Prepositional phrases general gramma…: English ESL worksheets pdf ... - Free Printable

Let's solve this worksheet step by step, focusing on prepositional phrases.

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Part I: Complete each sentence with one word or phrase from the box. Use each word or phrase once only.

Given phrases:
- according to
- in common with
- instead of
- apart from
- by means of
- in favour of
- because of
- on behalf of
- as for
- in case of
- in front of
- regardless of

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#### 1. I think I’d rather have coffee ________ tea.
✔ instead of
*Explanation:* "Instead of" shows preference between two things.
👉 "I'd rather have coffee instead of tea."

#### 2. ________ danger, Paul ran back into the burning house.
✔ Regardless of
*Explanation:* "Regardless of" means despite something.
👉 "Regardless of danger, Paul ran back..."

#### 3. ________ fire, smash the glass and push the button.
✔ In case of
*Explanation:* This is a standard warning phrase meaning "if there is a fire."
👉 "In case of fire, smash the glass..."

#### 4. Personally, I’m ________ banning cigarette smoking completely!
✔ in favour of
*Explanation:* "In favour of" expresses support.
👉 "I'm in favour of banning..."

#### 5. I would like to thank you, ________ everyone who was rescued.
✔ on behalf of
*Explanation:* "On behalf of" means speaking for someone else.
👉 "Thank you on behalf of everyone..."

#### 6. ________ you, no-one else knows that I have escaped from prison.
✔ Apart from
*Explanation:* "Apart from" means excluding someone.
👉 "Apart from you, no one else knows..."

#### 7. ________ Steve, he believes that we should stay where we are.
✔ As for
*Explanation:* "As for" introduces a topic or person.
👉 "As for Steve, he believes..."

#### 8. Jim managed to climb into the house ________ a ladder he found.
✔ by means of
*Explanation:* "By means of" means using something as a tool.
👉 "Climbed into the house by means of a ladder."

#### 9. ________ the rain the football match was cancelled.
✔ Because of
*Explanation:* "Because of" gives a reason.
👉 "Because of the rain, the match was cancelled."

#### 10. ________ the timetable, the next train isn’t for two hours.
✔ According to
*Explanation:* "According to" refers to information from a source.
👉 "According to the timetable..."

#### 11. Julie has nothing ________ Bill. They are quite different.
✔ in common with
*Explanation:* "In common with" means sharing similarities.
👉 "Julie has nothing in common with Bill."

#### 12. A large black car suddenly stopped ________ the house.
✔ in front of
*Explanation:* "In front of" describes location.
👉 "Stopped in front of the house."

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✔ Final Answers for Part I:

1. instead of
2. Regardless of
3. In case of
4. in favour of
5. on behalf of
6. Apart from
7. As for
8. by means of
9. Because of
10. According to
11. in common with
12. in front of

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Part II: Choose the most suitable phrase.

We need to pick the correct prepositional phrase from the pair given.

#### 1. I can’t disturb John now. He’s at bed / in bed.
✔ in bed
*Explanation:* "In bed" means lying down in bed (possibly sleeping). "At bed" is not natural.
👉 Correct: in bed

#### 2. Tony always arrives exactly in time / on time for his lesson.
✔ on time
*Explanation:* "On time" = punctual; "in time" = before a deadline (not necessarily exact).
👉 "Arrives on time"

#### 3. Two pounds for each ticket, that makes 12 pounds in all / with all.
✔ in all
*Explanation:* "In all" = total amount. "With all" is not idiomatic here.
👉 "That makes 12 pounds in all"

#### 4. I can’t pick that last apple. It’s out of hand / out of reach.
✔ out of reach
*Explanation:* "Out of reach" = too far to grab. "Out of hand" = uncontrolled (e.g., situation).
👉 "It’s out of reach"

#### 5. John and I met on the plane completely by chance / by surprise.
✔ by chance
*Explanation:* "By chance" = accidentally. "By surprise" is not a standard phrase.
👉 "by chance"

#### 6. The children spent most of their time out of doors / out of place.
✔ out of doors
*Explanation:* "Out of doors" = outside. "Out of place" = not fitting in.
👉 "Spent time out of doors"

#### 7. I’m sorry but Jane isn’t here at present / at a time.
✔ at present
*Explanation:* "At present" = currently. "At a time" = one after another (e.g., one at a time).
👉 "at present"

#### 8. How can Sam love Lucy? They have nothing in common / in general.
✔ in common
*Explanation:* "Have nothing in common" = no shared interests. "In general" = usually (doesn't fit).
👉 "Nothing in common"

#### 9. They should be here soon. They are in the way / on the way.
✔ on the way
*Explanation:* "On the way" = traveling toward destination. "In the way" = blocking.
👉 "They are on the way"

#### 10. Terry isn’t here. He’s away in business / on business.
✔ on business
*Explanation:* "On business" = for work purposes. "In business" = running a company.
👉 "He’s away on business"

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✔ Final Answers for Part II:

1. in bed
2. on time
3. in all
4. out of reach
5. by chance
6. out of doors
7. at present
8. in common
9. on the way
10. on business

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✔ Summary:

Part I Answers:
1. instead of
2. Regardless of
3. In case of
4. in favour of
5. on behalf of
6. Apart from
7. As for
8. by means of
9. Because of
10. According to
11. in common with
12. in front of

Part II Answers:
1. in bed
2. on time
3. in all
4. out of reach
5. by chance
6. out of doors
7. at present
8. in common
9. on the way
10. on business

This exercise helps reinforce understanding of prepositional phrases, their meanings, and correct usage in context.