WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2024
1. Supply the missing word in the sentence by choosing the right one from the following options.
There is a book shop close ________.
(A) now
(B) up
(C) in
(D) by
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (D) by
Explanation: The phrase “close by” is a fixed expression meaning near or at a short distance. The sentence means: There is a book shop nearby.
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2023
2. Fill in the blanks with the correct set of words.
She was not interested ____ taking ____ French, but decided ____ opt ____ German instead.
(A) in; up; to; for
(B) to; on; in; with
(C) on; to; for; on
(D) for; to; in; to
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (A) in; up; to; for
She was not interested in taking up French, but decided to opt for German instead.
The correct combinations are:
- Interested in (fixed prepositional phrase)
- Take up (to begin learning or doing something)
- Decide to (followed by the infinitive)
- Opt for (to choose or select)
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2022
3. Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
She has no control ________ her temper.
A. on
B. with
C. over
D. after
Answer & Explanation
Answer: C. over
Explanation: The correct expression is “control over”, which means the power or ability to manage or regulate something.
Exam Tip: Remember these common collocations:
- Control over something
- Have influence over someone/something
- Authority over someone/something
4. Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
What are you worrying ________?
A. to
B. with
C. for
D. about
Answer & Explanation
Answer: D. about
Explanation: The verb “worry” is commonly followed by the preposition “about” when referring to the subject or cause of concern.
Exam Tip: Remember these common patterns:
- Worry about something/someone
- Concerned about something
- Anxious about something
5. Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
He spends hours ________ the phone everyday.
A. at
B. on
C. with
D. in
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. on
Explanation: The correct expression is “on the phone”, which means talking or communicating by telephone.
6. Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
He works ________ an insurance company.
A. for
B. at
C. in
D. with
Answer & Explanation
Answer: A. for
Explanation: We use “work for” to indicate the employer or organization someone is employed by.
Exam Tip: Remember these common patterns:
- Work for a company/organization (employer)
- Work at a particular place or location
- Work in a department, field, or industry
- Work with a person, team, or tool
7. Insert the right preposition in the blank space:
He died ________ dengue.
A. with
B. from
C. of
D. by
Answer & Explanation
Answer: C. of
Explanation: We use “die of” when referring to the cause of death, especially diseases, illnesses, old age, hunger, or natural causes.
Exam Tip: Remember these common usages:
- Die of → diseases, illness, old age, hunger (die of cancer, die of malaria)
- Die from → injuries, accidents, burns, poisoning, or external causes (die from a road accident, die from injuries)
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2021
8. Fill in the blank with the suitable preposition:
He presided ________ the meeting.
(A) over
(B) at
(C) in
(D) for
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (A) over
Explanation: The correct expression is “preside over”, which means to be in charge of or conduct a meeting, ceremony, or event.
9. Fill in with a suitable preposition:
He is taller than you ________ two inches.
(A) with
(B) of
(C) in
(D) by
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (D) by
Explanation: We use “by” to express the amount or degree of difference between two people or things.
Exam Tip: Use “by” after comparative adjectives to indicate the extent of difference.
- Older by five years
- Longer by two metres
- Higher by 10 cm
10. ‘La Gioconda’ (Mona Lisa) is ________ unique work of art.
Fill in the blank with the suitable article.
(A) the
(B) an
(C) a
(D) this
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) a
Explanation: We use “a” before “unique” because the word unique begins with the consonant sound /juː/ (“yoo”), not a vowel sound. Therefore, the correct sentence is:
Exam Tip: Articles depend on pronunciation, not spelling.
- A unique opportunity (sounds like “yoo-nique”)
- A university
- A European country
- An umbrella
- An hour (silent h)
11. Fill in the blank with the right option:
He was offended ________ me unjustly.
(A) at
(B) for
(C) with
(D) towards
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) with
Explanation: We use “offended with” when referring to a person who causes the offense.
Exam Tip: Remember the distinction:
- Offended with + person → She was offended with her friend.
- Offended at/by + action, remark, or behaviour → He was offended at the rude comment. / She was offended by his behaviour.
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2020
12. Use the right preposition.
He deals _____ cosmetic goods.
(A) of
(B) with
(C) in
(D) on
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) in
Explanation: We use “deal in” when referring to buying and selling goods or trading in a particular commodity.
