Pariksha SaathiPrepositions Questions with Solutions
Most preposition questions test fixed pairings — words that always take one specific preposition by convention, not by logic — plus a size-based pattern for time and place. Here’s the approach, four fully worked examples, and a few to try yourself.
The approach, quickly
- Many verbs and adjectives pair with ONE specific preposition by convention — these fixed pairings have to be learned individually, like vocabulary, rather than reasoned out from a rule: "interested in", "good at", "afraid of", "married to", "different from", "depend on", "apologise for".
- Time prepositions follow a size-based pattern: "at" for a precise point (at 5 o’clock), "on" for a specific day or date (on Monday, on 15 August), "in" for a longer period (in May, in 2024, in the morning).
- Place prepositions follow a similar size-based pattern: "at" for a specific point (at the bus stop), "in" for an enclosed space (in the room, in Delhi), "on" for a surface (on the table).
- When unsure, say the sentence out loud with each option — fixed pairings usually "sound" wrong immediately in a way that’s hard to explain logically but easy to hear.
Worked examples
1. Choose the correct preposition: "She is interested ___ learning new languages." (A) on (B) at (C) in (D) for
Solution
- The fixed pairing is "interested IN" something — a set collocation to be learned directly.
Answer: (C) in
2. Choose the correct preposition: "He apologised ___ being late to the meeting." (A) for (B) of (C) about (D) with
Solution
- The fixed pairing is "apologise FOR" a specific action or reason.
Answer: (A) for
3. Choose the correct prepositions: "The meeting is scheduled ___ 10 o’clock ___ Monday." (A) in / on (B) at / on (C) on / at (D) at / in
Solution
- "At" is used for a precise point in time: "at 10 o’clock".
- "On" is used for a specific day: "on Monday".
Answer: (B) at / on
4. Choose the correct prepositions: "The keys are ___ the drawer, not ___ the table." (A) in / on (B) on / in (C) at / on (D) in / at
Solution
- "In" is used for an enclosed space: "in the drawer".
- "On" is used for a surface: "on the table".
Answer: (A) in / on
Try these yourself
Work through these the same way, then check against the answer.
1. Choose the correct preposition: "I am afraid ___ spiders." (A) from (B) of (C) with (D) about
Answer: (B) of
2. Choose the correct preposition: "This result is quite different ___ what we expected." (A) than (B) to (C) from (D) with
Answer: (C) from
3. Choose the correct preposition: "The company depends heavily ___ exports for its revenue." (A) of (B) on (C) in (D) with
Answer: (B) on
Where this comes up
Prepositions is a regular topic in the English Language section of every exam Pariksha Saathi covers — SSC CGL, SSC MTS, SSC CHSL, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO and SBI Clerk.
Practice more Prepositions questions
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