1. H.S.L.C. – 1998
(i) Do not boast ____ your wealth. (of / in / for)
(ii) The lame man lives ____ begging. (with/from/by)
(iii) He often suffers ____ illness. (in/from/with)
(iv) I bought this pen____ five rupees. (by/for/with)
(v) Shoes are made ____ leather. (of/from/with)
(vi) The student was sure ____ success. (to / in / of)
2. HSLC-1999
(i) I warned him ____ driving so fast.( for/on/against)
(ii) The blind man lives ____ begging. (by/with/on)
(iii) Always beware ____ false friends. (from/of/with)
(iv) A greedy man hankers ____ money. (after/ for / in )
(v) He sent the letter ____ hand (by/with/in)
(vi) The tiger lives ____ flesh (by/on/with)
3. H.S.L.C. – 2000
(i) The ship was bound ____ India. ( to / off /for)
(ii) Virtue consists ____ speaking the truth. (in / of / on)
(iii) I was amazed ____ his conduct. ( at / by /in)
(iv) She is gifted ____ a sweet voice. (of/to/with)
(v) I cannot agree ____ your proposal. (at/to/with)
(vi) I have great regard ____ my teachers. (for / in / to)
4. H.S.L.C. - 2002
(i) I am satisfied ____ your work. (by/with/at)
(ii) The boy was charged ____ stealing. (for/of/with)
(iii) You should be polite ____ your seniors. (to/with/for)
(iv) I have a distaste ____ Pop music. (in / for / of)
5. H.S.L.C. - 2003
(i) Gandhi was convicted ____ lying. (of / for / to)
(ii) The labourer lives ____ hand to mouth. (by/from/for)
(iii) I warned him ____ driving so fast.(of/from/against)
(iv) Always beware ____ false friends. (from/ at / of )
(v) Great books deal ____ human problems. (of/with/in)
(vi) The teacher was annoyed ____ me.(at/from/with)
6. H.S.L.C. – 2004
(a) Socrates had no desire ____ wealth or comfort. (for/of/towards)
(b) Pay attention ____ what your teacher says. (at / in / to)
(c) He is satisfied ____ his job. (at/with/in)
(d) I am indebted ____ you for your help. (with/ at / to )
(e) Assam is rich ____ minerals. (in/for/with)
(f) One should be conscious ____ one's faults. (about/ of / at )
7. H.S.L.C. - 2005
(a) Man does not live ____ bread alone.(on / for / by)
(b) There is an exception ____ every rule.(on / to / in)
(c) You should not boast ____ your wealth. (of / in / for)
(d) Mr. Sarma presided ____ the meeting. (on/at/over)
(e) She prefers tea ____ cold drinks. (for/than/to)
(f) Nobody in the class could compete ____ Raju. (against/with/to)
8. H.S.L.C. – 2006
(a) I cannot part ____ this book: (with/of/from)
(b) I was surprised ____ his behaviour. (with/ by / at )
(c) He will come back ____ an hour. (by / at / in)
(d) The lame man lives ____ begging. (by/with/on)
(e) Do not run ____ money. (for/after/at)
(f) She was tired ____ waiting for him. (with/ by / of )
9. H.S.L.C. - 2007
(a) The train is bound ____ Howrah. (to / at / for)
(b) One should not boast ____ one's wealth. (of / for / at)
(c) My sister excels ____ dancing. (at / in / by)
(d) That man is devoid ____ common sense. (of/in/from)
(e) This film is suitable ____ children. (to/with/for)
(f) The girl parted ____ her parents in tears. (with/from/by)
10. H.S.L.C. - 2008
(a) Do not boast ____ your wealth. (for, of, in)
(b) The ship was bound ____ India. (to, for, of)
(c) He goes to school ____ bus. (in, by, with)
(d) He has been suffering ____ fever. (with, by, from)
(e) Assam is rich ____ minerals. (with, for, in)
(f) I prefer tea ____ cold drinks. (to, from, than)
11. H.S.L.C. – 2009
(a) Shoes are made ____ leather. (with/ of / by )
(b) I can't agree ____ your proposal. (to/with/on)
(c) The man repented ____ his past misdeeds. (for / at / of)
(d) She is gifted ____ a sweet voice. (by/of/with)
(e) Man does not live ____ bread alone. (on / by / for)
(f) Always beware ____ false friends. (with/from/of)
12. H.S.L.C. 2010
(a) What is the time ____ your watch? (in / on / by)
(b) This is a quotation ____ Milton. (of/from/by)
(c) You should provide well ____ your children. (for / to / of)
(d) He has not yet recovered ____ his illness. (by/of/from)
(e) He sympathized ____ me in my sorrow. (to/with/for)
(f) The old man is hard ____ hearing. (of / for / in)
13. H.S.L.C. 2011
(a) There was a noise of children ____ play (in / on / at)
(b) Her mother is ____ the town council. (in/on/over)
(c) The teacher knows his students ____ name. (with/ by / for )
