Look at these examples to see how adjectives are used with prepositions.
I'm interested in the idea.
My jacket is similar to yours.
She's brilliant at maths.
My neighbour is angry about the party.
Try this exercise to test your grammar.
- Grammar test 1
Read the explanation to learn more.
Grammar explanation
Some adjectives go with certain prepositions. There are no grammatical rules for which preposition is used with which adjective, so it's a good idea to try to learn them together. To help you do this, write new vocabulary in your notebook in a sentence or phrase.
However, there are some patterns that can help you. Let's look at them first. Remember that a preposition is followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).
With at
We use at with adjectives like good/bad/amazing/brilliant/terrible, etc. to talk about skills and abilities.
He's really good at English.
She's amazing at the piano.
They're terrible at organising anything.
I'm not very good at drawing.
With about
We often use about with adjectives of feelings like angry/excited/happy/nervous/sad/stressed/worried, etc. to explain what is causing that feeling.
I'm angry about the decision.
He's nervous about the presentation.
She's excited about the new job.
They were worried about the exam.
With of
However, sometimes we use of with feelings.
She was afraid of telling her mum.
I'm frightened of having an accident.
He's scared of flying.
You should be proud of your progress.
With to
We can use to to show the connection between people or things.
He's married to the director.
I'm addicted to my phone.
I'm allergic to nuts.
It's similar to the old one.
We can also use to to talk about someone's behaviour towards someone else.
They were really friendly to me.
Was he nice to you?
He is always polite to everyone.
She was very rude to the waitress.
Here are some other useful adjectives with prepositions.
With for
Exercise is good for you.
Stress is bad for you.
The town is famous for its cheese.
I'm responsible for the financial side of the business.
With in
She's interested in the project.
They want someone who's experienced in design.
I didn't want to get involved in the argument.
Do this exercise to test your grammar again.
- Grammar test 2
I would love to learn in this lesson. Thanks a million to BC and its teachers.
sir, my sentences correct?
I'm frightened of trampoline.
She is good at dancing.
He is angry about the attitude shown by the students.
Hello Luiz077,
When we are talking about something general we tend to use a plural noun, so I would suggest 'I'm frightened of trampolines' (the object) or 'I'm frightened of trampolining' (the activity).
The other sentences are fine. You could also say 'angry at'.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
this is good excercise
Sir,
Which sentence is correct:
Or
2) I am also a computer literate.
Hello dipakrgandhi,
'Computer literate' is a compound adjective not a noun and so the first sentence is correct.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Thank you Peter sir.
But iisn't there an implied noun here?
eg. I am also a computer literate (person implied).
Or do we need an explit noun 'person' or 'man' to necessitate an indefinite article here.
Regards
Dipak R Gandhi
Has my this question missed the attention of respected teachers?
Will you please answer?
Regards
Dipak Gandhi
Hello again Dipak,
We don't use an article when the noun is not stated, even if it is implied. When we have multiple adjectives we can include the article before each if we choose to, but there must be a noun after the adjectives.
All of these are fine:
However, we cannot use the article if the noun ('woman') is not included.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
That is an awesome answer!
Thank you sir!
Regards
Dipak R Gandhi