Mastering Prepositions in Business English

In the meeting, we discussed the new marketing strategy ______ detail.

• in

• on

• at

• by

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'in' because we say 'in detail' to indicate a thorough examination or discussion of a topic. The other options do not fit this context.

Please send the revised contract ______ email by the end of the day.

• in

• on

• by

• with

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'by' because it indicates a deadline. The sentence implies that the revised contract should be sent no later than the end of the day, making 'by' the appropriate preposition.

The report is due ______ Friday, so make sure to complete it ______ time.

• on, in

• at, by

• by, on

• on, by

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'on, in'. We say 'on Friday' to indicate a specific day and 'in time' to mean completing something before a deadline. Thus, the report is due on Friday, so make sure to complete it in time.

During the presentation, she spoke ______ the challenges faced by the team.

• about

• on

• in

• with

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'about' because we typically say 'speak about' when discussing topics or challenges. The other options do not fit grammatically in this context.

The negotiation ______ the two companies was held ______ a neutral location.

• between, at

• with, in

• between, in

• with, at

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'between, at' because 'between' is used to indicate a negotiation involving two parties, and 'at' specifies the location where the negotiation took place.

We need to focus ______ improving our customer service to increase satisfaction.

• in

• on

• at

• with

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'on' because we say 'focus on' when directing attention or effort towards something. In this context, it indicates prioritizing the improvement of customer service.

The CEO will arrive ______ the office ______ 9 AM for the board meeting.

• in, at

• at, by

• at, at

• in, by

Answer explanation

The correct prepositions are 'at' for specific locations and 'at' for specific times. Thus, the CEO will arrive 'at' the office 'at' 9 AM for the board meeting.

She is responsible ______ managing the project and ensuring its success.

• for

• to

• with

• by

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'for' because it indicates responsibility in this context. The phrase 'responsible for' is commonly used to denote accountability for managing tasks or projects.

The team collaborated ______ the new product launch to ensure its success.

• in

• on

• with

• about

Answer explanation

The correct preposition is 'on' because we say 'collaborate on' a project or task. The phrase indicates working together towards the new product launch, making 'on' the appropriate choice.

We are confident ______ the potential growth of our company in the coming year.

• in

• on

• at

• about

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'about' because we say we are confident 'about' something when expressing assurance regarding a situation or outcome. In this case, it refers to the potential growth of the company.