(d) Babysitters are a boon ____ parents. (for/upon/to)
14. H.S.L.C. 2012
(a) I met him ____ the street. (in / at / on)
(b) Please pay attention ____ your studies. (for/to/on)
(c) He is an authority ____ science. (of / for / in)
(d) The teacher is in full control ____ class. the (of/over/in)
15. H.S.L.C. 2014
(a) Happiness consists ____ speaking the truth. [of / in / for]
(b) One should be honest ____ dealing with fellowmen. [on / in / at]
(c) She is looking ____ a domestic help. [to / in / for]
(d) The burden seemed too much ____ him. [to/for/on]
16. H.S.L.C. 2015
(a) Health is preferable ____ wealth. (than/ for/ to)
(b) He is angry ____ his naughty sister. (at, with, upon)
17. H.S.L.C. 2016
(a) The cow lives ____ grass.(by/from/on)
(b) He lives ____ hand to mouth. (on/from/by)
(c) He is appointed ____ the post. ( in / to /at)
(d) She is junior ____ me by three years. (to/from/than)
18. H.S.L.C. 2017
(a) We go to school____ bus. (in/with/by)
(b) I am senior ____ your sister.( than/to/from)
(c) The Principal presided ____ the metting. (in/over/at)
(d) She excels ____ dancing. (at / in / by)
19. H.S.L.C. 2018
(a) He always runs ____ money. (at/for/after)
(b) Flour is made ____ wheat. (of/ from/with)
(c) Write yours answers ____ black ink. (with/ by / in )
(d) The cow lives ____ grass. (on/ upon/with)
20. H.S.L.C. 2019
(a) This train is bound ____ Delhi. (to/upon/for)
(b) Assam is rich ____ minerals. (for /in/about)
(c) I met him ____ the street. (in/on/upon)
(d) Happiness consists ____ speaking the truth. (of / in / at)
21. H.S.L.C. 2020
(a) They are satisfied ____ your works. (by/at/with)
(b) Man does not live ____ bread alone. (on/by/with)
(c) Rita excels ____ dancing. ( at / by /in)
(d) He is looking ____ a domestic help. (to / in / for)
22. H.S.L.C. 2022
(a) They are sitting ____ the dining table. (on/at/ upon)
(b) Ravi is senior ____ me by two years. (from/than/to)
(c) He was prevented ____ going to Delhi. (for/from/with)
(d) Flour is made ____ wheat. (from/by/with)
23. H.S.L.C. 2023
(i) Put the cup ____ the dish.
(a) at (b) in (c) on (d) over
(ii) The cows are ____ the field.
(a) in (b) to (c) on (d) by
(iii) Lila lives ____ her parents.
(a) by (b) with (c) upon (d) at
(iv) He is fond ____ reading novels.
(a) at (b) in (c) of (d) for
(v) This shop deals ____ stationery.
(a) at (b) in (c) with (d) about
24. H.S.L.C. 2024
The train will stop ____ many stations.
(Choose the correct preposition.)
(a) on (b) upon (c) at (d) by
1. H.S.L.C. – 1998
(i) Do not boast ____ your wealth. (of / in / for)
Answer: Do not boast of your wealth.
Explanation: The correct phrase is “boast of” when someone talks proudly about their possessions or achievements.
(ii) The lame man lives ____ begging. (with/from/by)
Answer: The lame man lives by begging.
Explanation: “Live by” means to earn a livelihood through a particular means, here begging.
(iii) He often suffers ____ illness. (in/from/with)
Answer: He often suffers from illness.
Explanation: “Suffer from” is used when someone is affected by a disease or discomfort.
(iv) I bought this pen ____ five rupees. (by/for/with)
Answer: I bought this pen for five rupees.
Explanation: “For” is used to indicate the price paid for something.
(v) Shoes are made ____ leather. (of/from/with)
Answer: Shoes are made of leather.
Explanation: “Made of” is used when the material used retains its form in the final product.
(vi) The student was sure ____ success. (to / in / of)
Answer: The student was sure of success.
Explanation: “Sure of” means to be confident about something happening.
2. H.S.L.C. – 1999
(i) I warned him ____ driving so fast. (for/on/against)
Answer: I warned him against driving so fast.
Explanation: “Warn against” means to caution someone not to do something harmful or dangerous.
(ii) The blind man lives ____ begging. (by/with/on)
Answer: The blind man lives by begging.
Explanation: “Live by” refers to depending on a certain method for survival or income.
(iii) Always beware ____ false friends. (from/of/with)
Answer: Always beware of false friends.
Explanation: “Beware of” is the correct prepositional phrase to show caution toward something or someone.
(iv) A greedy man hankers ____ money. (after/ for / in)
Answer: A greedy man hankers after money.
