ADJECTIVES USED WITH PREPOSITIONS

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 Spain.

- 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.