100 Prepositions MCQs with Analytical Explanations for banking, UPSC, OPSC, State PSC, Railways, SSC, and other competitive examination.
100 Prepositions MCQs with Analytical Explanations
1. He is good ___ mathematics.
A) in
B) at
C) on
D) for
Answer: B) at
Analytical Explanation:
The adjective “good” is commonly followed by “at” when referring to ability or skill in a subject or activity. Therefore, “good at mathematics” is grammatically correct.
2. She is afraid ___ dogs.
A) from
B) with
C) of
D) by
Answer: C) of
Analytical Explanation:
The adjective “afraid” is followed by the preposition “of” when expressing fear of someone or something. Hence, “afraid of dogs” is the correct expression.
3. I am interested ___ music.
A) on
B) at
C) in
D) for
Answer: C) in
Analytical Explanation:
The adjective “interested” takes the preposition “in.” We say “interested in music,” “interested in science,” etc. “Interested on” is not the standard construction.
4. He arrived ___ the airport at 6 a.m.
A) in
B) at
C) on
D) by
Answer: B) at
Analytical Explanation:
“At” is generally used with specific points or locations. An airport is being treated as a specific destination, so “arrived at the airport” is correct.
5. The book is ___ the table.
A) in
B) at
C) on
D) by
Answer: C) on
Analytical Explanation:
The preposition “on” indicates that something is positioned on the surface of another object. Since the book is resting on the table’s surface, “on the table” is correct.
6. She lives ___ Delhi.
A) at
B) on
C) by
D) in
Answer: D) in
Analytical Explanation:
“In” is normally used with cities, countries, states and larger geographical areas. Delhi is a city, so the correct phrase is “lives in Delhi.”
7. He goes to school ___ bus.
A) on
B) by
C) in
D) with
Answer: B) by
Analytical Explanation:
When we talk about the means of transportation, we commonly use “by + mode of transport.” Therefore, “by bus” means using a bus as the means of transportation.
8. We have been waiting ___ two hours.
A) since
B) for
C) from
D) by
Answer: B) for
Analytical Explanation:
“For” is used to indicate a duration of time. “Two hours” describes a duration, so “for two hours” is correct.
9. She has lived here ___ 2015.
A) for
B) from
C) since
D) by
Answer: C) since
Analytical Explanation:
“Since” is used with a specific point in time from which an action or situation began. 2015 is a starting point, so “since 2015” is correct.
10. The cat is hiding ___ the bed.
A) under
B) above
C) across
D) between
Answer: A) under
Analytical Explanation:
“Under” indicates a position lower than or beneath something. The cat is below the bed, so “under the bed” is the appropriate prepositional phrase.
11. The plane flew ___ the clouds.
A) between
B) above
C) into
D) beside
Answer: B) above
Analytical Explanation:
The sentence describes the plane’s position relative to the clouds. “Above” means at a higher position than something, making “above the clouds” correct.
12. He jumped ___ the river.
A) into
B) at
C) on
D) by
Answer: A) into
Analytical Explanation:
“Into” indicates movement from outside to inside. The person moves from outside the river to a position within it, so “jumped into the river” is correct.
13. She walked ___ the road carefully.
A) across
B) between
C) under
D) during
Answer: A) across
Analytical Explanation:
“Across” expresses movement from one side to the other side of a surface or area. Therefore, “walked across the road” correctly describes crossing the road.
14. The teacher stood ___ the students.
A) among
B) between
C) into
D) through
Answer: A) among
Analytical Explanation:
“Among” is used when someone or something is situated within a group of more than two people or things. Since there is a group of students, “among the students” is appropriate.
15. Divide the sweets ___ the two children.
A) among
B) between
C) in
D) over
Answer: B) between
Analytical Explanation:
In the traditional distinction used in such grammar exercises, “between” is used for two people or things, while “among” is associated with a group. Since there are two children, “between” is the expected answer.
16. He came ___ his brother.
A) with
B) by
C) from
D) at
Answer: A) with
Analytical Explanation:
“With” expresses accompaniment. The sentence means that he came accompanied by his brother, so “with his brother” is correct.
17. This letter is ___ my friend.
A) from
B) by
C) of
D) at
Answer: A) from
Analytical Explanation:
“From” indicates the source or sender of something. Since the friend is the sender of the letter, “from my friend” is correct.
