) from

80. No, he cannot go, I have not finished________ him yet!

(a) with (b) in (c) from (d) to

81. Do not flinch___________ the facts!

(a) with (b) in (c) from (d) off

82. Do not rest on your success follow_________ your success and start looking for new
markets.
(a) up (b) in (c) to (d) with

83. Bandits raided the Habib Bank in Lahore this morning and got away______ over 10 million
rupees.
(a) from (b) with (c) to (d) for

84. If it is very urgent, I may be able to got hold_________ the doctor for your during the lunch
hour.
(a) of (b) in (c) off (d) from

85. It was amazing that preparations for the landing were not got wind_______ by the enemy.
(a) in (b) from (c) of (d) into

86. Raza has to get off________ people because he cannot get on with them.
(a) from (b) among (c) to (d) with

87. If the fire-station had been got on____________ at once, the hotel might have been saved.
(a) to (b) into (c) with (d) from

6
 PREPOSITION

88. He insisted that she remained in house, and got on___________ her book.
(a) to (b) with (c) from (d) in

89. I wish I could get out___________ going to the party this evening; I don't feel like standing
around making polite conversation for three hours.
(a) of (b) from (c) with (d) on

90. There were a number of linguistic problems to be got_________ in preparing the text of the
treaty.
(a) with (b) off (c) from (d) over

91. Ammunition could not be got through________ the garrison, and they were forced to
surrender.
(a) in (b) to (c) over (d) with

92. General Zia was a much more able president then he is given credit_______.
(a) in (b) for (c) to (d) with

93. All papers must be given______ before 12:30 p.m. candidates failing to observe this rule
may be disqualified.
(a) in (b) on (c) to (d) with

94. Give______ shoving! You will have me off this chair in a minute=.
(a) to (b) upon (c) on (d) out

95. The general was content to give_________ a few miles of desert and retreat to a stronger,
fortified line.
(a) up (b) in (c) on (d) out.

96. The public were warned not to grapple______ the fugitive, as he was armed and dangerous.
(a) with (b) in (c) on (d) to

97. When Farooq was offered a trip to Hong Kong by his employers he grasped______ it with
both hands.
(a) over (b) on (c) at (d) in

98. Don’t let go, hang__________ tight.

(a) on (b) in (c) over (d) at

99. His temperament does not harmonize__________ a slow, even pace of life.
(a) with (b) in (c) to (d) into

100. Army was called to carry ________ an operation against militants.

(a) in (b) about (c) out (d) over

7
 PREPOSITION

101. True friends do not break up_____ one another over trivial issues.
(a) around (b) about (c) with (d) at

102. What the best one could hope_____ was to attract no attention either way.
(a) for (b) with (c) in (d) to

103. The streets were littered with stones and bottles hurled_______ the policemen.
(a) on (b) at (c) upon (d) to

104. When a body is immersed_________ a fluid it apparently loses weight.

(a) with (b) to (c) on (d) in

105. The cabinet was impelled________ extreme measures.

(a) to (b) on (c) with (d) in

106. The revolutionary leaders implanted_______ the peasants the determination to take and
own the land on which they worked.
(a) on (b) down (c) in (d) at

107. As there was no train until the late evening he had to imposed himself_________ his hosts
for longer than he had intended.
(a) on (b) in (c) with (d) from

108. All the swimmers have improved________ their previous best performance.
(a) from (b) on (c) in (d) to

109. The Government has incorporated______ the bill many suggestions put forward by the
opposition.
(a) into (b) in (c) from (d) to

110. Raza would indulge _________ a short sleep in his arm chair.
(a) in (b) on (c) upon (d) to

111. He was profoundly and physically infatuated________ her.

(a) to (b) with (c) from (d) after

112. The whole class was infected______ the teacher's enthusiasm fro the subject.
(a) with (b) to (c) from (d) in

113. It is reassuring to have friends enquire_____ you when you are ill.
(a) from (b) in (c) for (d) after

114. An attractive feature of the course was the way the practical work had been
integrated________ the theoretical aspects.
(a) with (b) in (c) into (d) to

