Prepositions Part 10
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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Adamant about / on
Determined not to change your opinion.
The Opposition is adamantly opposed to the new proposal.
Adapt to
To gradually change your behaviour in order to succeed in a new situation.
I found it hard to adapt to the new school.
Add to
To put something with something else.
Do you wish to add your name to this list?
Addicted to
Unable to stop taking a harmful substance, especially a drug.
Millions of people are addicted to nicotine.
In addition
To add another piece of information to what you have just said.
The company will pay you a good salary. In addition, you will get an annual profit bonus.
Addressed to
This letter is addressed to your father.
Adept at
Good at something that needs care and skill.
I have never been adept at controlling people.
Adjacent to
A building that is adjacent to something is next to it.
We stayed in adjacent rooms in the hotel.
Adjudicate on
To officially decide who is right in a disagreement and decide what should be done.
The court will adjudicate on the matter.
Adjunct to
Something that is added or joined to something that is bigger or more important.
Online instruction is a useful adjunct to the real thing.
Adjust to
To gradually become familiar with a new situation.
My parents had trouble adjusting to living in Australia.
Administer to
To give someone a medicine or medical treatment.
Painkillers were administered to the injured man.
Admiration for
A feeling of great respect and liking for someone or something.
I wanted to express my admiration for the way he handled the crisis.
Admire for
Susan admired him for the way he dealt with the situation.
Admission of
A statement in which you admit something is true or that you have done something wrong.
Silence is often interpreted as an expression of guilt.
Admit to
To agree unwillingly that something is true or that someone else is right.
Paul openly admits to having an alcohol problem.
Admonish for
To tell someone that they have done something wrong.
The witness was admonished for failing to answer the question.
Adorn with
To decorate something.
The temple walls were adorned with religious paintings.
Advance on
To move towards someone or something, especially in a slow and determined way.
Troops advanced on the rebel stronghold.
Advantage over
Something that helps you to be more successful than others.
His experience meant that he had a big advantage over the others.
Advertise for
To make an announcement that a job is available.
They are advertising for a new General Manager.
Advice on
An opinion you give someone about what they should do.
On her doctor’s advice Thelma started taking treatment.
Advise against
To tell someone what you think they should do.
I’d advise you against saying anything to the press.
Affection for
A feeling of liking or love and caring.
Emma had a deep affection for the child.
Affiliated to
Closely connected with a large organisation.
There are many private educational organisations affiliated to foreign universities.
Affinity with
A strong feeling that you like and understand someone or something.
Bob has a remarkable affinity with animals.
Afflicted with
To affect someone or something in an unpleasant way and make them suffer.
Those who are afflicted with malaria should take treatment.
Affront to
A remark or action that offends or insults someone.
The speaker’s comments were an affront to his pride.
Afraid of
Frightened because you think that you may get hurt or that something bad may happen.
He was afraid of being arrested by the police.
Aftermath of
The period of time something such as a war when people are still dealing with the results.
There is a danger of disease in the aftermath of the earthquake.
