Tricky Prepositions Quiz With Answers: 100 Examples

Category: Grammar | Level: Beginner to Advanced | English: International Standard English | Updated: October 26, 2026

Prepositions are small words, but they can create surprisingly big problems. Even experienced English speakers sometimes hesitate between in and on, since and for, or between and among.

This comprehensive tricky prepositions quiz with answers provides 100 carefully selected practice questions, clear explanations, common mistakes, and practical examples for students, teachers, ESL learners, job seekers, and competitive examination candidates.

Whether you are preparing for an English proficiency test, writing professional emails, or simply trying to improve your grammar, these exercises will help you choose the correct preposition with greater confidence.

And remember, English prepositions do not always follow your expectations. Sometimes, they seem to have their own travel plans!

What Is a Preposition?

A preposition is a word or group of words that shows the relationship between a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase and another part of a sentence.

Prepositions commonly express place, time, direction, movement, cause, purpose, or relationships.

For example:

The keys are on the table.
We arrived at the airport.
She has worked here since 2021.
The students walked through the library.
He is interested in science.

In each sentence, the highlighted preposition connects ideas and helps explain their relationship.

Types of Prepositions With Examples

Type	Common prepositions	Example
Time	at, on, in, since, for	The exam begins at 9 a.m.
Place	in, on, at, under	The book is under the desk.
Direction	to, towards, into	She walked into the classroom.
Movement	across, through, along	They drove through the tunnel.
Cause	because of, due to	The match stopped because of rain.
Relationship	with, about, of	He spoke about education.
Agent	by	The novel was written by an author.
Instrument	with	She opened the box with a key.

How to Choose the Correct Preposition

Use this simple five-step method.

Identify the relationship. Does the sentence describe time, location, movement, or another connection?
Check the word before the blank. Some verbs, adjectives, and nouns are normally followed by particular prepositions.
Read the complete sentence. Context can change which preposition is appropriate.
Watch for fixed expressions. Expressions such as interested in, depend on, and responsible for are best learned together.
Read the completed sentence aloud. This can help you recognise familiar patterns, although grammar rules and context remain more reliable than sound alone.

Tricky Prepositions Quiz With Answers: 100 Practice Questions

Choose the correct preposition for each blank. The questions progress from basic usage to advanced grammar, academic English, and professional communication.

Each category contains 10 original questions. Answers and short explanations are provided in the answer key below the exercises.

Part 1: Basic Prepositions (Questions 1–10)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
1	The train arrives ___ 6:30 p.m.	at / on / in
2	My birthday falls ___ November.	in / on / at
3	The painting hangs ___ the wall.	on / in / at
4	We stayed ___ a small hotel.	at / to / by
5	The children are playing ___ the garden.	in / at / on
6	The meeting is scheduled ___ Friday.	on / at / in
7	She placed her phone ___ the drawer.	in / on / at
8	The dog is sleeping ___ the table.	under / across / between
9	He travelled ___ Canada last summer.	to / at / on
10	The supermarket is ___ the bank and the pharmacy.	between / among / through

Part 2: Intermediate Prepositions (Questions 11–20)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
11	She is particularly good ___ mathematics.	at / in / on
12	We have been waiting ___ two hours.	for / since / during
13	He has lived in Dublin ___ 2020.	since / for / from
14	The manager insisted ___ punctuality.	on / for / to
15	I am looking forward ___ meeting you.	to / for / at
16	The teacher divided the class ___ four groups.	into / among / between
17	They congratulated her ___ her promotion.	on / for / about
18	This medicine should be taken ___ meals.	after / onto / across
19	She prefers tea ___ coffee.	to / than / over
20	He apologised ___ his mistake.	for / of / with

Part 3: Advanced Prepositions (Questions 21–30)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
21	The new policy is consistent ___ existing regulations.	with / to / for
22	She was accused ___ breaking the rules.	of / for / with
23	The committee objected ___ the proposed changes.	to / against / with
24	His explanation was devoid ___ supporting evidence.	of / from / with
25	The organisation is committed ___ improving accessibility.	to / for / on
26	This conclusion is based ___ reliable data.	on / in / from
27	The proposal is subject ___ final approval.	to / for / with
28	The company complied ___ the safety requirements.	with / to / for
29	Her interpretation differs ___ mine.	from / than / with
30	The outcome is contingent ___ adequate funding.	on / at / by