18. The poem was written ___ William Wordsworth.
A) from
B) with
C) by
D) of
Answer: C) by
Analytical Explanation:
In the passive voice, “by” identifies the person who performed the action. William Wordsworth is the writer, so “written by William Wordsworth” is correct.
19. He is suffering ___ fever.
A) with
B) from
C) by
D) at
Answer: B) from
Analytical Explanation:
The verb phrase “suffer from” is used to indicate a disease, illness or unpleasant condition. Therefore, “suffering from fever” is the expected construction.
20. She is proud ___ her son.
A) at
B) in
C) of
D) for
Answer: C) of
Analytical Explanation:
The adjective “proud” is followed by “of” when expressing satisfaction or pleasure concerning someone or something. Hence, “proud of her son” is correct.
21. He depends ___ his parents.
A) on
B) at
C) for
D) with
Answer: A) on
Analytical Explanation:
The verb “depend” takes the preposition “on.” The expression “depend on someone” means to rely on that person.
22. I agree ___ you.
A) to
B) with
C) at
D) on
Answer: B) with
Analytical Explanation:
When agreeing with a person, we use “agree with.” Therefore, “I agree with you” is grammatically correct.
23. He apologized ___ his teacher.
A) to
B) at
C) with
D) for
Answer: A) to
Analytical Explanation:
We use “apologize to” when identifying the person who receives the apology. Thus, “apologized to his teacher” is correct.
24. She apologized ___ her mistake.
A) to
B) with
C) for
D) at
Answer: C) for
Analytical Explanation:
We use “apologize for” when identifying the action, mistake or situation for which someone is sorry. Hence, “apologized for her mistake” is correct.
25. He is angry ___ me.
A) to
B) with
C) at
D) for
Answer: B) with
Analytical Explanation:
“Angry with someone” is the standard construction when referring to a person’s anger toward another person. Therefore, “angry with me” is correct.
26. The teacher was angry ___ the student’s behavior.
A) at
B) with
C) by
D) from
Answer: A) at
Analytical Explanation:
“Angry at” can be used when anger is directed toward an action, situation or behavior. Here, the object of anger is the student’s behavior, so “angry at the student’s behavior” fits the intended distinction.
27. He is married ___ a doctor.
A) with
B) by
C) to
D) at
Answer: C) to
Analytical Explanation:
The adjective “married” is followed by “to” when identifying a person’s spouse. The correct expression is “married to a doctor.”
28. She is senior ___ me.
A) than
B) to
C) from
D) with
Answer: B) to
Analytical Explanation:
The adjective “senior” is followed by “to,” not “than,” in standard formal grammar. Therefore, “senior to me” is correct.
29. He is junior ___ his brother.
A) than
B) to
C) from
D) with
Answer: B) to
Analytical Explanation:
Like “senior,” the adjective “junior” takes “to.” Hence, “junior to his brother” is the correct construction.
30. This road leads ___ the railway station.
A) at
B) into
C) to
D) by
Answer: C) to
Analytical Explanation:
The verb “lead” commonly takes “to” when indicating a destination. Thus, “leads to the railway station” means the road provides a route to the station.
31. He is looking ___ his keys.
A) for
B) at
C) on
D) by
Answer: A) for
Analytical Explanation:
“Look for” means to search for something. Since he is searching for his keys, “looking for his keys” is correct.
32. Look ___ the picture carefully.
A) for
B) at
C) on
D) with
Answer: B) at
Analytical Explanation:
The phrase “look at” is used when directing one’s eyes or attention toward something. Therefore, “look at the picture” is correct.
33. She is fond ___ dancing.
A) at
B) in
C) of
D) with
Answer: C) of
Analytical Explanation:
The adjective phrase “fond of” means having a liking or affection for someone or something. Thus, “fond of dancing” is correct.
34. He is capable ___ solving the problem.
A) to
B) for
C) of
D) with
Answer: C) of
Analytical Explanation:
The adjective “capable” is followed by “of” and usually a noun or gerund. Therefore, “capable of solving” is the correct structure.