Exam Tip: Don’t confuse these expressions:
- Deal in = trade in or sell (deal in cosmetics, books, electronics)
- Deal with = handle, manage, or discuss (deal with a problem, deal with customers)
13. What is the time _____ your watch?
(A) by
(B) in
(C) with
(D) on
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (A) by
Explanation: The correct expression is “by your watch”, which means according to your watch or wristwatch.
14. Fill in the blank with the right option.
He cannot cope _____ this pressure.
(A) up
(B) with
(C) in
(D) for
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (B) with
Explanation: The correct expression is “cope with”, which means to deal successfully with a difficult situation or problem.
Exam Tip: “Cope with” is a fixed verb–preposition combination. Similar expressions frequently asked in exams include:
- Cope with difficulties
- Deal with problems
- Recover from illness
- Suffer from a disease
15. Use the appropriate preposition in the sentence:
We sat _____ the shade of the tree.
(A) under
(B) below
(C) in
(D) through
Answer & Explanation
Answer: (C) in
Explanation: The correct expression is “in the shade”, which means in a place protected from direct sunlight.
Exam Tip: Remember these common expressions:
- In the shade = protected from sunlight
- Under the tree = beneath the tree
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2019
16. Ram made the most ________ his resources.
(A) at
(B) of
(C) from
(D) with
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) of
Explanation: The correct idiom is make the most of, which means to use something as effectively or advantageously as possible.
Exam Tip: Remember the fixed expression make the most of. Similar commonly asked phrases include:
- make use of
- take advantage of
- make the best of (a difficult situation)
17. He preferred classical music ________ popular numbers.
(A) from
(B) of
(C) over
(D) to
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (D) to
Explanation: The verb prefer is followed by the preposition to when comparing two things. The correct structure is prefer A to B.
Exam Tip: Remember these common patterns:
- prefer A to B ✔️
- prefer doing A to doing B ✔️
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2018
18. He has a preference ________ tea ________ coffee.
(A) over, for
(B) for, to
(C) for, over
(D) to, over
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) for, over
Explanation: The noun preference is commonly followed by for to indicate what someone likes and over to compare it with another option. Hence, the correct expression is preference for tea over coffee.
Exam Tip: Remember these common patterns:
- prefer A to B (verb)
- have a preference for A over B (noun)
- in preference to (fixed phrase)
19. Insert the proper preposition in the sentence:
It is 9 o’clock ________ my watch.
(A) by
(B) in
(C) at
(D) into
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) by
Explanation: The expression by my watch means according to my watch. It is a standard idiomatic usage when referring to the time shown on one’s watch.
Exam Tip: Remember these common time-related expressions:
- by my watch/clock = according to my watch/clock
- at 9 o’clock = specific time
- in time = not late
- on time = exactly at the scheduled time
20. Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition:
She was running short ________ time.
(A) at
(B) of
(C) with
(D) for
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) of
Explanation: The correct idiomatic expression is run short of, which means to have an insufficient amount of something or to be nearly out of it.
Exam Tip: Remember these common expressions:
- run short of = have too little of something
- short of money/time/resources
- run out of = have nothing left at all
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2017
21. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition:
He saved her ________ certain death.
(A) from
(B) with
(C) of
(D) in
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) from
Explanation: The verb save is followed by the preposition from when it means to rescue someone from danger, harm, or death. Hence, the correct expression is save someone from.
Exam Tip: Remember these common patterns:
- save someone from danger/death
- protect someone from harm
- recover from illness
- prevent someone from doing something
22. Insert the proper preposition in the sentence:
He was waiting ________ the train.
(A) in
(B) at
(C) for
(D) with
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) for
Explanation: The verb wait is followed by the preposition for when referring to the person or thing being awaited. Hence, the correct phrase is wait for the train.
Exam Tip: Remember these common usages:
- wait for a bus/train/person
- wait at a station/bus stop (place)
- wait until a specific time or event
- wait in a room/hall (location)
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2016
23. Fill in the blank with an appropriate preposition:
The crew were ________ the ship for a month.
(A) on board
(B) aboard
(C) on
(D) off
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) aboard
Explanation: Aboard means on or into a ship, aircraft, train, or other vehicle. The sentence correctly reads: “The crew were aboard the ship for a month.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common usages:
- aboard + ship/train/plane = on or in the vehicle
- on board + a ship/train/plane = also correct as a phrase, but when the blank is followed directly by the ship, aboard is the standard one-word preposition.
