English Grammar Exercises – Prepositions: Noun + preposition

Exercise 1   

Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first.

1   What caused the explosion?

     What was the cause ……………………. ?

2   We’re trying to solve the problem.

     We’re trying to find a solution …………………….

3   Sue gets on well with her brother.

     Sue has a good relationship …………………….

4   The cost of living has gone up a lot.

     There has been a big increase …………………….

5   I don’t know how to answer your question.

     I can’t think of an answer …………………….

6   I don’t think that a new road is necessary.

     I don’t think there is any need …………………….

7   I think that working at home has many advantages.

     I think that there are many advantages …………………….

8   The number of people without jobs fell last month.

     Last month there was a fall …………………….

9   Nobody wants to buy shoes like these any more.

     There is no demand …………………….

10   In what way is your job different from mine?

       What is the difference ……………………. ?

Exercise 2   

Complete the sentences using these nouns + a preposition:

1   On the wall there were some pictures and a ……………………. the world.

2   Thank you for the ……………………. your party next week.

3   Since she left home two years ago, Sophie has had little ……………………. her family.

4   I can’t open this door. Do you have a ……………………. the other door?

5   The ……………………. the fire at the hotel last week is still unknown.

6   Did you get a ……………………. the email you sent to the company?

7   The two companies are completely independent. There is no ……………………. them.

8   Jane showed me some old ……………………. the city as it looked 100 years ago.

9   Carol has decided to give up her job. I don’t know her ……………………. doing this.

10   It wasn’t a bad accident. The ……………………. the car wasn’t serious.

Exercise 3   

Complete the sentences with the correct preposition.

1   There are some differences ……………………. British and American English.

2   Money isn’t the solution ……………………. every problem.

3   There has been an increase ……………………. the amount of traffic using this road.

4   The advantage ……………………. having a car is that you don’t have to rely on public transport.

5   There are many advantages ……………………. being able to speak a foreign language.

6   Everything can be explained. There’s a reason ……………………. everything.

7   When Paul left home, his attitude ……………………. his parents seemed to change.

8   Ben and I used to be good friends, but I don’t have much contact ……………………. him now.

9   There has been a sharp rise ……………………. property prices in the past few years.

10   What was Sarah’s reaction ……………………. the news?

11   If I give you the camera, can you take a picture ……………………. me?

12   The company has rejected the workers’ demands ……………………. a rise ……………………. pay.

13   What was the answer ……………………. question 3 in the test?

14   The fact that jane was offered a job has no connection ……………………. the fact that she is a friend of the managing director.