Work, Emotions, and Everyday Life – Mastering Adjective + Preposition Combinations

Adjective + Preposition

Meaning(s)

Example(s)

ready for

prepared

She’s ready for her exam. / I wasn’t ready for that question.

related to

connected by topic or family

The problem is related to the engine. / He’s related to the manager.

relevant to

important for the situation

This information is relevant to our project.

responsible for

in charge of

He is responsible for hiring staff.

rude to

impolite toward someone

He was rude to the waiter.

sad about

unhappy about something

She’s still sad about the breakup.

safe from

protected against

The vaccine keeps you safe from disease.

satisfied with

pleased with

I’m satisfied with the results.

sensitive to

easily affected

He’s sensitive to criticism. / She’s sensitive to loud sounds.

shocked at/by

surprised in a negative way

I was shocked by the news. / She was shocked at his behavior.

short of

lacking

We’re short of money this month.

sick of

fed up

I’m sick of this weather!

similar to

alike

This recipe is similar to mine.

sorry for/about

apologetic

I’m sorry for being late. / She felt sorry about the accident.

successful in/at

achieving a goal

He’s successful at public speaking.

suitable for/to

appropriate for

This movie is not suitable for kids.

sure of/about

confident

I’m sure of my answer. / Are you sure about this decision?

surprised at/by

unexpected event or info

I was surprised at his reaction. / We were surprised by the gift.

suspicious of

not trusting

She’s suspicious of strangers.

sympathetic to

showing understanding

He was sympathetic to her situation.

terrified of

very afraid

I’m terrified of spiders.

thankful for

grateful

I’m thankful for your help.

tired of/from

bored or exhausted

I’m tired of arguing. / I’m tired from working all day.

typical of

expected behavior

That’s typical of him!

unaware of

not knowing

She was unaware of the time.

upset about/with

emotionally disturbed

I’m upset about the results. / He’s upset with his friend.

used to

familiar or accustomed

I’m used to waking up early.

useful for/to

beneficial

This tool is useful for gardening. / It’s useful to know the basics.

weak in/at

not strong or skilled

She’s weak at math. / He’s weak in communication.

worried about

anxious

I’m worried about the deadline.

wrong with/about

incorrect or faulty

What’s wrong with this printer? / I think you’re wrong about her.

absent-minded about

forgetful

He’s absent-minded about birthdays.

addicted to

unable to stop using

She’s addicted to sugar.

agreeable to

willing to do something

He was agreeable to the suggestion.

allergic to

having a reaction to

I’m allergic to nuts.

amazed by

filled with wonder

I was amazed by the view.

attached to

emotionally connected

He’s attached to his old car.

careless with/about

not cautious

She’s careless with money. / He’s careless about safety.