Explanation: “Hanker after” means to strongly desire something, especially wealth or material things.
(v) He sent the letter ____ hand. (by/with/in)
Answer: He sent the letter by hand.
Explanation: “By hand” refers to something being delivered personally, not through post or courier.
(vi) The tiger lives ____ flesh. (by/on/with)
Answer: The tiger lives on flesh.
Explanation: “Live on” is used to describe what someone or something survives by eating.
(i) I warned him ____ driving so fast. (for/on/against)
Answer: I warned him against driving so fast.
Explanation: “Warn against” means to caution someone not to do something harmful or dangerous.
(ii) The blind man lives ____ begging. (by/with/on)
Answer: The blind man lives by begging.
Explanation: “Live by” refers to depending on a certain method for survival or income.
(iii) Always beware ____ false friends. (from/of/with)
Answer: Always beware of false friends.
Explanation: “Beware of” is the correct prepositional phrase to show caution toward something or someone.
(iv) A greedy man hankers ____ money. (after/ for / in)
Answer: A greedy man hankers after money.
Explanation: “Hanker after” means to strongly desire something, especially wealth or material things.
(v) He sent the letter ____ hand. (by/with/in)
Answer: He sent the letter by hand.
Explanation: “By hand” refers to something being delivered personally, not through post or courier.
(vi) The tiger lives ____ flesh. (by/on/with)
Answer: The tiger lives on flesh.
Explanation: “Live on” is used to describe what someone or something survives by eating.
3. H.S.L.C. – 2000
(i) The ship was bound ____ India. (to / off / for)
Answer: The ship was bound for India.
Explanation: “Bound for” means heading toward a particular destination.
(ii) Virtue consists ____ speaking the truth. (in / of / on)
Answer: Virtue consists in speaking the truth.
Explanation: “Consist in” is used to express the essential element of something.
(iii) I was amazed ____ his conduct. (at / by / in)
Answer: I was amazed at his conduct.
Explanation: “Amazed at” is the correct phrase to express surprise or wonder regarding something.
(iv) She is gifted ____ a sweet voice. (of/to/with)
Answer: She is gifted with a sweet voice.
Explanation: “Gifted with” is used when someone naturally possesses a particular talent or quality.
(v) I cannot agree ____ your proposal. (at/to/with)
Answer: I cannot agree with your proposal.
Explanation: “Agree with” is the correct prepositional phrase when expressing agreement with a suggestion or opinion.
(vi) I have great regard ____ my teachers. (for / in / to)
Answer: I have great regard for my teachers.
Explanation: “Regard for” is used to show respect or admiration toward someone.
(i) The ship was bound ____ India. (to / off / for)
Answer: The ship was bound for India.
Explanation: “Bound for” means heading toward a particular destination.
(ii) Virtue consists ____ speaking the truth. (in / of / on)
Answer: Virtue consists in speaking the truth.
Explanation: “Consist in” is used to express the essential element of something.
(iii) I was amazed ____ his conduct. (at / by / in)
Answer: I was amazed at his conduct.
Explanation: “Amazed at” is the correct phrase to express surprise or wonder regarding something.
(iv) She is gifted ____ a sweet voice. (of/to/with)
Answer: She is gifted with a sweet voice.
Explanation: “Gifted with” is used when someone naturally possesses a particular talent or quality.
(v) I cannot agree ____ your proposal. (at/to/with)
Answer: I cannot agree with your proposal.
Explanation: “Agree with” is the correct prepositional phrase when expressing agreement with a suggestion or opinion.
(vi) I have great regard ____ my teachers. (for / in / to)
Answer: I have great regard for my teachers.
Explanation: “Regard for” is used to show respect or admiration toward someone.
4. H.S.L.C. - 2002
(i) I am satisfied ____ your work. (by/with/at)
✅ I am satisfied with your work.
Explanation: "Satisfied with" is the correct phrase to express contentment regarding something.
(ii) The boy was charged ____ stealing. (for/of/with)
✅ The boy was charged with stealing.
Explanation: "Charged with" is used in legal contexts when accusing someone of a crime.
(iii) You should be polite ____ your seniors. (to/with/for)
✅ You should be polite to your seniors.
Explanation: "Polite to" is used when addressing behavior towards someone.
(iv) I have a distaste ____ Pop music. (in / for / of)
✅ I have a distaste for Pop music.
Explanation: "Distaste for" is the correct phrase to express dislike.
5. H.S.L.C. - 2003
(i) Gandhi was convicted ____ lying. (of / for / to)
✅ Gandhi was convicted of lying.
Explanation: "Convicted of" is used when someone is found guilty of a crime.
(ii) The labourer lives ____ hand to mouth. (by/from/for)
✅ The labourer lives from hand to mouth.
