THE PREPOSITION COLLOCATIONS
Prepositions can be difficult. One problem is that there
is often no logic at all! We use them in many phrases and expressions and
unfortunately, we just need to memorize these. There are not really any rules.
The preposition collocations are sometimes called the 'prepositional phrases'
or 'preposition expressions'.)
1: At last = finally:
1: At last = finally:
After a long journey, at last we arrived at our hotel.
At last! I thought you'd never get here!
2: On foot = walking (not by foot)
I usually go to work on foot.
Did you come by car or on foot?
3: By mistake = not meaning to
I dropped the glass by mistake. I'm really sorry.
She gave him the wrong book by mistake.
4: In advance = beforehand
We need to book the tickets for the cinema in advance,
or we won't get a good seat.
She always buys her food for Christmas well in advance.
5: Out of reach = too high to touch
(literally or metaphorically)
She tried to grab the kite as it flew away but it was
already out of reach.
That job is out of reach. I don't have the right
qualifications for it.
6: For instance = here is an example
John reads a lot. For instance, yesterday he read two
books.
You should eat more vegetables. Why don't you have a
salad at lunchtime, for instance?
7: In danger = in a dangerous situation
When the car started rolling we realised that we were in
danger. Luckily we managed to stop.
The dog fell into the river and was in danger for
several minutes.
8: Without fail = always / definitely
She visits her mother every week without fail.
I study for twenty minutes a day without fail.
9: By chance = without planning
I saw Julie at the station by chance.
She found the perfect book by chance in a second hand
bookshop.
10: On purpose = intending to do something
She left without paying on purpose! It wasn't a mistake.
Did you take my bag on purpose? Why would you do that?
11: For a change = to do something
different
Let's have Italian food for a change. We always eat
British food.
I don't want to go to the cinema again. I want to go to
the park for a change.
12: On time (for) = at the time that was
arranged
She was on time for the meeting. It started at nine and
she arrived at nine.
Why are you never on time? I'm so fed up with waiting
for you.
13: To my surprise = I was surprised
I opened the door, and to my surprise, it was Lucy! I'd
thought she was in Paris.
To his surprise, the baby stopped crying and smiled at
him.
14: At once = immediately
You must do it at once! Don't wait even one minute.
She cleaned up at once when she realized that her mother
was coming to visit.
15: In common (with) = something that's shared
or the same
People from different countries have a lot in common. We
all want to have good lives.
What does a cat have in common with a mouse? Well, they
are both mammals.
Related information about the prepositions:
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