115. Nothing must be allowed to interface________ our search for the truth.
(a) with (b) into (c) from (d) upon.

8
 PREPOSITION

116. My lord, it is obvious that the witness is being intimidated______ remaining silent.
(a) upon (b) into (c) for (d) in

117. The director was aware that he was being intrigued______, but he had no means of finding
out how and by whom.
(a) against (b) upon (c) with (d) into

118. Recent events were jumbled______- in her mind with scenes recalled from early childhood.
(a) with (b) up (c) over (d) around

119. Is this the way to Lahore? 'Yes just keep________ till you reach Ravi Bridge; then you will
see the signs of Lahore.
(a) on (b) up (c) onto (d) about

120. The woman threw her coat on a chair kicked________ her shoes.
(a) on (b) of (c) off (d) in

121. Our elder son has been knocking________ the Europe for several months. We don't know
exactly where he is or what he is doing.
(a) about (b) round (c) into (d) through

122. The driver was knocked_______ at the moment of impact, and could remember nothing of
how the accident happened.
(a) out (b) in (c) about (d) off

123. The editor laboured_________ the manuscript till early morning.

(a) in (b) over (c) into (d) upon

124. It seemed that he was going to lash out______________ her but he controlled himself.
(a) at (b) in (c) on (d) to

125. If he offered me a small part in his production, I'd leap_______ the chance.
(a) at (b) on (c) onto (d) over

126. The decorations can be left____ for another day.

(a) up (b) over (c) on (d) into

127. I'll be lenient this time, but you won't be left_____ again.
(a) off (b) in (c) from (d) with

128. Who let_______ the details of the reshuffle in the department?

(a) to (b) out (c) over (d) with

129. If you won't level________ me we are not going to get anywhere.

(a) with (b) in (c) from (d) for

130. He always limbered_____ before his afternoon match.

(a) on (b) in (c) from (d) for

9
 PREPOSITION

131. Today these practices are no more, but their memories linger__________.
(a) off (b) in (c) on (d) upon.

132. I wish you'd stop listening________ to my private conversations.

(a) in (b) on (c) upon (d) over

133. You have lost all your money; now you must learn to live______ the situation.
(a) into (b) in (c) for (d) with

134. We can not live_________ our moral pretension.

(a) upto (b) into (c) upon (d) onto

135. A formal complaint is being lodged__________ the police inspector.

(a) to (b) with (c) on (d) upon

136. It is a bleak look_________ for anyone hoping for quick profit.

(a) on (b) in (c) out (d) into

137. Her letters betray of desperate desire not to lose touch_______ her beloved.
(a) in (b) from (c) to (d) with

138. I have heard many stories of bright young research workers being lured_______ only to find
their position change for the work.
(a) out (b) from (c) away (d) around

139. She was marked________ by a fiery temper and a strain of intolerance.

(a) of (b) off (c) in (d) into

140. He was keen enough, but he simply did not match________ the demands of the job.
(a) into (b) upto (c) from (d) for

141. Some body has been meddling________ the photographs I laid down so carefully.
(a) from (b) up (c) to (d) upto

142. It would take someone with the wisdom of Solomon to mediate_______ these two both are
so uttering convinced they are in the right.
(a) between (b) in (c) among (d) from

143. Keep the manual easy and comprehensible. Not every student can make ____ difficult
things.
(a) out (b) around (c) away (d) in

144. We are moving_______ to new examination system.

(a) in (b) with (c) over (d) from.

