Advanced Prepositional Phrase Quiz

1. You can trust John to have everything _____.

over control
through control
for control
under control

Correct Wrong

The verb phrase 'have under control' means that there is no need to worry.

2. Those customers are ____ the most demanding we've ever had.

so far
by far
from far
since far

Correct Wrong

'By far' is used together with the superlative form to explain that someone or something was the best or most by a large degree.

3. Unfortunately, I might have to leave for Boston _____.

for short notice
to short notice
on short notice
at short notice

Correct Wrong

'To do something on short notice' implies that there will be little warning before something happens.

4. _____, you're just going to have to try and get along with your new boss.

To better or worse
From better or worse
For better or worse
Through better or worse

Correct Wrong

The phrase 'for better or worse' is used to express that something needs to happen in any case.

5. It'll cost $500 _____.

at most
for most
to most
under most

Correct Wrong

The prepositional phrase 'at most' shows the upper limit in price or time. The opposite is 'at least'.

6. I think we'll go to the mountains this year _____.

under a change
through a change
for a change
to a change

Correct Wrong

'To do something for a change' means that someone wants to do something differently than usual.

7. They learned all their lines for the play _____.

for heart
by heart
from heart
to heart

Correct Wrong

'To learn by heart' is synonymous with 'memorize', in other words to be able to say or play something without looking at a book or music.

8. They should arrive by six o'clock _____.

at the latest
for the latest
in the latest
to the latest

Correct Wrong

'At the latest' gives the latest possible time that something might happen. 'At the earliest' indicates the earliest possible time that something could happen.

9. You've arrived _____!

to last
for last
in last
at last

Correct Wrong

The prepositional phrase 'at last' shows relief that something has finally happened after a long time.

10. Things are going badly and then,_____ , good things start happening and you're on your way to better times.

under warning
without warning
at warning
from warning

Correct Wrong

Something that happens without warning happens without any notice.

11. Our teacher knows all the students ____ even though there are more than 40 of us.

from name
by name
in name
to name

Correct Wrong

'To know by name' means that someone knows the names of a group of people individually.

12. ____, he finally decided to go ahead with the new marketing project.

From any rate
To any rate
In any rate
At any rate

Correct Wrong

The prepositional phrase 'at any rate' is used to wrap up a conversation or story after a period of discussion.

13. It seems that our investment is _____ , so I'll need to fly to our headquarters to discuss the situation.

in risk
to risk
from risk
at risk

Correct Wrong

'To be at risk' indicates that something might be lost.

14. You should have waited ____ a half an hour.

from least
at least
to least
until least

Correct Wrong

The prepositional phrase 'at most' shows the upper limit in price or time. The opposite is 'at least' indicates the minimum amount of price or time.

15. Janet assured them that she would have finished the report ____.

until then
by then
to then
at then

Correct Wrong

'By then' is used to refer to a previously mentioned time to show that something should be completed by that time.

16. All I can say is that, _____ , you're going to have to spend more time practicing your listing comprehension skills.

at personal experience
of personal experience
from personal experience
in personal experience

Correct Wrong

When giving reasons or explaining use the phrase 'from personal experience' to provide your own experiences.

17. I'm afraid I was _____ that you enjoyed working here. I must have been mistaken.

over the impression
from the impression
under the impression
to the impression

Correct Wrong

Use 'to be under the impression' to state surprise at a result or action that is contrary to what you expect.

18. ____, did you know that Mark and Susan are getting married next week?

At the way
By the way
In the way
From the way

Correct Wrong

A new subject in conversation can be introduced with the phrase 'by the way'.

19. I met John at the market this afternoon ____ .

at chance
to chance
in chance
by chance

Correct Wrong

Something that happens by chance is never planned. It just happens and you might be surprised!

20. He's going to stay in Memphis and look for a job _____.

by a while
for a while
until a while
since a while

Correct Wrong

The phrase 'for a while' as a time expression which expresses an indefinite period of time.

Advanced Prepositional Phrase Quiz You got: % Correct. Prepositional Phrase Champ!

I got Prepositional Phrase Champ!. Advanced Prepositional Phrase Quiz

You know your English!. Andrew Rich / Vetta / Getty Images

Congratulations! It's clear you know a wide range of common prepositional phrases in English. Keep up the good work and continue learning English.

Advanced Prepositional Phrase Quiz You got: % Correct. Good Job, Keep Working!

I got Good Job, Keep Working!. Advanced Prepositional Phrase Quiz

You've done well on your lessons. Anton Violin / Moment / Getty Images

You know some of the most common prepositional phrases, but you'll need to learn some more. Keep it up and you'll get to know them all.

Advanced Prepositional Phrase Quiz You got: % Correct. You Need to Work on Prepositional Phrases

I got You Need to Work on Prepositional Phrases. Advanced Prepositional Phrase Quiz

You'll need to study more!. John Fedele / Blend Images / Getty Images

Prepositional phrases are set phrases that you'll need to learn by heart (prepositional phrase: by heart!). Keep it up and you'll learn them with time. Perhaps you can try some of these easier preposition quizzes to build your confidence.