B2Prepositions

Noun + preposition collocations

Use frequent noun-preposition combinations accurately and distinguish similar nouns that select different prepositions.

Overview

What this grammar does

Use frequent noun-preposition combinations accurately and distinguish similar nouns that select different prepositions.

Form and rules

How it works

Common combinations include reason for, solution to, increase in, effect on and demand for.

Other useful patterns include advantage/disadvantage of, attitude to/towards, relationship with/between and access to.

The preposition is part of the noun's collocational pattern and often differs from equivalent structures in other languages.

A following verb after the preposition takes -ing: a reason for leaving, an objection to working late.

Some nouns allow more than one preposition with meaning differences, so learn examples in context rather than isolated lists.

A closer look

Meaning and use

A following verb after the preposition takes -ing: a reason for leaving, an objection to working late.

Some nouns allow more than one preposition with meaning differences, so learn examples in context rather than isolated lists.

Examples

See the pattern in complete sentences

What's the reason for the delay?

We need a solution to this problem.

There has been an increase in demand.

The change had little effect on sales.

Employees need access to the system.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

We still need a solution for the staffing problem.

We still need a solution to the staffing problem.

The collocation is solution to a problem.

What was the reason of cancelling the event?

What was the reason for cancelling the event?

Reason for + noun/-ing is the standard pattern.

Ready to practise?

The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.

Previous topicInversion with negative adverbials Next topic Contrast, purpose, reason and result