35. He is famous ___ his paintings.
A) for
B) of
C) with
D) at
Answer: A) for
Analytical Explanation:
“Famous for” identifies the particular achievement or quality for which someone is well known. His paintings are the reason for his fame, so “famous for his paintings” is correct.
36. India is rich ___ culture.
A) with
B) in
C) at
D) on
Answer: B) in
Analytical Explanation:
The adjective “rich” takes “in” when referring to an abundance of a quality, resource or characteristic. Therefore, “rich in culture” is correct.
37. He is responsible ___ the project.
A) to
B) of
C) for
D) with
Answer: C) for
Analytical Explanation:
The standard expression is “responsible for.” It indicates that someone has responsibility for a task, duty or project.
38. She is familiar ___ this place.
A) to
B) with
C) at
D) for
Answer: B) with
Analytical Explanation:
“Familiar with” means having knowledge or experience of something. Therefore, “familiar with this place” is correct.
39. I am grateful ___ you for your help.
A) to
B) with
C) at
D) on
Answer: A) to
Analytical Explanation:
When identifying the person toward whom gratitude is directed, we use “grateful to.” The phrase “grateful to you for your help” is correct.
40. He is different ___ his brother.
A) than
B) to
C) from
D) with
Answer: C) from
Analytical Explanation:
The standard formal construction is “different from.” Therefore, “different from his brother” is correct.
41. The train passed ___ the tunnel.
A) across
B) through
C) over
D) between
Answer: B) through
Analytical Explanation:
“Through” indicates movement from one side of an enclosed space to another, passing within it. A train travels inside a tunnel, so “through the tunnel” is correct.
42. The boy ran ___ the playground.
A) across
B) under
C) between
D) beside
Answer: A) across
Analytical Explanation:
“Across” indicates movement from one side of an area to another. The boy runs from one part of the playground to another, so “across the playground” fits.
43. He walked ___ the river.
A) along
B) between
C) into
D) above
Answer: A) along
Analytical Explanation:
“Along” indicates movement following the length or direction of something. Therefore, “walked along the river” means he walked beside or following the course of the river.
44. The shop is ___ the bank and the post office.
A) among
B) between
C) across
D) through
Answer: B) between
Analytical Explanation:
“Between” indicates a position separating two identifiable people or things. Since the shop is located relative to the bank and post office, “between” is correct.
45. The children ran ___ the garden.
A) around
B) at
C) by
D) since
Answer: A) around
Analytical Explanation:
“Around” expresses movement in various directions surrounding or within an area. Therefore, “ran around the garden” is the appropriate phrase.
46. The bird flew ___ the house.
A) over
B) between
C) into
D) among
Answer: A) over
Analytical Explanation:
“Over” indicates movement above something. The bird flies above the house rather than entering it, so “over the house” is correct.
47. He climbed ___ the wall.
A) over
B) since
C) during
D) beside
Answer: A) over
Analytical Explanation:
“Over” indicates movement from one side of an obstacle to the other. Climbing over a wall means crossing it by going above it.
48. She sat ___ me in the classroom.
A) beside
B) through
C) over
D) among
Answer: A) beside
Analytical Explanation:
“Beside” means next to or at the side of someone or something. Thus, “sat beside me” means she sat next to me.
49. The dog ran ___ the house.
A) towards
B) since
C) during
D) among
Answer: A) towards
Analytical Explanation:
“Towards” indicates movement in the direction of something. The dog moves in the direction of the house, so “towards the house” is correct.
50. He walked ___ the door.
A) towards
B) since
C) during
D) between
Answer: A) towards
Analytical Explanation:
“Towards” indicates direction. The person is moving in the direction of the door, making “walked towards the door” correct.
51. We reached the station ___ time.
A) in
B) on
C) at
D) by
Answer: B) on
Analytical Explanation:
The expression “on time” means at the scheduled or expected time. It should be distinguished from “in time,” which means early enough for a particular event.
52. I will finish the work ___ Monday.
A) in
B) by
C) on
D) at
Answer: B) by
Analytical Explanation:
“By Monday” means no later than Monday. It establishes a deadline, so the intended meaning is that the work will be completed on or before Monday.
53. We usually sleep ___ night.
A) in
B) on
C) at
D) by
Answer: C) at
Analytical Explanation:
The conventional expression is “at night.” The preposition “at” is commonly used with this particular period of the day.
