Prepositional Idiomatic Expressions

Prepositional Idiomatic Expressions

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Rule #16

By Mrs. Etter

Prepositional Idioms

How Are Prepositional Idioms Tested in SAT Writing and Language?

For prepositional idioms, you must know which prepositions to use with a given word based on the context of the sentence. For example, you should say that you're "interested in" something, not "interested at" something. You "focus on" something, not "focus at" something. You must be familiar with the phrase or rely on what you think "sounds right."

Example

Because he laughed when his friend fell down, Justin was accused of being devoid at sympathy.

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​You may encounter a sentence like this on your SAT. In the sentence, there is no violation of a specific grammar rule. However, "devoid at" is an idiom error. Why? Well, the correct phrase is "devoid of." The corrected version of the sentence looks like this:

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​Because he laughed when his friend fell down, Justin was accused of being devoid of sympathy.

Multiple Choice

According ------ most educators, flashcards drills definitely help students i8mprove their math and verbal skills.

• to

• with

Multiple Choice

Lazy people are averse ------ hard work.

• against

• to

Multiple Choice

Keith was making an allusion ----- the legendary Helen of Troy.

• about

• to

Multiple Choice

Thurgood Marshall made history by becoming the first African-American Supreme Court justice when he was appointed ------this position by President Lyndon Johnson.

• of

• to

Multiple Choice

She was unhappy to discover that her favorite software program was not compatible ------- the operating system on her new computer.

• of

• with

Multiple Choice

In consideration ----- his long service to the theater, the Tony Awards committee made a special presentation honoring producer George Abbott, who had recently celebrated his hundredth birthday.

• about

• of

Multiple Choice

Holmes immediately perceived that the nervous witness's story was not consistent ---- her earlier statement to the police.

• to

• with

Multiple Choice

A good administrative assistant should be conversant -----spreadsheets, databases, and word documents.

• at

• with

Multiple Choice

Although Romeo believed that Rosalind was the great love of his life, he was merely infatuated ----- her.

• about

• with

Multiple Choice

In accordance ----- board policy, the meeting began with a reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.

• to

• with

Multiple Choice

Lee expressed his distaste ----- soap operas by turning off the television set whenever one came on.

• from

• for

Multiple Choice

Fearing that all work and no play would make Jack a dull boy, Jack's parents were concerned about their son's preoccupation ----- his schoolwork.

• in

• about

• with