Mastering Adjective + Preposition Combinations: A Comprehensive Guide to Fluent and Accurate English

Adjective + preposition combinations are essential for expressing ideas accurately in English. Many learners struggle with these pairings because they don’t follow strict rules and often vary based on context. This guide will explore common and advanced adjective + preposition combinations, their correct usage, and tips to avoid mistakes.

Why Adjective + Preposition Combinations Matter

Prepositions are small but powerful words that link adjectives to nouns or pronouns, clarifying relationships in sentences. Using the wrong preposition can change the meaning or make your sentence sound unnatural. For example:

• Correct: She is afraid of spiders.

• Incorrect: She is afraid at spiders.

Understanding these combinations improves fluency, writing clarity, and overall communication.

Common Adjective + Preposition Combinations

1. Adjectives + "Of"

The preposition "of" often indicates a relationship, possession, or cause.

• Afraid of (fear)

  • He is afraid of failure.

• Proud of (taking pride in something)

  • They are proud of their achievements.

• Tired of (exhausted by something repetitive)

  • I’m tired of hearing excuses.

2. Adjectives + "About"

"About" is used when referring to feelings or thoughts concerning a subject.

• Excited about (looking forward to something)

  • We are excited about the trip.

• Worried about (concerned)

  • She is worried about her exam.

• Happy about (pleased with an outcome)

  • He is happy about his promotion.

3. Adjectives + "With"

"With" often describes emotional states or satisfaction levels.

• Satisfied with (content with something)

  • Are you satisfied with the results?

• Fed up with (annoyed or tired of something)

  • I’m fed up with the delays.

• Pleased with (happy about an outcome)

  • The teacher was pleased with the students’ progress.

4. Adjectives + "To"

"To" connects adjectives to actions or reactions.

• Addicted to (unable to stop a habit)

  • He is addicted to video games.

• Similar to (alike in some way)

  • This dress is similar to mine.

• Married to (in a marital relationship)

  • She is married to a doctor.

5. Adjectives + "For"

"For" often indicates purpose or suitability.

• Responsible for (having a duty to handle something)

  • Who is responsible for this project?

• Famous for (known for a particular thing)

  • Italy is famous for its cuisine.

• Good for (beneficial)

  • Exercise is good for your health.

Advanced Adjective + Preposition Combinations

Some adjectives pair with multiple prepositions, changing meaning based on context.

1. "Angry" (with/at/about)

• Angry with (a person)

  • She is angry with her brother.

• Angry at (a situation or object)

  • He is angry at the traffic jam.

• Angry about (an event or issue)

  • They are angry about the decision.

2. "Good" (at/for/with/to)

• Good at (skilled in something)

  • She is good at math.

• Good for (beneficial)

  • Vegetables are good for you.

• Good with (handling something well)

  • He is good with children.

• Good to (kind toward someone)

  • She was good to me.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many English learners confuse prepositions. Here’s how to avoid errors:

❌ Incorrect: I’m interested on science.
✅ Correct: I’m interested in science.

❌ Incorrect: She is jealous for her friend.
✅ Correct: She is jealous of her friend.

Tip: Memorize common adjective + preposition pairs and practice them in sentences.

Practice Exercises

Test your knowledge with these exercises:

1. He is afraid ___ (of/at) dogs.

2. She is excited ___ (about/for) her birthday.

3. They were disappointed ___ (with/of) the service.

Answers:

1. of

2. about

3. with

Conclusion

Mastering adjective + preposition combinations takes practice, but it significantly improves fluency. By learning common pairings, understanding their nuances, and avoiding mistakes, you’ll speak and write more naturally. Keep practicing, and soon these combinations will become second nature!