Prepositions Part 9
Combinations
A preposition is a word placed before a noun or a pronoun to show in what relation the person or thing denoted by it stands in regard to something else. There are over 100 prepositions in English. This is a very small number compared with the vast number of nouns, adjectives and verbs found in English. Here are some of the prepositions used in English:
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Abandon to
You can abandon yourself to an emotion.
Abhorrent to
Something that is abhorrent is completely unacceptable because it is morally wrong.
Killing animals for food can be abhorrent to some people.
Abide by
When you abide by a decision, rule or agreement, you agree with it.
Those who take part in sports have to abide by the referee’s decision.
Ablaze with
Filled with bright light or colour
The streets were ablaze with Vesak illuminations.
Abound with / in
If a place abounds with something, it contains a very large number of that thing.
The river abounds with fish.
Absent from
If you are absent from school, you have not gone there.
Some students are regularly absent from school.
Absolve from / of
To forgive someone for something they have done.
The bus driver was absolved from all responsibility for the accident.
Absorbed in
To have a great interest in something.
Sara was lying on the settee absorbed in her novel.
Abstain from
Not to do something enjoyable because you think it is bad for your health.
Donald decided to abstain from smoking.
In abundance
To have a large quantity of something.
Wild flowers grow in abundance on the hillsides.
Accede to
To agree to a demand or proposal especially after first disagreeing with it
The Government will not accede to public pressure.
Acceptable to
Good enough to be used for a particular purpose.
The dispute was settled in a way that was acceptable to both sides.
By accident
Not deliberately
I gave her the wrong set of notes by accident.
Acclimatise to
To become used to a new place, situation or type of weather.
It takes some time to get acclimatised to living in a foreign country.
Accompaniment of
While another musical instrument is being played
Natasha sang to the accompaniment of a piano.
Accord of
Without being asked or forced to do something.
Susan joined the band of her own accord.
In accordance with
According to a rule or system
He prepared the accounts in accordance with company rules.
Account for
To be the reason why something happens.
Pressure of work may account for his strange behaviour.
Accountable for
Responsible for the effects of your actions and willing to explain.
Managers are accountable for their decisions.
Accusation of
Statement of saying that someone is guilty of a crime or doing something wrong.
The Governor faces an accusation of corruption.
Accuse of
To say that someone is guilty of a crime.
He accused me of lying.
Accustomed to
To make yourself familiar with new conditions.
He is accustomed to a life of luxury.
Ache to
To want to do or have something very much.
He was aching to tell her the good news.
Ache for
He was aching for recognition.
Acknowledge for
To admit or accept that something is true
There was a message from a terrorist group acknowledging their responsibility for the bombing.
Acquaint with
To know someone specially because you have met them once or twice before.
I am acquainted with him on a professional basis.
Acquiesce in
Unwillingly to do what someone wants.
He was accused of acquiescing in the persecution of the Jews.
Acquit of
To give a decision in a court of law that someone is not guilty of a crime.
The actor was acquitted of murder.
Act on
To do what someone has advised.
Acting on a friend’s advice, Roger gave me a loan of Rs. 50,000.
In action
Fighting or doing something
The soldier was missing in action.
