WBCS Prelims Prepositions Questions 2024
2. 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
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
3. 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
Explanation: The correct sentence is:
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
18. Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
She has no control ________ her temper.
A. on
B. with
C. over
D. after
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
19. Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
What are you worrying ________?
A. to
B. with
C. for
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
22. Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
He spends hours ________ the phone everyday.
A. at
B. on
C. with
D. in
Explanation: The correct expression is “on the phone”, which means talking or communicating by telephone.
23. Fill in the blank with the appropriate option:
He works ________ an insurance company.
A. for
B. at
C. in
D. with
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
25. Insert the right preposition in the blank space:
He died ________ dengue.
A. with
B. from
C. of
D. by
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
7. Fill in the blank with the suitable preposition:
He presided ________ the meeting.
(A) over
(B) at
(C) in
(D) for
Explanation: The correct expression is “preside over”, which means to be in charge of or conduct a meeting, ceremony, or event.
17. Fill in with a suitable preposition:
He is taller than you ________ two inches.
(A) with
(B) of
(C) in
(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
23. ‘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
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)
24. Fill in the blank with the right option:
He was offended ________ me unjustly.
(A) at
(B) for
(C) with
(D) towards
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
1. Use the right preposition.
He deals _____ cosmetic goods.
(A) of
(B) with
(C) in
(D) on
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)
10. What is the time _____ your watch?
(A) by
(B) in
(C) with
(D) on
Explanation: The correct expression is “by your watch”, which means according to your watch or wristwatch.
20. Fill in the blank with the right option.
He cannot cope _____ this pressure.
(A) up
(B) with
(C) in
(D) for
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
23. Use the appropriate preposition in the sentence:
We sat _____ the shade of the tree.
(A) under
(B) below
(C) in
(D) through
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
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