- board (verb) = to get on a vehicle.
24. Insert the proper preposition in the sentence:
I prevailed ________ him to join our group.
(A) on
(B) upon
(C) beside
(D) along with
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) upon
Explanation: The correct idiomatic expression is prevail upon someone to do something, which means to persuade or convince someone to do something.
Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested verb–preposition combinations:
- prevail upon someone to do something = persuade
- insist on doing something
- depend on/upon someone
- rely on/upon someone
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2015
25. Insert the proper preposition in the sentence:
He hinted ________ some lost treasure.
(A) at
(B) of
(C) with
(D) for
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) at
Explanation: The verb hint is commonly followed by at when referring to something indirectly suggested or implied. Thus, hint at means to suggest something without stating it directly.
Exam Tip: Remember these common verb–preposition combinations:
- hint at something
- point at an object
- aim at a target
- laugh at someone
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2014
26. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition:
He is ________ the phone right now.
(A) at
(B) in
(C) on
(D) to
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) on
Explanation: The expression on the phone means engaged in a telephone conversation. Therefore, the correct sentence is “He is on the phone right now.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common expressions:
- on the phone = talking on the telephone
- on duty = working
- on leave = officially absent from work
- on time = at the scheduled time
27. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition:
He held his breath ________ several minutes.
(A) on
(B) of
(C) for
(D) from
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) for
Explanation: The preposition for is used to indicate the duration of time. Since several minutes expresses a period of time, the correct sentence is “He held his breath for several minutes.”
Exam Tip: Use for with a duration of time:
- for two hours
- for several days
- for a long time
Use since with a specific starting point:
- since Monday
- since 2020
- since morning
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2013
28. Fill in the blank with the appropriate preposition:
I was alarmed ________ the news of my brother’s illness.
(A) In
(B) At
(C) Of
(D) On
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) At
Explanation: The adjective alarmed is commonly followed by at when referring to something that causes fear, shock, or anxiety. Hence, the correct expression is alarmed at the news.
Exam Tip: Remember these common adjective–preposition combinations:
- alarmed at the news
- amazed at the performance
- astonished at the result
- surprised at the announcement
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2012
29. He sympathised ___ him in his bereavement.
(A) In
(B) For
(C) With
(D) By
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) With
Explanation: The verb sympathise is followed by the preposition with when expressing compassion or sharing someone’s sorrow. The correct expression is sympathise with someone.
Exam Tip: Remember these common verb–preposition combinations:
- sympathise with someone
- agree with someone
- quarrel with someone
- deal with a problem
30. She is proficient in music but weak ___.
(A) In study
(B) At lessons
(C) With study
(D) On study
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) At lessons
Explanation: The adjective weak is commonly followed by at when referring to lack of skill or ability in a subject or activity. Therefore, the correct expression is weak at lessons.
Exam Tip: Remember these common adjective–preposition combinations:
- good at mathematics
- bad at English
- weak at studies/lessons
- proficient in music, English, or a subject
31. He succeeded by dint ___ his hard labour.
(A) Of
(B) By
(C) For
(D) Because
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Of
Explanation: The correct idiomatic expression is by dint of, which means by means of or because of great effort. Hence, the sentence becomes: “He succeeded by dint of his hard labour.”
Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested idiomatic prepositional phrases:
- by dint of = by means of; through great effort
- by virtue of = because of
- by means of = using
- by force of = through the power of
32. I am going to Chennai ___ Monday ___ tour.
(A) On, of
(B) On, on
(C) In, with
(D) Of, on
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) On, on
Explanation: We use on before days of the week (e.g., on Monday) and the fixed expression on tour to mean travelling as part of a journey or official visit. Hence, the correct sentence is:
“I am going to Chennai on Monday on tour.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common usages:
- on Monday, on Sunday, on Independence Day
- on tour
- on duty
- on leave
33. I have no desire ___ fame.
(A) Of
(B) For
(C) In
(D) To
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) For
Explanation: The noun desire is commonly followed by the preposition for when referring to something one wants. Hence, the correct expression is desire for fame.
