Adjective + Preposition
1. What are adjective + preposition combinations?
Some adjectives are commonly followed by a specific preposition.
We use them to add more information about feelings, opinions, or situations.
Structure:
subject + (be / feel / seem) + adjective + preposition + noun/pronoun/-ing
Examples:
- I am interested in music.
- She is good at tennis.
- He is afraid of dogs.
2. Common adjective + preposition combinations
Very common (learn these first)
- interested in → I’m interested in art.
- good at → She’s good at maths.
- bad at → He’s bad at cooking.
- afraid of → They’re afraid of spiders.
- happy about → I’m happy about the result.
- proud of → She’s proud of her work.
Also very useful
- excited about → We’re excited about the trip.
- worried about → He’s worried about the exam.
- angry about → She’s angry about the mistake.
- angry with → She’s angry with her brother.
- famous for → The city is famous for its food.
- tired of → I’m tired of this noise.
3. Pattern reminder
👉 After the preposition, we use:
In this structure, the object after the preposition can be a noun, a pronoun, or a verb in the -ing form.
✔ a noun
- She is good at tennis.
✔ a pronoun
- I’m angry about it.
✔ a verb (-ing form)
- He is interested in learning English.
- They are good at playing football.
4. Common mistakes
❌ I am interested on music
✅ I am interested in music
❌ She is good in tennis
✅ She is good at tennis
❌ He is afraid from dogs
✅ He is afraid of dogs
5. Quick practice
Choose the correct preposition:
- She is good ___ drawing.
- I’m interested ___ history.
- He is afraid ___ spiders.
- They are excited ___ the trip.
- We are proud ___ our team.
6. Answers
- at
- in
- of
- about
- of
Key takeaway
In these common expressions, the preposition is usually fixed. Learn each adjective + preposition as a combination (e.g., interested in, good at, afraid of).
Some adjectives can use different prepositions with different meanings (e.g., angry about a situation / angry with a person).
You cannot change the preposition — you must learn the combination:
- interested in
- good at
- afraid of
Ready to practise?
Test what you've learned with interactive fill-in-the-blank exercises.
Vocabulary in this lesson
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Adjective + Preposition
B1Adjective + Preposition
29 wordsinterested in
verb
To show curiosity or concern about something.
I am interested in learning new languages.
good at
adjective
having positive qualities or being proficient in a particular area.
She is really good at mathematics.
bad at
phrasal verb
To have poor skills or ability in a particular area.
I'm bad at math, so I need to study harder.
afraid of
adjective
feeling fear or anxiety; frightened.
She is afraid of the dark.
happy about
adjective
Experiencing or showing pleasure or contentment.
She felt happy when she received the good news.
proud of
adjective
Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions.
She was proud of her son's accomplishments.
excited about
phrase
Feeling enthusiastic and eager about something.
I am excited about the upcoming concert this weekend.
worried about
verb
To feel anxious or concerned about something.
I often worry about my exams.
angry about
adjective
Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
She was angry about the unfair treatment at work.
angry with
adjective
Feeling or showing strong annoyance or displeasure.
She was angry with her friend for being late.
famous for
noun
The state of being well-known or recognized by many people.
She gained fame after her first movie became a huge success.
tired of
verb
To feel a need to rest; to become weary.
I tire easily after a long day at work.
surprised by
verb
To cause someone to feel astonished or shocked by something unexpected.
I was surprised by the sudden change in the weather.
disappointed with
verb
to make someone feel sad or displeased because something did not happen as expected.
I was disappointed when my favorite team lost the game.
pleased with
adjective
feeling happy or satisfied about something.
I am very pleased with the results of my exam.
satisfied with
verb
To make someone feel pleased or content.
She is satisfied with the results of her exam.
responsible for
phrasal verb
having a duty to take care of something or to be accountable for something.
She is responsible for managing the team.
similar to
conjunction
different from
phrase
Used to indicate that two or more things are not the same.
My opinion is different from yours.
married to
verb
To join together two people in a legal or formal relationship, typically for life.
They decided to marry after dating for five years.
kind to
adjective
having a friendly, generous, and considerate nature.
She is very kind to everyone she meets.
rude to
adjective
Showing a lack of respect or manners; impolite.
It was rude of him to interrupt her while she was speaking.
polite to
adjective
Showing good manners and respect towards others.
It's polite to say 'thank you' when someone helps you.
friendly to
adjective
Kind and pleasant to others.
She has a friendly smile that makes everyone feel welcome.
serious about
adjective
Important or significant; not joking.
She is serious about her studies and always works hard.
nervous about
adjective
Feeling worried or anxious about something.
I always feel nervous before giving a presentation.
ready for
adjective
Prepared and available to do something.
I am ready to start the meeting.
full of
phrase
Having a lot of something; filled with.
The basket is full of fresh fruits.
capable of
adjective
Having the ability or qualities necessary to do something.
She is capable of completing the project on time.
Last updated May 27, 2026