145. The region is noted_______ its cattle.

(a) for (b) in (c) with (d) on

10
 PREPOSITION

146. He is totally opposed_______ any change in the existing law.

(a) in (b) from (c) to (d) for

147. Javed was ousted________ his post as a result of maneuverings by departmental rivals.
(a) upon (b) off (c) into (d) from

148. He is not easily parted __________ his money.

(a) from (b) with (c) to (d) up

149. There high standards of craftsmanship have been passed______ ever four generations.
(a) on (b) down (c) in (d) to

150. All this anger that's pent_______ inside him has to break out from time to time.
(a) in (b) on (c) with (d) up.

151. Rudolf Rassendyll came ________ from a royal family.

(a) up (b) down (c) upon (d) in

152. The line of action, if persisted_______, could lead to disaster.

(a) into (b) from (c) in (d) on

153. She is not very quick at picking______ the language.

(a) with (b) on (c) up (d) in

154. After a day out in the field, they pitched_____ the food with a rare appetite.
(a) onto (b) into (c) upon (d) over

155. Local businessmen pitched______ an offer of Rs.1,00,000 to cover advertising cost.

(a) in on (b) into (c) in with (d) in for

156. They are planning_______ a three-fold increase in student number.

(a) for (b) into (c) to (d) out

157. Do you plan________ staying with us for ever?

(a) with (b) in (c) into (d) on

158. At this age, children enjoy playing____ pirates or kings.

(a) at (b) on (c) into (d) onto

159. The van broke through the bridge railing and plunged________ twenty feet or water.
(a) in (b) over (c) into (d) upon

160. He plunged_________ every debate organized by the society.

(a) to (b) in (c) upon (d) into

161. What are you doing poking______ among my private papers.

(a) about (b) around (c) in (d) into

11
 PREPOSITION

162. The rest of the pudding was polished_______ by the children.

(a) away (b) in (c) off (d) of

163. The class teacher would pounce_______ every slip the child made, however, slight.
(a) with (b) on (c) in (d) down

164. Retiring members of the Board were precluded________ seeking re-election for three years.
(a) for (b) with (c) from (d) in

165. He was presented_____________ the keys of the city.

(a) with (b) in (c) for (d) to

166. They appear deter-mined to press ahead______ plants to increase the rate of income tax.
(a) in (b) with (c) to (d) on

167. It is helpful in probing_______ the problem to make a statement about (the patient's) mental
health and ill health.
(a) into (b) in (c) on (d) with

168. May we proceed_________ the election of the committee.

(a) in (b) from (c) for (d) to

169. A clause in the agreement provides_______ the arbitration of all disputes by an independent
body.
(a) for (b) with (c) in (d) to

170. She felt purged_____ all feelings of guilt.

(a) of (b) with (c) from (d) off

171. His arrival put heart________ his subordinates.

(a) to (b) with (c) into (d) in

172. They did not put their trust________ the information they received from the well tried and
veteran staff of eighth army.
(a) in (b) on (c) with (d) into

173. Your proposal looks good on the paper, but I am not yet convinced it can be put_______
effect.
(a) in (b) into (c) to (d) on

174. There is not much optimism in the air, but at least both sides are putting a brave face______
proceedings.
(a) to (b) in (c) upon (d) on

175. Then what is the trouble? Nothing explicit that I can put my finger___________.
(a) on (b) in (c) into (d) for

12
 PREPOSITION

176. A description of the wanted man has been put______ to all mobile police petrol.
(a) on (b) about (c) around (d) out

177. The committers proposals were put_____ us briefly and force-fully.

(a) with (b) to (c) on (d) over

178. I am sure we can solve this problem if we can put our mind_________ it.
(a) to (b) in (c) on (d) with

179. He has puzzled______ the figures for hours without being able to make head or tail of them.
(a) on (b) over (c) with (d) from

180. You qualify_______ the vote, but Humza won't qualify till he is eighteen.
(a) for (b) to (c) with (d) on

181. Dangerous emissions radiate_________ plutonium.

(a) in (b) from (c) to (d) with

182. I tried to raise objection________ the situation, but it was no good.

(a) to (b) in (c) for (d) over.