Exam Tip: Remember these common noun–preposition combinations:
- desire for success/fame
- need for money
- hope for peace
- taste for music
34. There is an exception ___ every rule.
(A) To
(B) For
(C) In
(D) Up
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) To
Explanation: The correct expression is exception to. It means something that does not follow a general rule or pattern. Hence, the sentence is “There is an exception to every rule.”
Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested noun–preposition combinations:
- exception to a rule
- solution to a problem
- answer to a question
- key to success
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2009
35. Choose the correct preposition to fill in the blank:
A gentleman should be true ____ his words.
(A) From
(B) To
(C) In
(D) On
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) To
Explanation: The adjective true is followed by the preposition to when it means faithful, loyal, or consistent with. The correct expression is true to one’s word/words.
Exam Tip: Remember these common adjective–preposition combinations:
- true to one’s word/principles
- faithful to one’s promise
- loyal to one’s country
- kind to others
36. The father was vexed ____ the son.
(A) With
(B) About
(C) To
(D) In
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) With
Explanation: The adjective vexed is commonly followed by with when referring to the person who causes annoyance. Thus, the correct expression is vexed with someone.
Exam Tip: Remember these common adjective–preposition combinations:
- vexed with someone
- angry with a person
- angry at someone’s behavior
- pleased with someone/something
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2007
37. The beautiful lady ________ the moon by the poet.
(A) With
(B) to
(C) of
(D) like
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) to
Explanation: The correct expression is compare someone/something to when pointing out a resemblance, especially in poetry or figurative language. Hence, the sentence means “The beautiful lady was compared to the moon by the poet.”
Exam Tip: Remember the difference:
- compare to = show resemblance (common in literature and poetry)
- compare with = examine similarities and differences between two things
38. Competitors __________ the globe took part in the game.
(A) From
(B) over
(C) around
(D) across
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) around
Explanation: The correct expression is around the globe, which means from all parts of the world. Hence, the sentence is “Competitors around the globe took part in the game.”
Exam Tip: Remember these commonly tested expressions:
- around the globe/world = throughout the world
- across the world = throughout the world
- from across the globe = from different parts of the world
- all over the world = everywhere in the world
39. The senior officer was angry __________ the subordinates.
(A) Upon
(B) On
(C) With
(D) Against
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) With
Explanation: The adjective angry is followed by with when referring to a person. Therefore, the correct sentence is “The senior officer was angry with the subordinates.”
Exam Tip: Remember the distinction:
- angry with a person
- angry at someone’s behavior or an event
- angry about a situation or issue
40. Shylock nurtured a deep-rooted hatred __________ Antonio.
(A) For
(B) To
(C) Against
(D) About
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Against
Explanation: The noun hatred is commonly followed by against when expressing hostility directed toward a person or group. Hence, the correct sentence is “Shylock nurtured a deep-rooted hatred against Antonio.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common noun–preposition combinations:
- hatred against someone
- prejudice against a group
- sympathy for someone
- affection for someone
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2005
41. The woman is standing ____ the door.
(A) By
(B) On
(C) At
(D) In
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) By
Explanation: The preposition by means next to or beside. Therefore, the correct sentence is “The woman is standing by the door.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common place-related prepositions:
- by the door/window = next to
- at the door = at the entrance (often implying arrival or position at the doorway)
- in the room = inside
- on the table = on the surface of something
42. The train was passing ____ a dark tunnel.
(A) Through
(B) Under
(C) In
(D) By
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) Through
Explanation: The preposition through is used to indicate movement from one end of an enclosed space to the other. Therefore, the correct sentence is “The train was passing through a dark tunnel.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common movement prepositions:
- through a tunnel, forest, crowd = movement inside and out
- across a road, river, field = movement from one side to the other
- over a bridge, wall = above or across
- under a bridge = below something
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2004
43. Hard work is indispensable ____ success.
(A) For
(B) At
(C) To
(D) In
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) For
Explanation: The adjective indispensable is commonly followed by for when referring to something that is absolutely necessary to achieve a particular purpose. Therefore, the correct sentence is “Hard work is indispensable for success.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common adjective–preposition combinations:
- indispensable for success
- essential for good health
- necessary for progress
- important for development
44. Fortune smiled ____ his efforts.
(A) At
(B) Over
(C) On
(D) For
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) On
Explanation: The correct idiomatic expression is smile on/upon, meaning to favor or bless someone with good luck or success. Thus, the sentence is “Fortune smiled on his efforts.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common verb–preposition combinations:
- smile on/upon = favor
- laugh at = mock
- look after = take care of
- depend on = rely on
45. Your conduct is subversive ____ all discipline.
(A) Of
(B) To
(C) With
(D) For
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) To
Explanation: The adjective subversive is followed by to when it means tending to undermine or weaken something. Hence, the correct expression is subversive to discipline.
Exam Tip: Remember these common adjective–preposition combinations:
- subversive to discipline/order
- harmful to health
- obedient to rules
- useful to society
46. He is a man in whom you can confide ____.
(A) On
(B) In
(C) Upon
(D) With
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) In
Explanation: The verb confide takes the preposition in when it means to trust someone with a secret. The standard expression is confide in someone.
Exam Tip: Remember these common verb–preposition combinations:
- confide in someone
- believe in yourself
- trust in God
- consist in (formal usage)
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2003
47. He agreed ____ my proposal.
(A) With
(B) To
(C) At
(D) For
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) To
Explanation: The verb agree is followed by to when referring to a proposal, plan, suggestion, or terms. Hence, the correct sentence is “He agreed to my proposal.”
Exam Tip: Remember the difference:
- agree to a proposal, plan, request, or terms
- agree with a person or an opinion
- agree on a particular decision or topic (between two or more people)
48. My friend is proficient ____ the art of cooking.
(A) In
(B) For
(C) At
(D) With
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) In
Explanation: The adjective proficient is commonly followed by in when referring to a subject, art, skill, or field of knowledge. Therefore, the correct sentence is “My friend is proficient in the art of cooking.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common adjective–preposition combinations:
- proficient in a subject/skill
- skilled in an art
- expert at doing something
- good at a game or activity
49. The writer is enamoured ____ the subject.
(A) With
(B) By
(C) For
(D) Of
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A) With
Explanation: The adjective enamoured is commonly followed by with when it means deeply attracted to or fascinated by someone or something. Hence, the correct sentence is “The writer is enamoured with the subject.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common adjective–preposition combinations:
- enamoured with someone/something
- fascinated by something
- interested in a subject
- absorbed in work or study
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2002
50. The celebrated grammarian Patanjali was a contemporary ________ Pushyamitra Sunga.
(A) To
(B) With
(C) Of
(D) In
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) Of
Explanation: The correct expression is contemporary of, meaning a person who lived or existed during the same period as another person. Therefore, the correct sentence is “Patanjali was a contemporary of Pushyamitra Sunga.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common noun–preposition combinations:
- contemporary of someone
- successor to someone
- predecessor of someone
- companion of someone
51. The income derived ________ the ownership of land is commonly called rent.
(A) With
(B) For
(C) From
(D) Under
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) From
Explanation: The verb derive is followed by from to indicate the source or origin of something. Hence, the correct sentence is “The income derived from the ownership of land is commonly called rent.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common verb–preposition combinations:
- derive from = originate from
- result from = arise from
- benefit from = gain advantage from
- recover from = return to normal after illness or difficulty
52. The goat subsists ________ the coarsest of foods.
(A) In
(B) On
(C) Upon
(D) Because of
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) On
Explanation: The verb subsist is commonly followed by on, meaning to survive or live by depending on a particular kind of food or income. Therefore, the correct sentence is “The goat subsists on the coarsest of foods.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common verb–preposition combinations:
- subsist on food/income
- live on bread and milk
- feed on grass
- survive on limited resources
WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2001
53. He dared not look me ______ the face.
(A) At
(B) In
(C) To
(D) On
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B) In
Explanation: The correct idiomatic expression is look someone in the face/eyes, which means to look directly at a person. Hence, the correct sentence is “He dared not look me in the face.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common verb–preposition combinations:
- look someone in the eye/face
- stare at someone
- glance at something
- gaze at the sky
54. The teacher is popular ______ his pupils.
(A) Among
(B) To
(C) With
(D) For
Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C) With
Explanation: The adjective popular is commonly followed by with when referring to the group of people who like or admire someone. Hence, the correct sentence is “The teacher is popular with his pupils.”
Exam Tip: Remember these common adjective–preposition combinations:
- popular with students/children/the public
- famous for an achievement or quality
- known for something
- acceptable to everyone
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