Explanation: The phrase "from hand to mouth" means living with just enough money for daily needs.
(iii) I warned him ____ driving so fast. (of/from/against)
✅ I warned him against driving so fast.
Explanation: "Warn against" is used to caution someone not to do something.
(iv) Always beware ____ false friends. (from/ at / of)
✅ Always beware of false friends.
Explanation: "Beware of" is the correct collocation for warnings.
(v) Great books deal ____ human problems. (of/with/in)
✅ Great books deal with human problems.
Explanation: "Deal with" means to address or handle a subject or issue.
(vi) The teacher was annoyed ____ me. (at/from/with)
✅ The teacher was annoyed with me.
Explanation: "Annoyed with" is used when someone is displeased with a person.
6. H.S.L.C. – 2004
(a) Socrates had no desire ____ wealth or comfort. (for/of/towards)
✅ Socrates had no desire for wealth or comfort.
Explanation: "Desire for" is the correct collocation.
(b) Pay attention ____ what your teacher says. (at / in / to)
✅ Pay attention to what your teacher says.
Explanation: "Attention to" is the standard usage.
(c) He is satisfied ____ his job. (at/with/in)
✅ He is satisfied with his job.
Explanation: As before, "satisfied with" is correct.
(d) I am indebted ____ you for your help. (with/ at / to )
✅ I am indebted to you for your help.
Explanation: "Indebted to" expresses a feeling of gratitude.
(e) Assam is rich ____ minerals. (in/for/with)
✅ Assam is rich in minerals.
Explanation: "Rich in" means having a lot of something valuable.
(f) One should be conscious ____ one's faults. (about/ of / at )
✅ One should be conscious of one's faults.
Explanation: "Conscious of" means being aware.
7. H.S.L.C. - 2005
(a) Man does not live ____ bread alone. (on / for / by)
✅ Man does not live on bread alone.
Explanation: "Live on" means to depend on something for sustenance.
(b) There is an exception ____ every rule. (on / to / in)
✅ There is an exception to every rule.
Explanation: "Exception to" is the correct phrase.
(c) You should not boast ____ your wealth. (of / in / for)
✅ You should not boast of your wealth.
Explanation: "Boast of" means to speak proudly about something.
(d) Mr. Sarma presided ____ the meeting. (on/at/over)
✅ Mr. Sarma presided over the meeting.
Explanation: "Preside over" means to be in charge.
(e) She prefers tea ____ cold drinks. (for/than/to)
✅ She prefers tea to cold drinks.
Explanation: "Prefer X to Y" is the correct construction.
(f) Nobody in the class could compete ____ Raju. (against/with/to)
✅ Nobody in the class could compete with Raju.
Explanation: "Compete with" is the standard form.
8. H.S.L.C. – 2006
(a) I cannot part ____ this book. (with/of/from)
✅ I cannot part with this book.
Explanation: "Part with" means to give away something you value.
(b) I was surprised ____ his behaviour. (with/ by / at )
✅ I was surprised at his behaviour.
Explanation: "Surprised at" is used for reactions.
(c) He will come back ____ an hour. (by / at / in)
✅ He will come back in an hour.
Explanation: "In an hour" means after one hour.
(d) The lame man lives ____ begging. (by/with/on)
✅ The lame man lives by begging.
Explanation: "Live by" means to earn a living through.
(e) Do not run ____ money. (for/after/at)
✅ Do not run after money.
Explanation: "Run after" means to chase or pursue.
(f) She was tired ____ waiting for him. (with/ by / of )
✅ She was tired of waiting for him.
Explanation: "Tired of" is used to express boredom or annoyance.
(i) I am satisfied ____ your work. (by/with/at)
✅ I am satisfied with your work.
Explanation: "Satisfied with" is the correct phrase to express contentment regarding something.
(ii) The boy was charged ____ stealing. (for/of/with)
✅ The boy was charged with stealing.
Explanation: "Charged with" is used in legal contexts when accusing someone of a crime.
(iii) You should be polite ____ your seniors. (to/with/for)
✅ You should be polite to your seniors.
Explanation: "Polite to" is used when addressing behavior towards someone.
(iv) I have a distaste ____ Pop music. (in / for / of)
✅ I have a distaste for Pop music.
Explanation: "Distaste for" is the correct phrase to express dislike.
5. H.S.L.C. - 2003
(i) Gandhi was convicted ____ lying. (of / for / to)
✅ Gandhi was convicted of lying.
Explanation: "Convicted of" is used when someone is found guilty of a crime.
(ii) The labourer lives ____ hand to mouth. (by/from/for)
✅ The labourer lives from hand to mouth.
Explanation: The phrase "from hand to mouth" means living with just enough money for daily needs.
(iii) I warned him ____ driving so fast. (of/from/against)
✅ I warned him against driving so fast.
Explanation: "Warn against" is used to caution someone not to do something.
(iv) Always beware ____ false friends. (from/ at / of)
✅ Always beware of false friends.
Explanation: "Beware of" is the correct collocation for warnings.
(v) Great books deal ____ human problems. (of/with/in)
✅ Great books deal with human problems.
Explanation: "Deal with" means to address or handle a subject or issue.
(vi) The teacher was annoyed ____ me. (at/from/with)
✅ The teacher was annoyed with me.
Explanation: "Annoyed with" is used when someone is displeased with a person.
6. H.S.L.C. – 2004
(a) Socrates had no desire ____ wealth or comfort. (for/of/towards)
✅ Socrates had no desire for wealth or comfort.
Explanation: "Desire for" is the correct collocation.
(b) Pay attention ____ what your teacher says. (at / in / to)
✅ Pay attention to what your teacher says.
Explanation: "Attention to" is the standard usage.
(c) He is satisfied ____ his job. (at/with/in)
✅ He is satisfied with his job.
Explanation: As before, "satisfied with" is correct.
(d) I am indebted ____ you for your help. (with/ at / to )
✅ I am indebted to you for your help.
Explanation: "Indebted to" expresses a feeling of gratitude.
(e) Assam is rich ____ minerals. (in/for/with)
✅ Assam is rich in minerals.
Explanation: "Rich in" means having a lot of something valuable.
(f) One should be conscious ____ one's faults. (about/ of / at )
✅ One should be conscious of one's faults.
Explanation: "Conscious of" means being aware.
7. H.S.L.C. - 2005
(a) Man does not live ____ bread alone. (on / for / by)
✅ Man does not live on bread alone.
Explanation: "Live on" means to depend on something for sustenance.
(b) There is an exception ____ every rule. (on / to / in)
✅ There is an exception to every rule.
Explanation: "Exception to" is the correct phrase.
(c) You should not boast ____ your wealth. (of / in / for)
✅ You should not boast of your wealth.
Explanation: "Boast of" means to speak proudly about something.
(d) Mr. Sarma presided ____ the meeting. (on/at/over)
✅ Mr. Sarma presided over the meeting.
Explanation: "Preside over" means to be in charge.
(e) She prefers tea ____ cold drinks. (for/than/to)
✅ She prefers tea to cold drinks.
Explanation: "Prefer X to Y" is the correct construction.
(f) Nobody in the class could compete ____ Raju. (against/with/to)
✅ Nobody in the class could compete with Raju.
Explanation: "Compete with" is the standard form.
8. H.S.L.C. – 2006
(a) I cannot part ____ this book. (with/of/from)
✅ I cannot part with this book.
Explanation: "Part with" means to give away something you value.
(b) I was surprised ____ his behaviour. (with/ by / at )
✅ I was surprised at his behaviour.
Explanation: "Surprised at" is used for reactions.
(c) He will come back ____ an hour. (by / at / in)
✅ He will come back in an hour.
Explanation: "In an hour" means after one hour.
(d) The lame man lives ____ begging. (by/with/on)
✅ The lame man lives by begging.
Explanation: "Live by" means to earn a living through.
(e) Do not run ____ money. (for/after/at)
✅ Do not run after money.
Explanation: "Run after" means to chase or pursue.
(f) She was tired ____ waiting for him. (with/ by / of )
✅ She was tired of waiting for him.
Explanation: "Tired of" is used to express boredom or annoyance.
9. H.S.L.C. - 2007
(a) The train is bound ____ Howrah. (to / at / for)
✅ The train is bound for Howrah.
Explanation: “Bound for” is used when something is going toward a destination.
(b) One should not boast ____ one's wealth. (of / for / at)
✅ One should not boast of one's wealth.
Explanation: “Boast of” is the correct phrase used to show pride in something.
(c) My sister excels ____ dancing. (at / in / by)
✅ My sister excels in dancing.
Explanation: “Excel in” means to be very good at something.
(d) That man is devoid ____ common sense. (of/in/from)
✅ That man is devoid of common sense.
Explanation: “Devoid of” means lacking something.
(e) This film is suitable ____ children. (to/with/for)
✅ This film is suitable for children.
Explanation: “Suitable for” means appropriate or fit for someone/something.
(f) The girl parted ____ her parents in tears. (with/from/by)
✅ The girl parted from her parents in tears.
Explanation: “Part from” means to separate from someone or something.
10. H.S.L.C. - 2008
(a) Do not boast ____ your wealth. (for, of, in)
✅ Do not boast of your wealth.
Explanation: As stated earlier, “boast of” is the correct prepositional phrase.
(b) The ship was bound ____ India. (to, for, of)
✅ The ship was bound for India.
Explanation: “Bound for” refers to a direction or destination.
(c) He goes to school ____ bus. (in, by, with)
✅ He goes to school by bus.
Explanation: “By” is used with modes of transport when no article is used before the vehicle.
(d) He has been suffering ____ fever. (with, by, from)
✅ He has been suffering from fever.
Explanation: “Suffer from” is used for diseases or pain.
(e) Assam is rich ____ minerals. (with, for, in)
✅ Assam is rich in minerals.
Explanation: “Rich in” refers to abundance or plenty of something.
(f) I prefer tea ____ cold drinks. (to, from, than)
✅ I prefer tea to cold drinks.
Explanation: The correct structure is “prefer X to Y.”
11. H.S.L.C. - 2009
(a) Shoes are made ____ leather. (with/ of / by)
✅ Shoes are made of leather.
Explanation: “Made of” is used when the material remains the same in the finished product.
(b) I can't agree ____ your proposal. (to/with/on)
✅ I can't agree with your proposal.
Explanation: “Agree with” is used when you share someone’s opinion or idea.
(c) The man repented ____ his past misdeeds. (for / at / of)
✅ The man repented of his past misdeeds.
Explanation: “Repent of” is used to show regret for actions.
(d) She is gifted ____ a sweet voice. (by/of/with)
✅ She is gifted with a sweet voice.
Explanation: “Gifted with” means naturally having a special ability or quality.
(e) Man does not live ____ bread alone. (on / by / for)
✅ Man does not live on bread alone.
Explanation: “Live on” is correct when talking about subsisting or surviving.
(f) Always beware ____ false friends. (with/from/of)
✅ Always beware of false friends.
Explanation: As earlier, “beware of” is the proper usage.
12. H.S.L.C. - 2010
(a) What is the time ____ your watch? (in / on / by)
✅ What is the time by your watch?
Explanation: “By your watch” means according to the time shown by your watch.
(b) This is a quotation ____ Milton. (of/from/by)
✅ This is a quotation from Milton.
Explanation: “Quotation from” indicates the source of the quoted text.
(c) You should provide well ____ your children. (for / to / of)
✅ You should provide well for your children.
Explanation: “Provide for” means to take care of someone’s needs.
(d) He has not yet recovered ____ his illness. (by/of/from)
✅ He has not yet recovered from his illness.
Explanation: “Recover from” is used to indicate healing or improvement.
(e) He sympathized ____ me in my sorrow. (to/with/for)
✅ He sympathized with me in my sorrow.
Explanation: “Sympathize with” means to feel compassion for someone.
(f) The old man is hard ____ hearing. (of / for / in)
✅ The old man is hard of hearing.
Explanation: “Hard of hearing” is the idiomatic phrase meaning partially deaf.
(a) The train is bound ____ Howrah. (to / at / for)
✅ The train is bound for Howrah.
Explanation: “Bound for” is used when something is going toward a destination.
(b) One should not boast ____ one's wealth. (of / for / at)
✅ One should not boast of one's wealth.
Explanation: “Boast of” is the correct phrase used to show pride in something.
(c) My sister excels ____ dancing. (at / in / by)
✅ My sister excels in dancing.
Explanation: “Excel in” means to be very good at something.
(d) That man is devoid ____ common sense. (of/in/from)
✅ That man is devoid of common sense.
Explanation: “Devoid of” means lacking something.
(e) This film is suitable ____ children. (to/with/for)
✅ This film is suitable for children.
Explanation: “Suitable for” means appropriate or fit for someone/something.
(f) The girl parted ____ her parents in tears. (with/from/by)
✅ The girl parted from her parents in tears.
Explanation: “Part from” means to separate from someone or something.
10. H.S.L.C. - 2008
(a) Do not boast ____ your wealth. (for, of, in)
✅ Do not boast of your wealth.
Explanation: As stated earlier, “boast of” is the correct prepositional phrase.
(b) The ship was bound ____ India. (to, for, of)
✅ The ship was bound for India.
Explanation: “Bound for” refers to a direction or destination.
(c) He goes to school ____ bus. (in, by, with)
✅ He goes to school by bus.
Explanation: “By” is used with modes of transport when no article is used before the vehicle.
(d) He has been suffering ____ fever. (with, by, from)
✅ He has been suffering from fever.
Explanation: “Suffer from” is used for diseases or pain.
(e) Assam is rich ____ minerals. (with, for, in)
✅ Assam is rich in minerals.
Explanation: “Rich in” refers to abundance or plenty of something.
(f) I prefer tea ____ cold drinks. (to, from, than)
✅ I prefer tea to cold drinks.
Explanation: The correct structure is “prefer X to Y.”
11. H.S.L.C. - 2009
(a) Shoes are made ____ leather. (with/ of / by)
✅ Shoes are made of leather.
Explanation: “Made of” is used when the material remains the same in the finished product.
(b) I can't agree ____ your proposal. (to/with/on)
✅ I can't agree with your proposal.
Explanation: “Agree with” is used when you share someone’s opinion or idea.
