Prepositions Part 13
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:
Apologist for
Someone who tries to explain and defend an idea, person, or political system.
Philip was an apologist for socialism.
Appalled by / at
Very shocked and upset by something very bad or unpleasant.
Kate was appalled by what she saw at the crime scene.
The king was appalled at how dirty the village was.
Apparent to
Easy to notice.
It was apparent to everyone that Diana was seriously injured.
Appeal to
To make a serious public request for help, money or information.
Farmers affected by the floods have appealed to the Government for help.
Appetite for
A desire or liking for a particular activity.
Some politicians have an insatiable appetite for power.
Applicant for
Someone who has formally asked, usually in writing, for a job or university place.
Bob was one of 50 applicants for the manager’s job.
Catherine was one of the applicants to Oxford University.
Apply to
To make a formal request, usually in writing, for something such as a job or a place at a university.
After passing the Final Examination in Laws, Henry applied for a job with a legal firm.
Appointment with
An arrangement for a meeting at an agreed time and place, for a particular purpose.
Lorna made an appointment with a cardiologist.
Appreciation of
Pleasure you feel when you realise something is good, useful or well done Reading helps children to develop an appreciation of literature.
Appreciative of
Feeling or showing that you enjoy something or are pleased about it.
I was appreciative of my friend’s concern for my health.
Apprehensive of
Worried or nervous about something that you are going to do, or about the future
I had been a little apprehensive of her visit.
Approach to
Method of doing something or dealing with a problem.
The teacher adopted a new approach to teach Buddhism through story-telling.
Appropriate for
To take something for yourself when you do not have the right to do so.
The minister is charged with appropriating Government funds for personal use.
Approval for
Accepting a plan, decision or person officially.
The Government is seeking the IMF approval for its economic strategy.
Approximate to
An approximate number, amount or time is close to the exact number, amount or time, but could be a little bit more or less than it.
Your explanation is vaguely approximated to the truth.
Aptitude for
Natural ability or skill especially in learning.
Some people have a natural aptitude for teaching English.
Arbiter of
Someone who influences society’s opinions about what is stylish or socially acceptable.
The designer has received rave reviews from arbiters of taste.
Argue with
To disagree with someone in words, often in an angry way.
The driver continued to argue with the police officer.
Arise in
If a problem or difficult situation arises, it begins to happen.
A crisis has arisen in the ruling party.
Armed with
Carrying weapons, especially a gun.
The robber was armed with a shotgun.
Arrange with
To organise or make plans for something such as a meeting, party or trip.
We arranged with the principal to organise the annual trip.
Arrest for
If the police arrest someone, the person is taken to a police station because the police think they have done something illegal.
My friend was arrested for careless driving.