54. He was born ___ July.
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) by
Answer: C) in
Analytical Explanation:
“In” is used with months, years and longer periods. Since July is a month, “in July” is correct.
55. My birthday is ___ Monday.
A) at
B) in
C) on
D) by
Answer: C) on
Analytical Explanation:
“On” is used with specific days and dates. Monday is a day of the week, so “on Monday” is correct.
56. She gets up ___ 6 o’clock.
A) on
B) at
C) in
D) by
Answer: B) at
Analytical Explanation:
“At” is used with specific clock times. Therefore, “at 6 o’clock” is the correct expression.
57. We met ___ Sunday morning.
A) at
B) in
C) on
D) by
Answer: C) on
Analytical Explanation:
When a particular day is specified, “on” is used. Therefore, “on Sunday morning” is correct.
58. He completed the work ___ two days.
A) at
B) in
C) on
D) by
Answer: B) in
Analytical Explanation:
“In two days” can indicate the amount of time needed to complete something or a period before something occurs. Here it refers to the duration required to complete the work.
59. She will return ___ an hour.
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) by
Answer: C) in
Analytical Explanation:
“In an hour” means one hour from the present time. Therefore, “will return in an hour” is correct.
60. He stayed there ___ the summer.
A) during
B) since
C) at
D) by
Answer: A) during
Analytical Explanation:
“During” is used to indicate that something happened within a particular period. The summer is a period, so “during the summer” is correct.
61. Nobody spoke ___ the examination.
A) during
B) since
C) from
D) by
Answer: A) during
Analytical Explanation:
“During” means at some time within a specified period. The examination is the period during which nobody spoke.
62. I have known him ___ childhood.
A) for
B) since
C) during
D) by
Answer: B) since
Analytical Explanation:
“Since” introduces the starting point of an action or state that continues to the present. Childhood is being treated as the starting point, so “since childhood” is correct.
63. He worked here ___ five years.
A) since
B) from
C) for
D) by
Answer: C) for
Analytical Explanation:
“For” is used with a period or duration. “Five years” tells us how long he worked there, so “for five years” is correct.
64. She has been ill ___ Monday.
A) for
B) since
C) during
D) by
Answer: B) since
Analytical Explanation:
Monday represents a specific starting point. Therefore, “since Monday” indicates that the illness began on Monday and continued afterward.
65. He waited ___ the rain stopped.
A) until
B) since
C) during
D) by
Answer: A) until
Analytical Explanation:
“Until” indicates the endpoint of a period of waiting or another action. He continued waiting up to the time when the rain stopped.
66. Stay here ___ I return.
A) during
B) until
C) since
D) from
Answer: B) until
Analytical Explanation:
“Until” introduces the point at which an action or situation ends. The instruction means to remain there up to the speaker’s return.
67. He left ___ breakfast.
A) before
B) among
C) through
D) beside
Answer: A) before
Analytical Explanation:
“Before” indicates that one event happens earlier than another. He left earlier than the time of breakfast.
68. Wash your hands ___ eating.
A) after
B) before
C) during
D) since
Answer: B) before
Analytical Explanation:
“Before” indicates that the hand-washing should happen earlier than eating. Therefore, “before eating” is correct.
69. We went home ___ the movie.
A) before
B) after
C) during
D) since
Answer: B) after
Analytical Explanation:
“After” indicates that one event occurs later than another. The group went home following the movie, so “after the movie” is correct.
70. He called me ___ dinner.
A) after
B) between
C) through
D) among
Answer: A) after
Analytical Explanation:
The preposition “after” establishes a later time in relation to another event. Thus, he called following dinner.
71. The man is standing ___ the door.
A) at
B) in
C) on
D) by
Answer: A) at
Analytical Explanation:
“At the door” identifies a specific point or location. It means the man is positioned at or near the door.
72. There is a picture ___ the wall.
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) by
Answer: B) on
Analytical Explanation:
A picture attached or displayed on the surface of a wall is described using “on.” Hence, “on the wall” is correct.
73. The students are ___ the classroom.
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) by
Answer: C) in
Analytical Explanation:
“In” indicates that someone or something is inside an enclosed space. The students are inside the classroom, so “in the classroom” is correct.
