1. Complete the text with these prepositions: about, at, for, in, of, to, with. You will have to use some prepositions more than once.
If somebody told you they were building a lift to take people into space, you would probably laugh 1……………………… the idea. But in fact, if you listen 2……………………… scientists and engineers talking about the plan, you soon realise they are being completely serious.
The elevator would consist 3……………………… a carbon fibre ribbon 100,000 km long. One end would be in the ocean at the equator, and the other end would be in space.
At the moment, it takes months or years to prepare 4……………………… a trip into space by rocket. Space agencies have begun searching 5……………………… a better option – partly because they worry 6……………………… the cost of space missions. The idea of a space elevator appeals 7……………………… governments because it would be far cheaper than sending rockets into space. It would be slower, but that would give passengers more time to adjust 8……………………… the different conditions as they left the earth.
It may not be easy though: countries might argue 9……………………… the exact location of the elevator. But if the political leaders can cope 10……………………… these problems and manage to take part 11……………………… the project together, it is certainly possible.
Science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke wrote a novel 12……………………… the idea in 1979. He said in a speech that humans would build a space elevator ten years after they stopped laughing at the idea. Well, they’ve stopped laughing now.
Answer
1 at 2 to 3 of 4 for 5 for 6 about 7 to
8 to 9 about 10 with 11 in 12 about
2. Circle the correct prepositions to complete the sentences.
1 You should apologise for / to that comment!
2 Cats get frightened if you shout at / to them.
3 I asked about / for the manager so I could talk to him in person.
4 We complained for / about our hotel room.
5 I’ve never heard from / of this video game.
6 I dreamed about / of flying again last night.
7 After a long discussion, they agreed to / with our request and gave us our money back.
8 If you’re unhappy with the service, why don’t you write for / to the manager?
Answer
1 for 2 at 3 for 4 about 5 of 6 about
7 to 8 to
3. Study the dictionary entries and answer the questions.
1 Which verb is used with two prepositions with no change of meaning? …………………………
2 Which verb is used with two prepositions, but the meaning changes? …………………………
3 Which entry uses bold and italic type for two words that often go together? …………………………
Answer
1 inform 2 charge 3 inform
4. Complete the sentences with the prepositions below.
about (x4) for (x2) of (x2) to with
1 She doesn’t care ……………… getting high marks.
2 I’ve never heard ……………… that writer. Is she good?
3 People often complain ……………… their mobile phone companies.
4 Please throw that pen ……………… me – I need it.
5 I apologized ……………… shouting at him.
6 Jim’s boss asked ……………… his holiday.
7 It’s difficult to work full-time and care ……………… a family.
8 Geoff writes ……………… politics on his blog.
9 She doesn’t agree ……………… my opinion of Sally.
10 I want you to know that I’m thinking ……………… you.
Answer
1 about 2 of 3 about 4 to 5 for 6 about
7 for 8 about 9 with 10 of
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