183. He ranks_________ one of the most remarkable president of our time.

(a) with (b) as (c) on (d) at

184. The news of the prince’s birth came______ at a crucial time.

(a) by (b) out (c) off (d) to

185. Your jacket is not done _______ properly.

(a) on (b) up (c) in (d) with

186. I am afraid he can not be reasoned________ making a public protest.

(a) to (b) into (c) for (d) out

187. Investment in this area is reckoned_______ money poured down the drain.
(a) as (b) for (c) with (d) into

188. When you submit your claim, don't forget to reckon________ the money spent on petrol.
(a) on (b) in (c) over (d) into

189. Water can be reduced_________ oxygen and hydrogen by electrolysis.

(a) to (b) from (c) on (d) out.

190. The minister referred________ the importance to the nation of increased exports.
(a) in (b) to (c) with (d) onto

191. I wish he would refrain________ scattering his ash all over the carpet.
(a) in (b) into (c) to (d) from

13
 PREPOSITION

192. If you would like to put in an application I am sure it will be regarded______ sympathy.
(a) with (b) for (c) on (d) from

193. He thought himself amply reimbursed________ the loss of his cycle.

(a) from (b) with (c) for (d) in

194. He is not the kind of man to rejoice________ other people's misfortunes.

(a) on (b) at (c) into (d) with

195. He was glad to be relieved__________ some of the detailed paperwork of the project.
(a) of (b) in (c) from (d) for

196. The quality of his work has often been remarked_________ by his superiors.
(a) for (b) on (c) upon (d) onto

197. There is little point in remonstrate________ Raza. He won't listen to reason.

(a) with (b) for (c) to (d) from

198. We have run out ___ sugar. Go and bring some from the nearby shop.
(a) for (b) of (d) in (d) to

199. He resorted________ asking his friend for money.

(a) to (b) in (c) for (d) from

200. It rests_________ you to settle your differences as best as you can.

(a) with (b) in (c) on (d) to

14
 PREPOSITION

ANSWER KEY:PREPOSITION
1 b 41 c 81 c 121 a 161 a

2 a 42 a 82 a 122 a 162 c
3 d 43 d 83 b 123 b 163 b
4 c 44 b 84 a 124 a 164 c
5 a 45 a 85 c 125 a 165 a
6 b 46 c 86 d 126 a 166 b
7 c 47 a 87 a 127 a 167 a
8 b 48 b 88 b 128 b 168 d
9 a 49 c 89 a 129 a 169 a
10 d 50 a 90 d 130 b 170 a
11 c 51 c 91 b 131 c 171 c
12 a 52 b 92 b 132 a 172 a
13 b 53 c 93 a 133 d 173 b
14 d 54 a 94 d 134 a 174 d
15 a 55 d 95 a 135 b 175 a
16 a 56 a 96 a 136 c 176 d
17 d 57 a 97 c 137 d 177 b
18 b 58 b 98 a 138 c 178 a
19 c 59 a 99 a 139 a 179 b
20 a 60 c 100 b 140 b 180 a
21 b 61 d 101 a 141 b 181 b
22 a 62 c 102 a 142 a 182 a
23 b 63 a 103 b 143 b 183 b
24 a 64 c 104 d 144 c 184 c
25 a 65 c 105 a 145 a 185 a
26 a 66 d 106 c 146 c 186 b
27 b 67 a 107 a 147 d 187 a
28 a 68 b 108 b 148 a 188 b
29 c 69 c 109 b 149 b 189 a
30 a 70 a 110 a 150 d 190 b
31 a 71 b 111 b 151 a 191 d
32 b 72 a 112 a 152 c 192 a
33 c 73 a 113 d 153 c 193 c
34 a 74 d 114 a 154 b 194 b
35 a 75 c 115 a 155 c 195 a
36 b 76 a 116 b 156 a 196 c
37 a 77 b 117 a 157 d 197 a
38 a 78 a 118 b 158 a 198 b
39 b 79 b 119 a 159 c 199 a
40 c 80 a 120 c 160 d 200 a

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PREPOSITION

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