Adjectives are used in simple sentences to describe people and objects. For example, She is an interesting speaker. More complex sentences use adjectives + prepositions to make statements about a person's attitude towards something. For example, She is excited about the concert tonight. Here is a list of the most common adjective + preposition combinations to express people's feelings.
ABOUT
Use the following adjectives followed by 'about'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
- angry / annoyed / furious about something
Example: I'm really angry about our losses on the stock market!
- excited about something
Example: He's excited about his birthday party next week.
- worried / upset about something
Example: He's worried about his upcoming examinations.
- sorry about something
Example: I'm very sorry about losing your book.
AT
Use the following adjectives followed by 'at'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
- good / excellent / brilliant at something OR at doing something
Example: They are excellent at planning fun parties.
- bad / hopeless at something OR at doing something
Example: Unfortunately, I'm hopeless at being on time.
AT / BY
Use the following adjectives followed by 'at' or 'by'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
- amazed / astonished / shocked / surprised at OR by something
Example: I was amazed at his stamina.
FOR
Use the following adjectives followed by 'for'. Each group of adjectives have the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.
- angry with someone for something
Example: I'm really angry with John for his total lack of responsibility.
- famous for something
Example: She's famous for her watercolor paintings.
- responsible for something
Example: You'll have to speak to John, he's responsible for customer complaints.
- sorry for doing something
Example: He says he's sorry for shouting at you.
- (to feel or be) sorry for someone
Example: I really feel sorry for Pam.
FROM
Use the following adjectives followed by 'from'.
- different from someone / something
Example: His photographs are very different from his paintings.
Test Your Understanding
Now that you have studied these adjective preposition formulas, try the follow-up quiz to test your understanding.
Adjective Preposition Quiz - # 1
Study other prepositions:
- Prepositions of Place - in / at / on
- Prepositions of Movement - in / to / at / nothing
- Prepositions - for / while / during
- Prepositions of time and date - in / on / at
- Nouns Prepositions
- Prepositions Nouns
- Adjective Prepositions Combinations - 1
- Adjective Prepositions Combinations - 2
- Prepositions of Position and Direction