74. The keys are ___ my pocket.
A) at
B) in
C) on
D) over
Answer: B) in
Analytical Explanation:
A pocket is an enclosed space, and the keys are located inside it. Therefore, “in my pocket” is correct.
75. The children are playing ___ the park.
A) at
B) in
C) on
D) by
Answer: B) in
Analytical Explanation:
“In the park” indicates that the children are within the area of the park. Therefore, “in” is the expected preposition.
76. He works ___ an office.
A) on
B) at
C) in
D) by
Answer: C) in
Analytical Explanation:
“In an office” emphasizes being inside the workplace or physical environment. Hence, “works in an office” is correct.
77. She is sitting ___ the chair.
A) in
B) on
C) at
D) by
Answer: B) on
Analytical Explanation:
When someone sits on the surface of a chair, the normal preposition is “on.” Therefore, “sitting on the chair” is correct.
78. The village is ___ the river.
A) beside
B) into
C) through
D) between
Answer: A) beside
Analytical Explanation:
“Beside” means next to or alongside something. The village is located next to the river, so “beside the river” is correct.
79. The bank is ___ the supermarket.
A) opposite
B) through
C) during
D) among
Answer: A) opposite
Analytical Explanation:
“Opposite” indicates a position directly across from something. Thus, the bank is located across from the supermarket.
80. There is a bridge ___ the river.
A) over
B) in
C) at
D) among
Answer: A) over
Analytical Explanation:
A bridge normally extends across and above a river. Therefore, “over the river” accurately describes its position.
81. He broke the glass ___ accident.
A) by
B) on
C) at
D) in
Answer: A) by
Analytical Explanation:
The fixed expression “by accident” means unintentionally or accidentally. Therefore, “by accident” is correct.
82. We traveled ___ train.
A) by
B) on
C) with
D) at
Answer: A) by
Analytical Explanation:
“By train” expresses the means of transportation. Similar constructions include “by bus,” “by car,” and “by air.”
83. She came ___ foot.
A) by
B) on
C) with
D) in
Answer: B) on
Analytical Explanation:
The fixed expression is “on foot,” meaning walking rather than using a vehicle. Therefore, “on foot” is correct.
84. He cut the apple ___ a knife.
A) by
B) with
C) from
D) on
Answer: B) with
Analytical Explanation:
“With” is used to identify the instrument or tool used to perform an action. A knife is the instrument used for cutting the apple.
85. The letter was written ___ ink.
A) by
B) with
C) in
D) on
Answer: C) in
Analytical Explanation:
The conventional expression for the medium used in writing is “in ink.” Therefore, “written in ink” is correct.
86. He went there ___ his own.
A) on
B) by
C) in
D) at
Answer: A) on
Analytical Explanation:
The fixed expression “on his own” means independently or without assistance from others. Therefore, “on his own” is correct.
87. She did it ___ purpose.
A) by
B) on
C) at
D) in
Answer: B) on
Analytical Explanation:
The fixed expression “on purpose” means intentionally. It is the opposite of “by accident.”
88. He is ___ duty today.
A) on
B) in
C) at
D) by
Answer: A) on
Analytical Explanation:
The standard expression is “on duty.” It means that someone is officially performing their assigned responsibilities.
89. They are ___ trouble.
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) by
Answer: C) in
Analytical Explanation:
The fixed expression “in trouble” means experiencing difficulty or problems. Therefore, “in trouble” is correct.
90. The machine is ___ order.
A) in
B) on
C) at
D) by
Answer: A) in
Analytical Explanation:
The phrase “in order” indicates that something is functioning or arranged properly, depending on context. The expected preposition is therefore “in.”
91. He is ___ danger.
A) at
B) in
C) on
D) by
Answer: B) in
Analytical Explanation:
The standard expression “in danger” indicates that someone or something is exposed to a risk or threat.
92. She is ___ a hurry.
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) by
Answer: C) in
Analytical Explanation:
The fixed expression is “in a hurry.” It means that someone is trying to do something quickly because there is limited time.
93. The workers are ___ strike.
A) in
B) at
C) on
D) by
Answer: C) on
Analytical Explanation:
The standard expression is “on strike.” It means workers have stopped working as part of industrial action.
