Free Prepositions MCQs with Answers

161. He was upbraided _______ his slovenly appearance?

• A. of
• B. for
• C. with
• D. to
• E. from

Explanation: The standard construction is “upbraid someone for something,” meaning to scold or criticise someone because of it. The other prepositions do not fit this verb pattern.

162. I saw the horse jump ______ the fence.

• A. Behind
• B. On
• C. Over
• D. To

Explanation: “Over” shows movement from one side of the fence to the other, typically by going above it. “On” would mean landing or resting on its surface.

163. I found my car keys ______ my pocket.

• A. On
• B. In
• C. At
• D. From

Explanation: A pocket is an enclosed space, so the correct preposition is “in.” “On” is used for a surface rather than the inside of a pocket.

164. I purchased a cupboard ________ my new house.

• A. To
• B. at
• C. Until
• D. For

Explanation: “For my new house” expresses the intended purpose or destination of the cupboard. “To” would normally indicate movement toward a place, not an item bought for use there.

165. He took his brother ____ the hand.

• A. from
• B. with
• C. at
• D. by
• E. on

Explanation: The fixed expression is “take someone by the hand,” meaning to grasp or lead someone by holding the hand. The other prepositions do not fit this idiom.

166. I suspect him ____ stealing the pen.

• A. for
• B. of
• C. over
• D. by
• E. on

Explanation: The verb suspect takes the preposition of when identifying a suspected wrongdoing: “suspect him of stealing.” For is used with accuse in a different construction, not with suspect here.

167. The prisoner was bound _____ the stake.

• A. with
• B. of
• C. to..
• D. at
• E. on

Explanation: Someone is bound to a fixed object when tied or fastened to it, giving “bound to the stake.” At indicates location but does not express the fastening relationship as precisely.

168. He got ______ his illness in two weeks.

• A. over
• B. on
• C. at
• D. by

Explanation: Get over means recover from an illness, difficulty, or disappointment, so “got over his illness” is the correct phrasal verb. Get on, get at, and get by have different meanings.

169. There was no heir ______ the throne.

• A. to
• B. with
• C. him
• D. over

Explanation: The standard collocation is “heir to the throne,” where to shows the position or inheritance being claimed. “Heir over” and “heir with” are not standard combinations.

170. The rains have set ______.

• A. In
• B. Of
• C. On
• D. Out

Explanation: Set in means begin and continue, especially of weather or a season: “The rains have set in.” Set out means begin a journey or task, which does not fit here.