Prepositional phrases and phrasal verbs often have very specific patterns that are difficult to guess. This means it is sometimes necessary to learn such phrases individually. The following exercise will test a range of prepositional phrases and phrasal verbs in a selection of sentences. Answers are given underneath, with brief explanations.

Remember, in prepositional phrases, we use a specific preposition to relate one noun (subject or object) to another – in phrasal verbs the preposition is combined with a verb as a particle to create a very specific action. 

Mixed prepositional phrases exercise

Use the prepositions below to complete the sentences. Some sentences are prepositional noun phrases, others are phrasal verbs.

between  under  around  in  off

of  besides  behind  from  of

into  behind  in  for  in  for  with

 

 

1. They say good looks run _____ my family.
2. We read the report many times _____ preparation for our meeting.
3. The earthquake caused our building to shake _____ side to side.
4. No one forced him to come to work when he was ill, he did it _____ his own free will.
5. I take a lot of pride _____ my ability to read Arabic.
6. Our dance class is an excellent bridge _____ different cultures.
7. I sold my bike _____ a profit.
8. She has two cars and a boat, _____ her bicycle.
9. Peter is so far _____ in his rent payments that they are going to throw him out.
10. You make a good case _____ a pay rise, but we can’t afford it.
11. This is the best grammar book I own, but unfortunately it’s out _____ print.
12. Everyone is nice to Ron at work, but they are always talking _____ his back.
13. When I realised I was about to miss my bus, I broke _____ a run to catch it.
14. Please bear _____ us while we try to fix the computer system.
15. What we discussed in our meeting was supposed to be _____ the record, but they printed it in the newspapers anyway.
16. Sales have been increasing _____ the leadership of our new boss.
17. If you hang _____ successful people, you are more likely to become successful yourself.

 

Prepositional Phrases Exercise Answers

1. They say good looks run in my family. (to continue by tradition)
2. We read the report many times in preparation for our meeting. (in readiness)
3. The earthquake caused our building to shake from side to side. (swaying)
4. No one forced him to come to work when he was ill, he did it of his own free will. (by free choice)
5. I take a lot of pride in my ability to read Arabic.
6. Our dance class is an excellent bridge between different cultures. (connecting)
7. I sold my bike for a profit. (for more money than I bought it)
8. She has two cars and a boat, besides her bicycle. (as well as, in addition to)
9. Peter is so far behind in his rent payments that they are going to throw him out. (delayed)
10. You make a good case for a pay rise, but we can’t afford it. (an argument, or point)
11. This is the best grammar book I own, but unfortunately it’s out of print. (no longer being produced)
12. Everyone is nice to Ron at work, but they are always talking behind his back. (without him knowing)
13. When I realised I was about to miss my bus, I broke into a run to catch it. (start suddenly)
14. Please bear with us while we try to fix the computer system. (stay with, wait)
15. What we discussed in our meeting was supposed to be off the record, but they printed it in the newspapers anyway. (unofficial, not public)
16. Sales have been increasing under the leadership of our new boss. (under guidance)
17. If you hang around successful people, you are more likely to become successful yourself. (be in the area of)