HOW TO USE PREPOSITION
COLLOCATIONS 1
Definition: Prepositions can be tricky. One problem is that there is often no logic at all! We use them in many phrases and expressions and unfortunately, we just need to learn these by heart. There aren't really any rules.
(I've called these “preposition
collocations” but sometimes people call them “prepositional phrases” or “preposition
expressions”.)
Here Are Some Of The
Common Preposition Collocations
1: At last = finally
After a long journey, at last we arrived at our hotel.
At last! I thought you'd never get here!
2: On foot = walking (NOT by
foot)
I usually go to work on foot.
Did you come by car or on foot?
3: By mistake = not meaning to
I dropped the glass by mistake. I'm really sorry.
She gave him the wrong book by mistake.
4: In advance = beforehand
We need to book the tickets for the cinema in advance, or we
won't get a good seat.
She always buys her food for Christmas well in advance.
5: Out of reach = too high to touch (literally or
metaphorically)
She tried to grab the kite as it flew away but it was already
out of reach.
That job is out of reach. I don't have the right
qualifications for it.
6: For instance = here is an example
John reads a lot. For instance, yesterday he read two books.
You should eat more vegetables. Why don't you have a salad at
lunchtime, for instance?
7: In danger = in a dangerous situation
When the car started rolling we realised that we were in
danger. Luckily we managed to stop.
The dog fell into the river and was in danger for several
minutes.
8: Without fail = always / definitely
She visits her mother every week without fail.
I study for twenty minutes a day without fail.
9: By chance = without planning
I saw Julie at the station by chance.
She found the perfect book by chance in a second hand
bookshop.
10: On purpose = intending to do something
She left without paying on purpose! It wasn't a mistake.
Did you take my bag on purpose? Why would you do that?
11: For a change = to do something different
Let's have Italian food for a change. We always eat British
food.
I don't want to go to the cinema again. I want to go to the
park for a change.
12: On time (for) = at the time that was arranged
She was on time for the meeting. It started at nine and she
arrived at nine.
Why are you never on time? I'm so fed up with waiting for
you.
13: To my surprise = I was surprised
I opened the door, and to my surprise, it was Lucy! I'd
thought she was in Paris.
To his surprise, the baby stopped crying and smiled at him.
14: At once = immediately
You must do it at once! Don't wait even one minute.
She cleaned up at once when she realised that her mother was
coming to visit.
15: In common (with) = something that's shared or the same
People from different countries have a lot in common. We all
want to have good lives.
What does a cat have in common with a mouse? Well, they are
both mammals.
COLLOCATIONS WITH
PREPOSITIONS EXERCISE 1
1. She paid for lunch ___________ advance, so we don’t need
to pay now.
2. I went to the wrong house ___________ mistake!
3. Please make sure that you’re ___________ time for the
class!
4. I was walking to the station and ___________ chance I saw
the glove I’d lost on the ground.
5. I love eating out in London. ___________ instance, one of
my favourite restaurants has amazing Japanese food.
6. I think the cat is ___________ danger on that high roof.
7. I picked up the laptop and ___________ my surprise it fell
apart in my hands.
8. I have a lot ___________ common with my cousin. We both
like many of the same things.
9. If the baby starts to cry, pick her up ___________ once.
10. Did you forget your purse ___________ purpose so you
wouldn’t have to pay?
11. It’s best to arrive ___________ foot, because there is
nowhere to park.
12. What do a whale and a dolphin have ___________ common?
13. He added salt instead of sugar ___________ mistake.
14. What’s your favourite thing to do? ___________ instance,
do you like sport?
15. The book was ___________ reach on a high shelf.
16. I want to go to Germany ___________ a change. I’ve never
been there.
17. Please let me know ___________ advance if you can’t come
to the meeting.
18. She often goes to school ___________ foot.
19. Do you always brush your teeth before bed ___________
fail?
20. The little girl broke the toy ___________ purpose because
she was so angry.
21. Please come ___________ once. We have a big problem.
22. She worked very hard and ___________ last she managed to
pass the exam.
23. We need to be ___________ time or my grandmother will
start to get anxious.
24. It feels like owning a house is ___________ reach. I’ll
never be able to do it.
25. We thought about it a lot and ___________ last we decided
to buy a new flat.
26. We watched a film ___________ a change. Usually we read.
27. She was really ___________ danger for a few minutes in
the rough sea, but luckily a lifeguard saw her.
28. I went to the bookshop and ___________ chance I found a
really interesting book about Switzerland.
29. He walked into the kitchen and ___________ his surprise
there was food all over the floor.
30. She drinks a litre of water every day ___________ fail.
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