94. He is ___ debt.
A) in
B) at
C) on
D) by
Answer: A) in
Analytical Explanation:
The fixed expression “in debt” means owing money to another person or organization. Hence, “in debt” is correct.
95. The teacher divided the class ___ four groups.
A) among
B) into
C) between
D) by
Answer: B) into
Analytical Explanation:
The verb “divide” is commonly followed by “into” when something is separated to form distinct groups or parts. Thus, “divided the class into four groups” is correct.
96. She translated the book ___ English.
A) in
B) into
C) at
D) on
Answer: B) into
Analytical Explanation:
“Translate into” is used when changing something from one language to another. Therefore, “translated the book into English” is correct.
97. He converted the room ___ an office.
A) into
B) in
C) at
D) by
Answer: A) into
Analytical Explanation:
The verb “convert” takes “into” when indicating a transformation from one form or purpose to another. The room was changed into an office.
98. The car is made ___ steel.
A) from
B) of
C) by
D) with
Answer: B) of
Analytical Explanation:
“Made of” is commonly used when the original material remains recognizable in the finished product. Steel remains the material of the car, so “made of steel” is the expected answer.
99. Butter is made ___ milk.
A) of
B) from
C) with
D) by
Answer: B) from
Analytical Explanation:
“Made from” is used when the original material undergoes a transformation and is no longer recognizable in its original form. Milk is transformed during the production of butter, so “made from milk” is correct.
100. He succeeded ___ hard work.
A) by
B) through
C) with
D) at
Answer: B) through
Analytical Explanation:
“Through” can express the means, process or method by which an outcome is achieved. The sentence indicates that hard work was the means through which he achieved success.
Quick Revision: Important Preposition Rules
| Expression | Correct Preposition |
| good ___ mathematics | at |
| afraid ___ dogs | of |
| interested ___ music | in |
| arrive ___ the airport | at |
| live ___ Delhi | in |
| travel ___ bus/train | by |
| ___ two hours | for |
| ___ 2015 | since |
| ___ the table | on |
| ___ the bed | under |
| ___ the river | into |
| ___ the students | among |
| ___ two children | between |
| written ___ Wordsworth | by |
| suffer ___ fever | from |
| proud ___ someone | of |
| depend ___ someone | on |
| agree ___ someone | with |
| apologize ___ someone | to |
| apologize ___ a mistake | for |
| married ___ someone | to |
| senior/junior ___ | to |
| look ___ something | for |
| look ___ something | at |
| capable ___ | of |
| responsible ___ | for |
| familiar ___ | with |
| different ___ | from |
| ___ the tunnel | through |
| ___ the river | along |
| ___ the house | over |
| ___ me | beside |
| ___ the door | towards |
| ___ time | on |
| ___ Monday | by / on, depending on meaning |
| ___ night | at |
| ___ July | in |
| ___ 6 o’clock | at |
| ___ the summer | during |
| ___ Monday | since |
| ___ I return | until |
| ___ breakfast | before |
| ___ the movie | after |
| ___ the wall | on |
| ___ the classroom | in |
| ___ accident | by |
| ___ foot | on |
| ___ a knife | with |
| ___ ink | in |
| ___ his own | on |
| ___ purpose | on |
| ___ duty | on |
| ___ trouble | in |
| ___ danger | in |
| ___ a hurry | in |
| ___ strike | on |
| ___ debt | in |
| divide ___ groups | into |
| translate ___ English | into |
| convert ___ | into |
| made ___ steel | of |
| made ___ milk | from |
| succeed ___ hard work | through |
100 Prepositions MCQs with Analytical Explanations
Exam Strategy
For preposition questions, do not select an answer only by translating the sentence into your mother tongue. First identify the grammatical relationship:
- Time → in, on, at, since, for, during, until, before, after
- Place → in, on, at, under, over, beside, between, among
- Movement → into, across, through, towards, along, over
- Fixed combinations → good at, afraid of, interested in, depend on, proud of
- Instrument/means → with a knife, by train, in ink
- Transformation → divide into, translate into, convert into
- Material → made of, made from
The most effective way to master prepositions is to memorize them as complete word combinations, such as “interested in,” “responsible for,” “capable of,” “depend on,” and “married to,” rather than memorizing the prepositions individually.
YOU CAN ALSO READ:
