Languages › English as a Second Language Challenging Preposition Quiz for English Learners How well do you know your prepositions? Givign Directions. Innocenti / Cultura / Getty Images English as a Second Language Grammar Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Writing Skills Reading Comprehension Business English Resources for Teachers By Kenneth Beare Kenneth Beare English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on March 06, 2017 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? for on to in 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. in for at to 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? to on at of 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! You know your English!. Andrew Rich / Vetta / Getty Images Congratulations! Your knowledge of preposition use in English is impressive. Keep learning with phrasal verbs and other expressions that include prepositions in English. Share Your Results Challenging Preposition Quiz for English Learners You got: % Correct. Keep Up the Good Work on Prepositions Keep working on your studies.. Frank and Helena / Cultura / Getty Images 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! Share Your Results Challenging Preposition Quiz for English Learners You got: % Correct. You'll Need to Review Prepositions in English You'll need to study more!. John Fedele / Blend Images / Getty Images 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. Share Your Results