English Grammar Exercises – Prepositions (general)

1. Choose the correct alternative.

TROUBLE AT NORTON MINING

The workforce of Norton Mining has gone (1) on / in strike following a serious accident at the mine in Midsummer Valley in Virginia. The cause (2) for / of the accident is unclear, but miners are blaming management attitudes (3) on / to safety regulations. Damage (4) of / to equipment was frequently ignored and miners’ demands (5) for / of safer working practices were rejected by the owner, John Norton. His relationship (6) with / to the workforce was said to be very poor. Although there had recently been a rise (7) of / in the number of minor accidents, he claimed there was no need (8) for / of a change in working practices. Norton is away (9) on / in a business trip. A member of the office staff said she had spoken briefly to him (10) by / on the phone. The news of the accident had come (11) like / as a great shock to everyone in the office, she added. She was unable to say when he would be back. It is understood that the police would like to speak to Mr Norton in connection (12) with / to a number of his financial dealings.

2. Complete the answers. Use the words in brackets with one of the prepositions from the box and any other words you need.

1   What’s this room? (store room)

      We use it …as a store room. ……

2   What would you like to do now? (shade)

      Let’s sit ………………………………… .

3   Why doesn’t your friend eat bread? (special diet)

      His doctor has put him ………………………………… .

4   Have you got enough money for your train ticket? (credit card)

      Yes, I’ll pay ………………………………… .

5   Was the exhibition interesting? (recent college graduates)

      Yes. The works were all ………………………………… .

6   Was your brother hurt when his car crashed? (20 km per hour)

      No. Luckily he was only travelling ………………………………… .

7   Why are you writing so slowly? (capital letters)

      Because I have to put my address ………………………………… .

8   Why is your hand so swollen? (wasp)

      I got stung ………………………………… .

9   What colour is Danni’s new bag? (the last one)

      It’s navy blue, ………………………………… .

10   What are you doing in the summer holidays? (motorcycle messenger)

        I’ve got a job ………………………………… .