Adjective + Preposition Collocations

Adjective + Preposition Collocations in English (With Examples & Practice)

You can use perfect grammar and still sound slightly… not quite natural in English. Why? Because English doesn’t only care which adjectives you use — it cares which prepositions they go with.

We say:

• afraid of something
• interested in something
• good at something
• proud of someone
• angry with someone / angry about something

We don’t usually say:

❌ afraid from

❌ interested about

❌ good in maths

These fixed combinations are called adjective + preposition collocations, and learning them is one of the fastest ways to make your English sound natural, accurate, and exam-ready — especially for B2 First and C1 Advanced.

In this lesson, you’ll learn the most useful adjective + preposition patterns, grouped by preposition, with clear explanations and natural examples.

What are adjective + preposition collocations?

Some adjectives in English are normally followed by a specific preposition. You usually can’t change it and can’t guess it. You have to learn the whole combination.

For example:

• afraid of
• interested in
• good at
• proud of
• ready for

Think of these as fixed partnerships. They’ve been together for centuries and don’t appreciate experiments.

Adjectives + ABOUT

(feelings, opinions, worries)

We often use about with adjectives expressing feelings, opinions, or worries.

• The citizens were angry about the corruption.
• She felt anxious about her health.
• She was embarrassed about forgetting his name.
• He was enthusiastic about the idea.
• The children are excited about Christmas.
• The neighbour was furious about the broken window.
• She wasn’t very happy about her new job.
• He is mad about football.
• He was nervous about his exam.
• She is optimistic about the future.
• He felt pessimistic about his chances.
• I’m really sad about your loss.
• She was upset about missing the meeting.
• Most parents are worried about their children online.

Adjectives + AT

(skill, reactions, ability)

We often use at for ability, skill, or reaction.

• We were amazed at the size of the building.
• He was angry at the injustice.
• The speaker was annoyed at the interruptions.
• I’m bad at maths.
• She is clever at finding bargains.
• He’s never been good at writing.
• I’m hopeless at drawing.
• He was mad at her for being late.
• I wasn’t present at the meeting.
• Everyone was shocked at the news.
• He is skilled at negotiating.
• The police were slow at finding the robbers.
• He’s been lucky at cards.

Adjectives + BY

(how something affects you)

We often use by to say what causes a feeling or reaction.

• Everyone was amazed by her story.
• He was delighted by the news.
• She felt disturbed by his behaviour.
• The audience was fascinated by the speech.
• The tourists were impressed by the ruins.
• The novel was inspired by real events.
• Everyone was shocked by the confession.
• She was surprised by his rudeness.

Adjectives + FOR

(purpose, reason, suitability, responsibility)

We often use for to talk about purpose, reason, or suitability.

• The city is famous for its food.
• I’m grateful for your help.
• We should be prepared for bad weather.
• He felt ready for the exam.
• A pilot is responsible for passengers’ safety.
• They are respected for their honesty.
• She felt sorry for the old man.
• Is this film suitable for children?
• We are thankful for a wonderful evening.

Adjectives + FROM

(origin, protection, difference)

We often use from to talk about origin, difference, or protection.

• He has been absent from school all week.
• Her opinion is different from mine.
• This product is free from sugar.
• This bag is made from recycled plastic.
• Use sunscreen to be protected from the sun.
• If you stay here, you’ll be safe from the dog.

Adjectives + IN

(interest, experience, involvement)

We often use in for fields, activities, and involvement.

• His parents were disappointed in him.
• She is experienced in teaching biology.
• Are you interested in chess?
• Tom was involved in a legal dispute.
• Vitamin D is present in milk.
• He is skilled in metalwork.
• The couple was successful in business.
• Her son is talented in music.

Adjectives + OF

(feelings, character, states, judgement)

This is one of the most important groups in English.

• He was accused of stealing.
• Are you afraid of the dark?
• You should be ashamed of yourself.
• They were aware of the problem.
• Are you capable of doing this alone?
• She was certain of success.
• I’m envious of your free time.
• I’m very fond of theatre.
• The café was full of people.
• He was found guilty of fraud.
• We are hopeful of victory.
• She is independent of her parents.
• People were jealous of his success.
• The table is made of wood.
• It was nice of you to help.
• Her parents are proud of her.
• Are you scared of heights?
• How sweet of you to come!
• I’m tired of waiting.
• This is typical of him.

Adjectives + TO

(attitude, reaction, relationship)

We often use to to show direction, attitude, or connection.

• Her eyes were accustomed to the dark.
• He is addicted to sweets.
• She is allergic to peanuts.
• He is attached to his family.
• She is committed to her work.
• The book is dedicated to his mother.
• It’s hard to be indifferent to suffering.
• He is married to a French woman.
• Many people are opposed to the plan.
• He is receptive to new ideas.
• This topic is related to health.
• Don’t be rude to people.
• Her opinion is similar to mine.

Adjectives + WITH

(feelings, satisfaction, relationships)

We often use with to talk about feelings, satisfaction, or relationships.

• Are you angry with me?
• I’m bored with this film.
• We were blessed with good weather.
• She is content with her job.
• Bad sleep is connected with stress.
• He was delighted with his new laptop.
• They were disappointed with the hotel.
• I’m fed up with this noise.
• Are you familiar with Roman history?
• His mother was furious with him.
• I’m pleased with the results.
• The club is popular with students.
• He wasn’t satisfied with the service.

Using correct adjective + preposition collocations improves your Use of English score, makes your writing precise and natural, makes your speaking more confident and fluent and prevents “almost correct” mistakes examiners notice immediately.

Download the exercise for adjective + preposition collocations in PDF here

Learn noun + preposition collocations here

Learn verb + preposition collocations here

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