Part 4: Daily Conversation (Questions 31–40)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
31	Can you pick me up ___ the airport?	at / in / onto
32	I ran ___ an old friend yesterday.	into / across / over
33	Please keep an eye ___ my bag.	on / at / for
34	We are running ___ milk.	out of / away from / through
35	She is afraid ___ spiders.	of / from / by
36	I borrowed a charger ___ my neighbour.	from / to / with
37	Are you familiar ___ this neighbourhood?	with / about / to
38	He is married ___ a doctor.	to / with / by
39	We arrived ___ the cinema just before the film started.	at / to / into
40	Please turn ___ the lights before leaving.	off / away / over

Part 5: Academic English (Questions 41–50)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
41	The findings contribute ___ our understanding of climate change.	to / for / with
42	The study focuses ___ adolescent reading habits.	on / in / at
43	The results are independent ___ the researchers’ expectations.	of / from / with
44	The researcher referred ___ several earlier studies.	to / about / on
45	There is a correlation ___ sleep quality and concentration.	between / among / across
46	The sample consisted ___ 120 participants.	of / with / from
47	The theory is supported ___ experimental evidence.	by / with / from
48	The report provides insight ___ consumer behaviour.	into / onto / across
49	The analysis was conducted ___ accordance with ethical guidelines.	in / on / by
50	The conclusion is relevant ___ the research question.	to / for / with

Part 6: Business and Workplace English (Questions 51–60)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
51	The director is responsible ___ strategic planning.	for / to / with
52	We need to agree ___ a realistic deadline.	on / to / with
53	The company invested heavily ___ employee training.	in / on / at
54	The project is currently ___ budget.	under / below / beneath
55	She was promoted ___ regional manager.	to / as / for
56	The new system is compatible ___ our software.	with / to / for
57	We must respond ___ customer complaints promptly.	to / for / on
58	The supplier specialises ___ renewable energy equipment.	in / on / at
59	The department reports directly ___ the chief executive.	to / for / with
60	The proposal was approved ___ the board.	by / from / with

Part 7: Professional Email English (Questions 61–70)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
61	Thank you ___ your prompt response.	for / to / about
62	I am writing ___ reference to your application.	with / in / by
63	Please find the report attached ___ this email.	to / with / on
64	I look forward ___ hearing from you.	to / for / at
65	Could you provide an update ___ the project?	on / to / with
66	We apologise ___ the inconvenience.	for / with / of
67	Please contact me ___ any questions.	with / on / to
68	The meeting has been postponed ___ Monday.	until / since / during
69	I would appreciate clarification ___ this point.	on / at / by
70	Thank you ___ advance for your assistance.	in / on / at

Part 8: Students and Competitive Exams (Questions 71–80)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
71	She succeeded ___ solving the problem.	in / at / on
72	He is eligible ___ the scholarship.	for / to / with
73	The principal was pleased ___ the results.	with / to / for
74	The candidate was selected ___ the interview.	for / to / with
75	Students must refrain ___ using mobile phones during examinations.	from / of / with
76	The teacher emphasised the importance ___ revision.	of / for / on
77	He is capable ___ completing the assignment.	of / for / to
78	The student is proficient ___ English.	in / on / at
79	The examination consists ___ three sections.	of / from / with
80	The answer is different ___ the one in the textbook.	from / to / than

Part 9: ESL and Commonly Confused Prepositions (Questions 81–90)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
81	The cat jumped ___ the box from the floor.	into / in / onto
82	The cyclist rode ___ the bridge to reach the other side.	across / through / along
83	She has been absent ___ school for three days.	from / at / to
84	The village lies ___ the foot of the mountain.	at / in / on
85	He is suffering ___ a severe cold.	from / with / of
86	The teacher explained the rule ___ the students.	to / for / with
87	We discussed the issue ___ detail.	in / on / at
88	They reached an agreement ___ the contract terms.	on / to / with
89	The book was translated ___ Spanish into English.	from / by / with
90	The shop is located ___ the corner of two streets.	at / in / over

Part 10: Challenging Mixed Prepositions (Questions 91–100)

No.	Fill in the blank	Options
91	The decision was made ___ behalf of the entire committee.	on / in / at
92	She was prevented ___ entering the restricted area.	from / to / for
93	The revised plan is preferable ___ the original proposal.	to / than / over
94	He was entrusted ___ confidential information.	with / to / for
95	The results fell short ___ expectations.	of / from / to
96	The contract came ___ effect on 1 October.	into / in / to
97	The witness testified ___ oath.	under / on / in
98	The programme is aimed ___ improving digital literacy.	at / to / for
99	The investigation was carried out ___ accordance with the law.	in / by / at
100	Her success can be attributed ___ consistent preparation.	to / for / with

Answer Key With Short Explanations

Each answer explains the relevant grammar pattern. Some questions use a fixed expression, while others depend on the intended meaning.

No.	Answer	Why it is correct
1	at	Use at for exact clock times.
2	in	Use in for months.
3	on	A painting hangs on a wall.
4	at	Stay at a hotel is a common expression.
5	in	Use in for an enclosed or defined area.
6	on	Use on for days of the week.
7	in	The phone is inside the drawer.
8	under	Indicates a lower position.
9	to	Indicates movement towards a destination.
10	between	Identifies a position relative to two places.
11	at	The standard expression is good at.
12	for	Indicates a duration.
13	since	Indicates a starting point in time.
14	on	The standard expression is insist on.
15	to	Look forward to takes a noun or an -ing form.
16	into	Indicates division into separate groups.
17	on	Use congratulate someone on something.
18	after	Means following meals.
19	to	The standard comparison is prefer A to B.
20	for	Identifies the reason for an apology.
21	with	Use consistent with.
22	of	Use accused of.
23	to	Use object to.
24	of	Use devoid of.
25	to	Use committed to followed by a noun or -ing form.
26	on	Use based on.
27	to	Use subject to.
28	with	Use comply with.
29	from	Differ from is standard in formal English.
30	on	Use contingent on.
31	at	Identifies the pickup location.
32	into	Run into means meet unexpectedly.
33	on	Keep an eye on means watch or monitor.
34	out of	Run out of means use up a supply.
35	of	Use afraid of.
36	from	Identifies the person lending something.
37	with	Use familiar with.
38	to	Use married to.
39	at	Use arrive at for specific destinations.
40	off	Turn off means stop an electrical device operating.
41	to	Use contribute to.
42	on	Use focus on.
43	of	Use independent of.
44	to	Use refer to.
45	between	Shows a relationship between two variables.
46	of	Use consist of.
47	by	Identifies evidence providing support.
48	into	Use insight into.
49	in	Use in accordance with.
50	to	Use relevant to.
51	for	Use responsible for a duty.
52	on	Use agree on a decision or arrangement.
53	in	Use invest in.
54	under	Under budget means spending less than allocated.
55	to	Use promoted to a position.
56	with	Use compatible with.
57	to	Use respond to.
58	in	Use specialise in a field.
59	to	Identifies the reporting authority.
60	by	Identifies who approved the proposal.
61	for	Use thank someone for something.
62	with	Use with reference to.
63	to	Use attached to.
64	to	Use look forward to plus an -ing form.
65	on	Use an update on a subject.
66	for	Use apologise for.
67	with	Contact me with any questions is natural business English.
68	until	Indicates the time to which the meeting was delayed.
69	on	Use clarification on a point or subject.
70	in	The fixed expression is in advance.
71	in	Use succeed in plus an -ing form.
72	for	Use eligible for an award or benefit.
73	with	Use pleased with a result.
74	for	Use selected for an event or opportunity.
75	from	Use refrain from plus an -ing form.
76	of	Use importance of.
77	of	Use capable of plus an -ing form.
78	in	Use proficient in a language or skill.
79	of	Use consist of.
80	from	Different from is widely accepted internationally.
81	into	Indicates movement from outside to inside.
82	across	Indicates crossing from one side to the other.
83	from	Use absent from.
84	at	Use at the foot of a mountain.
85	from	Use suffer from an illness.
86	to	Use explain something to someone.
87	in	The fixed expression is in detail.
88	on	Use agreement on particular terms.
89	from	Identifies the original language.
90	at	Identifies a specific street-corner location.
91	on	The fixed expression is on behalf of.
92	from	Use prevent someone from plus an -ing form.
93	to	Use preferable to.
94	with	Use entrust someone with something.
95	of	Use fall short of.
96	into	Come into effect means become operative.
97	under	The fixed expression is under oath.
98	at	Use aimed at plus an -ing form.
99	in	Use in accordance with.
100	to	Use attributed to.

Important usage note: Some English prepositions allow more than one grammatically acceptable choice, depending on context or regional usage. For example, different from is widely accepted, while different to is also used in British English and different than occurs in American English. The quiz generally tests the most broadly accepted formal option, not every possible alternative.

Common Preposition Mistakes With Corrections

These mistakes frequently appear in school assignments, English proficiency exercises, and professional communication.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
She is good in maths.	She is good at maths.	Use good at for abilities.
He is married with a teacher.	He is married to a teacher.	Use married to.
We discussed about the problem.	We discussed the problem.	Discuss takes a direct object.
She insisted for payment.	She insisted on payment.	Use insist on.
I prefer tea than coffee.	I prefer tea to coffee.	Use prefer A to B.
He is suffering with flu.	He is suffering from flu.	Standard pattern is suffer from.
I am waiting since an hour.	I have been waiting for an hour.	Use for with duration.
She entered into the room.	She entered the room.	Enter normally takes a direct object when referring to a place.
Please reply on my email.	Please reply to my email.	Use reply to.
He is capable to solve it.	He is capable of solving it.	Use capable of plus -ing.

Quick Grammar Revision: 5 Tricky Questions

Interactive Mini Quiz

0 of 5 answered

1. She has worked here ___ 2019.forsinceduring

2. The manager is responsible ___ hiring new staff.oftofor

3. We arrived ___ London yesterday.inatto

4. She is looking forward ___ joining the team.fortoat

5. The teacher explained the lesson ___ the class.fortowith

Check Answers Reset

Easy Tips to Remember Prepositions

Time: At, On, In

At for exact times: at 8:00 a.m.
On for days and dates: on Monday, on 15 June
In for months, years, and seasons: in August, in 2026, in winter

Place: At, On, In

At for a specific point: at the entrance
On for a surface: on the shelf
In for an enclosed or defined area: in the classroom

Since vs For

Since indicates when something started: since 2020
For indicates how long it has continued: for six years

Between vs Among

Between describes distinct people or things, even when there are more than two.
Among generally describes membership or distribution within a group.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most commonly confused prepositions in English?

Commonly confused pairs include in/on, at/in, since/for, between/among, to/for, and by/with. Their correct usage depends on meaning, sentence structure, and established expressions.

2. How can I improve my preposition skills quickly?

Study prepositions in complete sentences rather than memorising isolated words. Practise fixed expressions, complete short quizzes regularly, and review mistakes with explanations.

3. Which prepositions are important for competitive exams?

Pay particular attention to verb-preposition combinations such as depend on, insist on, succeed in, refrain from, and comply with. Adjective-preposition combinations such as responsible for and capable of are also useful.

4. Are prepositions different in American and British English?

Yes, some expressions differ. For example, American English commonly uses on the weekend, while British English commonly uses at the weekend. Both are correct within their respective varieties.

5. Can a sentence end with a preposition?

Yes. Ending a sentence with a preposition is grammatically acceptable in modern English.

For example, Who are you talking to? is natural and correct.

Conclusion

Learning English prepositions becomes easier when you understand the relationship between words and recognise common expressions.

This tricky prepositions quiz with answers offers 100 practical questions covering everyday conversations, academic writing, business communication, emails, and examination preparation.

Instead of memorising every rule at once, practise a few questions daily, study your mistakes, and gradually build confidence.

Challenge yourself to score 90 out of 100. Share this quiz with a classmate, colleague, or English learner, and use the downloadable worksheet for revision.

Disclaimer: This educational resource follows widely accepted English grammar conventions. Some preposition choices may vary according to regional English usage, context, and intended meaning.

Also Read: Would Rather vs Prefer Grammar: Easy Rules and Examples

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