Adjective + Preposition - Adjectives are essential in adding meaning and context to nouns, but their role becomes even more significant when combined with prepositions. This dynamic combination enriches sentence structures and helps convey precise relationships between words. In this guide, we’ll explore the concept of adjective + preposition combinations, their functions, common pairings, and how to use them correctly.
What Are Adjective + Preposition Combinations?
Adjective + preposition combinations occur when certain adjectives are followed by specific prepositions to express a complete thought. These combinations are fixed and must be memorized because they don't always follow regular grammatical rules.
For example:
- He is interested in painting.
Here, "interested" is an adjective, and "in" is a preposition that completes the meaning.
Functions of Adjective + Preposition Combinations
1. Indicate Feelings or Emotions
- She is worried about her exams.
- He is jealous of his colleague’s success.
2. Express States or Conditions
- I am amazed at his creativity.
- They are absent from school today.
3. Show Relationships
- The children are eager for the holidays.
- This course is equal to the challenge.
4. Clarify Responsibilities
- He is bound to complete the task.
- She is busy with her assignments.
Common Adjective + Preposition Combinations
Below is a table of commonly used adjective + preposition pairs and their examples:
| Adjective | Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Able | To | She is able to solve the problem easily. |
| Absent | From | He was absent from the meeting yesterday. |
| Amazed | At | They were amazed at his quick recovery. |
| Bound | For | The flight is bound for New York. |
| Busy | With | She is busy with her science project. |
| Clever | At | He is clever at solving puzzles. |
| Equal | To | This task is equal to my skills. |
| Eager | For | The kids are eager for summer vacation. |
| Guilty | Of | He was found guilty of stealing. |
| Jealous | Of | She is jealous of her sister’s beauty. |
| Interested | In | I am interested in learning Spanish. |
| Worried | About | They are worried about the weather. |
Using Adjective + Preposition Combinations Correctly
1. Follow Fixed Combinations
The prepositions used with adjectives are often fixed. For instance, "interested" is always followed by "in," not "on" or "at."
- Correct: She is interested in photography.
- Incorrect: She is interested on photography.
2. Pay Attention to Context
The preposition may change depending on the context.
- She is good at drawing (skill).
- This book is good for beginners (benefit).
Practice and repetition are the best ways to internalize these combinations. Use flashcards or quizzes to reinforce your understanding.
Examples of Adjective + Preposition Usage
Here are some sentences illustrating these combinations:
- He is amazed at how quickly she solved the puzzle.
- The team is busy with preparations for the event.
- She is jealous of her friend’s success.
- They are eager for the weekend to start.
- He felt guilty of lying to his parents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using the Wrong Preposition
- Incorrect: She is jealous on her sister.
- Correct: She is jealous of her sister.
2. Overusing Adjective + Preposition Combinations
Overloading sentences with these combinations can make them cluttered.
- Avoid: He is amazed at, interested in, and eager for many things.
- Better: He is interested in many things and amazed at their variety.
3. Misplacing Prepositions
Always place the preposition directly after the adjective.
- Incorrect: She is interested to in painting.
- Correct: She is interested in painting.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct adjective + preposition combination:
- He is ___ (amazed/at) the beauty of the sunset.
- They were ___ (absent/from) the office yesterday.
- She is ___ (clever/at) designing innovative solutions.
- I am ___ (interested/in) joining the photography club.
- The teacher was ___ (worried/about) the students’ grades.
Answers:
- amazed at
- absent from
- clever at
- interested in
- worried about
FAQs About Adjective + Preposition Combinations
1. Why do some adjectives always pair with specific prepositions?
This pairing is based on linguistic convention and usage. These combinations help convey precise meaning.
2. Can prepositions change with context?
Yes, some adjectives can take different prepositions depending on the context, such as "good at" vs. "good for."
3. How can I remember these combinations?
Create lists of commonly used adjective + preposition combinations and practice using them in sentences.
4. Are all adjectives followed by prepositions?
No, not all adjectives require prepositions. Only specific adjectives, often used to express feelings or relationships, do.
5. What happens if I use the wrong preposition?
Using the wrong preposition can alter or obscure the intended meaning of the sentence, leading to confusion.
6. Can a single preposition pair with multiple adjectives?
Yes, prepositions like "at" or "in" can pair with various adjectives (e.g., amazed at, clever at).