(c) The man repented ____ his past misdeeds. (for / at / of)
✅ The man repented of his past misdeeds.
Explanation: “Repent of” is used to show regret for actions.
(d) She is gifted ____ a sweet voice. (by/of/with)
✅ She is gifted with a sweet voice.
Explanation: “Gifted with” means naturally having a special ability or quality.
(e) Man does not live ____ bread alone. (on / by / for)
✅ Man does not live on bread alone.
Explanation: “Live on” is correct when talking about subsisting or surviving.
(f) Always beware ____ false friends. (with/from/of)
✅ Always beware of false friends.
Explanation: As earlier, “beware of” is the proper usage.
12. H.S.L.C. - 2010
(a) What is the time ____ your watch? (in / on / by)
✅ What is the time by your watch?
Explanation: “By your watch” means according to the time shown by your watch.
(b) This is a quotation ____ Milton. (of/from/by)
✅ This is a quotation from Milton.
Explanation: “Quotation from” indicates the source of the quoted text.
(c) You should provide well ____ your children. (for / to / of)
✅ You should provide well for your children.
Explanation: “Provide for” means to take care of someone’s needs.
(d) He has not yet recovered ____ his illness. (by/of/from)
✅ He has not yet recovered from his illness.
Explanation: “Recover from” is used to indicate healing or improvement.
(e) He sympathized ____ me in my sorrow. (to/with/for)
✅ He sympathized with me in my sorrow.
Explanation: “Sympathize with” means to feel compassion for someone.
(f) The old man is hard ____ hearing. (of / for / in)
✅ The old man is hard of hearing.
Explanation: “Hard of hearing” is the idiomatic phrase meaning partially deaf.
13. H.S.L.C. – 2011
(a) There was a noise of children ____ play. (in / on / at)
✅ There was a noise of children at play.
Explanation: “At play” is an idiomatic expression meaning "engaged in playing."
(b) Her mother is ____ the town council. (in / on / over)
✅ Her mother is on the town council.
Explanation: We use “on” for boards, committees, and councils to show membership.
(c) The teacher knows his students ____ name. (with / by / for)
✅ The teacher knows his students by name.
Explanation: “Know someone by name” means to recognize or identify someone using their name.
(d) Babysitters are a boon ____ parents. (for / upon / to)
✅ Babysitters are a boon to parents.
Explanation: “A boon to” means a benefit or blessing for someone.
14. H.S.L.C. – 2012
(a) I met him ____ the street. (in / at / on)
✅ I met him on the street.
Explanation: “On the street” refers to a meeting on the road or pavement (common in American English usage).
(b) Please pay attention ____ your studies. (for / to / on)
✅ Please pay attention to your studies.
Explanation: “Pay attention to” means to focus on something.
(c) He is an authority ____ science. (of / for / in)
✅ He is an authority in science.
Explanation: “Authority in” is used to describe someone who is an expert in a subject.
(d) The teacher is in full control ____ the class. (of / over / in)
✅ The teacher is in full control of the class.
Explanation: “Control of” something is the correct prepositional usage for authority over something.
15. H.S.L.C. – 2014
(a) Happiness consists ____ speaking the truth. (of / in / for)
✅ Happiness consists in speaking the truth.
Explanation: “Consist in” is used when defining the true nature of something.
(b) One should be honest ____ dealing with fellowmen. (on / in / at)
✅ One should be honest in dealing with fellowmen.
Explanation: “Honest in” is used when talking about how one behaves in certain actions or dealings.
(c) She is looking ____ a domestic help. (to / in / for)
✅ She is looking for a domestic help.
Explanation: “Look for” means to search or try to find something.
(d) The burden seemed too much ____ him. (to / for / on)
✅ The burden seemed too much for him.
Explanation: “Too much for someone” means more than someone can handle or tolerate.
16. H.S.L.C. – 2015
(a) Health is preferable ____ wealth. (than / for / to)
✅ Health is preferable to wealth.
Explanation: The correct construction is “preferable to” when comparing two things.
(b) He is angry ____ his naughty sister. (at / with / upon)
✅ He is angry with his naughty sister.
Explanation: “Angry with” is used when someone is mad at a person.
17. H.S.L.C. – 2016
(a) The cow lives ____ grass. (by / from / on)
✅ The cow lives on grass.
Explanation: “Live on” means to be nourished by or to survive by eating something.
(b) He lives ____ hand to mouth. (on / from / by)
✅ He lives from hand to mouth.
Explanation: The phrase “from hand to mouth” means to have only enough money to live day by day, without saving.
(c) He is appointed ____ the post. (in / to / at)
✅ He is appointed to the post.
Explanation: “Appointed to” is the correct phrase when referring to assigning someone to a job or position.
(d) She is junior ____ me by three years. (to / from / than)
✅ She is junior to me by three years.
