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B2 FIRST · VOCABULARY · PART 1

Words + prepositions

Words that are always followed by the same preposition, like interested in or depend on.

Finn the puffin with glasses and a book, your vocabulary teacher
Finn says

Many adjectives, verbs and nouns are followed by one particular preposition: we're interested in something, good at it and afraid of it. In Part 1, the preposition is often printed after the gap, and it tells you which word is right. Two options may have the same meaning, but only one takes that preposition.

Adjectives + prepositions

in
interested in · involved in
She's very interested in history.
on
keen on · dependent on
He's not very keen on sport.
of
afraid of · proud of · aware of · fond of
I'm very proud of you.
for
responsible for · famous for
The town is famous for its cheese.
to
similar to · used to · kind to
Your bag is similar to mine.
at / about
good at · worried about · excited about
I'm worried about the exam.

Verbs and nouns + prepositions

verb + on
depend on · rely on · insist on · concentrate on
You can always rely on her.
verb + for
apply for · wait for · apologise for
He applied for the job.
verb + other
succeed in · consist of · belong to · suffer from
The team consists of five players.
noun + for
a reason for · a demand for · a need for
What's the reason for the delay?
noun + in
an increase in · a rise in · a fall in
There has been an increase in prices.
noun + to
a solution to · an answer to · the key to
Is there a solution to this problem?

How it comes up in Part 1

In Part 1 you choose the word (A, B, C or D) that best fits each gap. The four options often have similar meanings, so knowing which words go together is what gets you the mark.

My sister is really keen on horse riding.
A keen B interested C fond D excited

Keen on. We say interested in, fond of and excited about.

Whether we go or not depends on the weather.
A depends B relies C counts D bases

Depend on means to be decided by. Rely on means to trust.

This town is famous for its beautiful beaches.
A famous B known C popular D well

Famous for. "Known for" needs "well" before it: well known for.

Common mistakes

  • ✗ I'm interested on photography.✓ I'm interested in photography.Interested in.
  • ✗ It depends of the price.✓ It depends on the price.Depend on.
  • ✗ She is married with a doctor.✓ She is married to a doctor.Married to someone.
  • ✗ He's good in maths.✓ He's good at maths.Good at a subject or activity.
Finn the puffin, smiling kindly
Finn's exam tip

Look at the preposition after the gap before you look at the options. Then ask: which of these four words can be followed by this preposition? Often only one can.

Quick check

Choose the word that best fits each gap.

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