1) When adjectives are commonly followed by particular preposition. You can find information about these in a good dictionary. Here we will look at some adjectives that can be followed by one preposition or another, depending on the meaning.
ç Afraid of and Afraid for
- Janet had always been afraid of flying.
- They tried to leave the country, afraid for their own lives.
ç Angry/Annoyed about and Angry/Annoyed with
- She felt a little annoyed about the delay. (about something)
- I’m not angry with you, Paul. (with somebody)
ç Answerable for and Answerable to
- She is answerable for (= responsible for) the money that has disappeared.
- The committee is answerable only to (= has to explain its actions to) the President.
ç Anxious about and Anxious for
- Ministers are increasingly anxious about (= worried about) the cost of health care.
- I’m anxious for (= want very much) the work to be done as soon as possible.
ç Bad/Good at and Bad/Good for
- She’s very good/bad at languages. (= successful)
- You should drink this. It’s good/bad for you. (= healthy or beneficial)
ç Good about, Good to and Good with
- She felt good about winning the prize. (= pleased with herself)
- Tom was good to us (= kind) when times were hard.
- He’s very good with his hands. (skillful)
ç Concerned about and Concerned with
- I’m a little concerned about your exam results. (= worried)
- This section of the book is concerned with (= about) adjectives.
ç Glad for and Glad of
- I’m very glad for you.
- I’d be glad of some help.
ç Pleased about, Pleased at and Pleased with
- Was he pleased about/at the news?
- He’s really pleased with the car. (with something)
- She felt pleased with Paul. (with somebody)
ç Right about and Right for
- You’re right about Tom. He is moving to
- We’re sending her to a school that we think is right for her.
ç Sorry about and Sorry for
- I’m sorry about giving you such a hard time.
- I felt really sorry for Susan (= felt sympathy for her), but what could I do?
2) When a verb follows an adjective + preposition it takes an –ing form.
Example:
- I don’t agree with smacking children if they do something wrong.
- He was famous for holding the world land speed record.
Compare:
- You were right to report them to the police. and
- You were right about seeing Mark in town. He’s got a new job there.
- We’re anxious to avoid problems. and
- I’m anxious about not having enough time.