Explanation: We use “junior to” when comparing ranks or age differences. “Than” is incorrect here.
18. H.S.L.C. – 2017
(a) We go to school ____ bus. (in / with / by)
✅ We go to school by bus.
Explanation: “By bus” is the correct prepositional phrase for means of transport.
(b) I am senior ____ your sister. (than / to / from)
✅ I am senior to your sister.
Explanation: Similar to “junior to,” we say “senior to” when comparing ranks or age.
(c) The Principal presided ____ the meeting. (in / over / at)
✅ The Principal presided over the meeting.
Explanation: “Preside over” is the correct phrase meaning to lead or manage a meeting.
(d) She excels ____ dancing. (at / in / by)
✅ She excels in dancing.
Explanation: “Excel in” is used when referring to doing well in a particular subject or activity.
19. H.S.L.C. – 2018
(a) He always runs ____ money. (at / for / after)
✅ He always runs after money.
Explanation: “Run after” means to chase or seek something eagerly, often with greed.
(b) Flour is made ____ wheat. (of / from / with)
✅ Flour is made from wheat.
Explanation: “Made from” is used when the original substance undergoes a change (wheat → flour).
(c) Write your answers ____ black ink. (with / by / in)
✅ Write your answers in black ink.
Explanation: “In ink” is the correct expression used when specifying the medium of writing.
(d) The cow lives ____ grass. (on / upon / with)
✅ The cow lives on grass.
Explanation: “Live on” again means to feed on or survive by eating something.
20. H.S.L.C. – 2019
(a) This train is bound ____ Delhi. (to / upon / for)
✅ This train is bound for Delhi.
Explanation: “Bound for” is used to describe the destination of a vehicle or journey.
(b) Assam is rich ____ minerals. (for / in / about)
✅ Assam is rich in minerals.
Explanation: “Rich in” is the correct phrase used to indicate abundance.
(c) I met him ____ the street. (in / on / upon)
✅ I met him on the street.
Explanation: “On the street” is used when referring to being outside along a road or public area.
(d) Happiness consists ____ speaking the truth. (of / in / at)
✅ Happiness consists in speaking the truth.
Explanation: “Consist in” is used when something is defined by its essential part or quality.
21. H.S.L.C. – 2020
(a) They are satisfied ____ your works. (by / at / with)
✅ They are satisfied with your works.
Explanation: “Satisfied with” is used when someone is content or pleased with something.
(b) Man does not live ____ bread alone. (on / by / with)
✅ Man does not live by bread alone.
Explanation: This is a standard biblical phrase meaning humans need more than physical sustenance.
(c) Rita excels ____ dancing. (at / by / in)
✅ Rita excels in dancing.
Explanation: “Excel in” is used to indicate a person is especially good at a skill or subject.
(d) He is looking ____ a domestic help. (to / in / for)
✅ He is looking for a domestic help.
Explanation: “Look for” means to search or try to find something.
22. H.S.L.C. – 2022
(a) They are sitting ____ the dining table. (on / at / upon)
✅ They are sitting at the dining table.
Explanation: “At the table” is the correct usage when referring to seated positions during meals.
(b) Ravi is senior ____ me by two years. (from / than / to)
✅ Ravi is senior to me by two years.
Explanation: The correct phrase is “senior to” when comparing people by age or position.
(c) He was prevented ____ going to Delhi. (for / from / with)
✅ He was prevented from going to Delhi.
Explanation: “Prevented from” is the correct construction to express restriction or obstruction.
(d) Flour is made ____ wheat. (from / by / with)
✅ Flour is made from wheat.
Explanation: “Made from” is used when the material undergoes a transformation.
23. H.S.L.C. – 2023
(i) Put the cup ____ the dish.
(a) at (b) in (c) on (d) over
✅ Put the cup on the dish.
Explanation: “On” is used to show position when something is resting on a surface.
(ii) The cows are ____ the field.
(a) in (b) to (c) on (d) by
✅ The cows are in the field.
Explanation: “In the field” is correct when something is located within the area enclosed or open.
(iii) Lila lives ____ her parents.
(a) by (b) with (c) upon (d) at
✅ Lila lives with her parents.
Explanation: “With” is used to indicate companionship or cohabitation.
(iv) He is fond ____ reading novels.
(a) at (b) in (c) of (d) for
✅ He is fond of reading novels.
Explanation: “Fond of” is the correct idiomatic expression for liking something.
(v) This shop deals ____ stationery.
(a) at (b) in (c) with (d) about
✅ This shop deals in stationery.
Explanation: “Deal in” is used when a business is concerned with a particular product.
24. H.S.L.C. – 2024
The train will stop ____ many stations.
(a) on (b) upon (c) at (d) by
✅ The train will stop at many stations.
Explanation: “Stop at” is used when referring to specific locations where something halts.
