Prepositions Part 12
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:
****
Allot to
To use a particular amount of time for something.
You should allot at least three hours for revision.
Allow for
To make it possible for something to happen or for someone to do something
The new system will allow for more efficient use of resources.
Allude to
To mention something or someone indirectly.
Sandra did not want to discuss her past though she alluded to some bad things that happened.
Ally with
To help and support other people or countries, especially in a war.
Some of the Asian countries allied themselves with the Allied Forces.
Alternate between
If two things alternate or if you alternate them, they happen one after the other in a repeated pattern.
Periods of depression alternate with excited behaviour.
Alternative to
Something you can choose to do or use instead of something else.
Is there a viable alternative to the present system of Government?
Amalgamate with
If two organisations amalgamate, they join and make one big organisation.
Our company is expected to amalgamate with another organisation.
Amazed at
‘Amazed’ means ‘surprised.’
We are amazed at his rapid recovery.
Amenable to
Willing to accept what someone says or does without arguing.
Young people are more amenable to the idea of immigration than older citizens.
Amount to
If figures or sums amount to a particular total, they equal that total when they are added together.
Time lost through illness amounts to 500 working days.
Amused by
If you are amused by something, you think it is funny and you smile or laugh.
Emma seemed amused by the whole situation.
Amusement with
The feeling you have when you think something is funny.
Anne’s eyes sparkled with amusement.
Analogous with
Similar to another situation or thing so that a comparison can be made
The Commission’s findings are analogous with our own.
Anathema to
Something that is completely the opposite of what you believe in.
Your political views are anathema to me.
Anger at
A strong feeling or wanting to hurt or criticise someone because they have done something bad to you
Angeline struggled to control her anger at her daughter’s disobedience.
In anger
“I don’t trust you!” she shouted in anger.
Angle for
To try to get something you want without asking directly for it.
Rosy was obviously angling for a promotion.
Angry with
Feeling strong emotions which make you want to shout at someone or hurt them because they have behaved in an unfair way.
“Please don’t be angry with me,” she pleaded.
Announce to
To officially tell people about something, especially about a plan or a decision.
The chairman announced his resignation to staff members.
Annoyed with
To feel slightly angry.
Mary was annoyed with Duncan for forgetting to phone her.
Answer to
You answer to a question, problem or letter.
That’s not the answer to my question.
Answerable to
The ministers are answerable to Parliament.
Antagonism between / towards
Hatred between people.
There is antagonism between police and drug lords.
The minister’s antagonism towards the press is well known.
Antidote to
A substance that stops the effects of a poison.
There is no known antidote to a bite from certain snakes.
Antipathy towards
A feeling of strong dislike towards someone or something
There is growing antipathy towards the police.
Antithesis of
The complete opposite of something.
Communism is the antithesis of democracy.
Anxiety over
The feeling of being very worried about something
There is growing public anxiety over air pollution.
Anxious about
Worried about something
Mothers are anxious about the safety of their children.
Apologise to
To tell someone that you are sorry that you have done something wrong.
I think you should apologise to your friend.
Apologetic about
Showing or saying that you are sorry that something bad has happened, especially because you feel guilty about it
Ben was very apologetic about what happened at the party.
