Challenging Preposition Quiz for English Learners

1. Most people like basketball, but ____ my opinion it's too chaotic.

of
from
in
with

Correct Wrong

Use 'in my opinion' to state your preference or opinion.

2. Are you travelling to Paris ____ business or ____ holiday?

Correct Wrong

Use the preposition 'on' with both phrases 'on business' and 'on holiday'.

3. Have you read the article _____ Time magazine ____ Google?

on - on
to - on
in - on
from - on

Correct Wrong

You read an article 'on' a topic, but 'in' a magazine.

4. What's that book _____?

about
to
from
of

Correct Wrong

If you'd like to know the topic, as what something is about.

5. I stayed ____ the Ritz Hotel ________ my stay in New York.

in - to
to - while
at - while
at - during

Correct Wrong

Use 'during' with nouns or noun phrases and 'while' with full clauses including subject and verb.

6. I looked this word ____ in the dictionary, but I still don't understand it.

from
on
up
answer over

Correct Wrong

The phrasal verb 'look up' means to find in a dictionary.

7. We need some sugar. We're almost completely ____ it.

out
out of
over
through

Correct Wrong

To 'run out of' something means to completely finish something.

8. Luckily, I made it to the station ___ time to catch the last train.

Correct Wrong

To be 'in time' means that you have enough time. To be 'on time' means that you arrive at the right time for an appointment.

9. My house is ___ the end of the street ___ the right.

in - on
at - in
in - at
at - on

Correct Wrong

When giving directions, use 'on the right / left' when instructing to turn.

10. The bank doesn't open _____ 10 a.m.

for
until
still
just

Correct Wrong

The preposition 'until' expresses that one needs to wait to a specific time before something happens.

11. Are you ___ or ___ the President?

pro - con
for - against
proto - contra
with - against

Correct Wrong

The prepositions 'for' and 'against' can be used to express an opinion.

12. Were you ____ time for your appointment? Or were you late?

Correct Wrong

To be 'in time' means that you have enough time. To be 'on time' means that you arrive at the right time for an appointment.

13. Throw the ball ___ Jack, please.

next
beneath
to
against

Correct Wrong

'To' is used as a preposition to show movement from one place to another with objects and people.

14. I got ____ home late last night.

to
at
(no preposition)
in

Correct Wrong

Do not use a preposition with verbs of motion and the noun 'home'.

15. Please talk __ the manager and don't shout __ me!

to - to
at - to
to - at
with - to

Correct Wrong

'Talk to' someone, but 'shot at' them if they really make you angry!

16. You can start the computer ___ pressing that button.

with
to
by
from

Correct Wrong

Use the preposition 'by' plus the gerund form of the verb to express an action taken to accomplish something.

17. She was born ____ Italy ___ February 15, 1954.

in - in
in - to
in - on
to - in

Correct Wrong

Use 'in' with countries and months, but 'on' with specific days of the month.

18. He was born ___ Germany ___ April.

in - to
on - in
in - in
in - at

Correct Wrong

Use 'in' for both months and cities.

19. Be careful! You're going to set the paper ___ fire!

to
on
in
with

Correct Wrong

When something catches fire we say it is 'on' fire.

20. I need to learn these verbs ___ heart ___ tomorrow.

by - on
by - to
from - by
by - by

Correct Wrong

The expression 'by heart' means that something is memorized.

Challenging Preposition Quiz for English Learners

You got: % Correct. You Know Your Prepositions!

Congratulations! Your knowledge of preposition use in English is impressive. Keep learning with phrasal verbs and other expressions that include prepositions in English.

Challenging Preposition Quiz for English Learners

You got: % Correct. Keep Up the Good Work on Prepositions

You understand and use correctly a good range of prepositions. However, there are still a few things to learn. Keep studying and soon you'll be fluent - and prepositions will never bother you again!

Challenging Preposition Quiz for English Learners

You got: % Correct. You'll Need to Review Prepositions in English

Prepositions are difficult in English, so don't worry too much about this result. Just make sure to study preposition use in English come back to test your knowledge again.