Adjective Preposition Combinations

Of

Use the following adjectives followed by 'of.' Each group of adjectives has the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

• Nice/kind/good/generous of someone (to do something)—Example: It was very nice of him to buy me a present.
• Mean of someone (to do something)—Example: It was very mean of Susan to say that to Tom.
• Stupid/silly of someone (to do something)—Example: I'm afraid it was stupid of me to come.
• Intelligent/clever/sensible of someone (to do something)—Example: That was quite sensible of Tom.
• Polite of someone (to do something)—Example: It was very polite of Peter to invite my sister to the party.
• Impolite/rude of someone (to do something)—Example: I can't believe how rude it was of Jack to shout at his daughter in front of all those people.
• Unreasonable of someone (to do something)—Example: Don't be so hard on yourself! It's unreasonable of you to expect to understand everything immediately.
• Proud of something or someone—Example: I'm very proud of my daughter's wonderful progress in school.
• Ashamed of someone or something—Example: She's ashamed of her bad grades.
• Jealous/envious of someone or something—Example: She's really envious of her sister's wealth.
• Aware/conscious of something—Example: Teens are often overly conscious of skin blemishes.
• Capable/incapable of something—Example: Peter is quite capable of conducting the meeting on his own.
• Fond of someone or something—Example: She is so fond of her niece.
• Short of something—Example: I'm afraid I'm short of cash tonight.
• Tired of something—Example: I'm tired of your complaining!

On

Use the following adjective followed by 'on.' Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

• To be keen on something—Example: She is very keen on horses.

To

Use the following adjectives followed by 'to.' Each group of adjectives has the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

• Married/engaged to someone—Example: Jack is engaged to Jill.
• Nice/kind/good/generous to someone—Example: She was very generous to me when I was staying with her.
• Mean/impolite/rude/unpleasant/unfriendly/cruel to someone—Example: How can you be so unfriendly to your neighbors?
• similar to something—Example: His painting is similar to Van Gough.

With

Use the following adjectives followed by 'with.' Each group of adjectives has the same or related meanings. Use the verb 'to be' with these expressions.

• Angry/annoyed/furious with someone for something—Example: I'm furious with my brother for having lied to me!
• Delighted/pleased/satisfied with something—Example: He is quite satisfied with his results.
• Disappointed with something—Example: She's really disappointed with her new car.
• Bored/fed up with something—Example: Let's go. I'm fed up with this party.
• Crowded with (people, tourists, etc.)—Example: Disneyland is crowded with tourists in July.

Test Your Understanding

Now that you have studied these adjective preposition formulas try the follow-up quiz to test your understanding.