Many nouns require a specific preposition that cannot be predicted from meaning alone, such as increase in, insight into, approach to, reliance on, and substitute for, as in there has been a significant increase in sales this quarter. These combinations must be learned and memorized as fixed collocations.
Grammar Rule
Many nouns require a specific preposition that cannot be predicted from meaning alone and must be learned as a fixed collocation.
Advanced Prepositional Collocations: Rules and Examples
| Noun | Preposition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| increase / decrease | in | There has been a significant increase in sales this quarter. |
| insight | into | Scientists gained new insight into the causes of the disease. |
| approach / solution / threat / access | to | The company’s approach to marketing has changed dramatically. |
| reliance / dependence | on | The team’s heavy reliance on outdated technology caused delays. |
| substitute | for | There is no substitute for hard work. |
Remember: increase/decrease + in; insight + into; approach/threat/solution + to; reliance/dependence + on; substitute + for.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the correct fixed preposition for each noun. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
B2-44. Advanced Prepositional Collocations
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What preposition follows increase or decrease?
In, as in there has been a significant increase in sales this quarter.
What preposition follows insight?
Into, as in scientists gained new insight into the causes of the disease.
What preposition follows approach or solution?
To, as in the company’s approach to marketing has changed dramatically.
Why can’t these prepositions be predicted from meaning alone?
Because they are fixed collocations with specific nouns, so each one must be learned individually.