Choose the right preposition 1

✓ Useful for TOEIC ✓ Useful for Cambridge BEC

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These exercises will help you to practice using prepositions in a Business English context and can be used to prepare for the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) and the Business English Certificate (BEC).

1. The design stage typically lasts ____________________ two months.

for NO PREPOSITION A or B

Correct answer: A or B — For and NO PREPOSITION are both correct with durations.

2. We'll let you know about our decision __________________________ tomorrow.

until by A or B

Correct answer: by — By = at the latest; indicates a deadline.

3. I like working __________________________ Bill. He's really laid-back.

on with along

Correct answer: with — Work with someone = collaborate.

4. The design process ____________________ this product is fairly complicated.

for in along

Correct answer: for — For = the process relating/belonging to this product.

5. Please inform me _________________ your decision.

in A or C of

Correct answer: of — Inform someone of something is the correct collocation.

6. This is an issue that came up _______________________ the early stages of the project.

during along with

Correct answer: during — During = throughout a period of time.

7. The demand for our product has risen by 50% _______________________ the last two years.

over among with

Correct answer: over — Over = across a span of time.

8. John will be in charge __________________________ all the technical aspects.

to for of

Correct answer: of — In charge of = responsible for.

9. Are you working __________________________ the project that I assigned you to?

with on in

Correct answer: on — Work on a project is the standard collocation.

10. I work _________________________ downtown Chicago / I work __________________________ the center (meaning: central part) of the city.

in on at

Correct answer: in — Work in a city/place is standard; at is used for a building.

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💡 Top tips
Common business collocations with 'in', 'on', and 'at'
'In' is used with companies and industries: 'She works in finance.' 'On' is used with committees and projects: 'He's on the board.' 'At' refers to specific organizations: 'I work at Google.'
Prepositions of time: 'in', 'on', 'by', 'until'
Use 'by' for deadlines (completed no later than): 'Please submit by Friday.' Use 'until' for duration (continuing up to a point): 'The offer is valid until Friday.' These are frequently confused in professional writing.
Avoid common preposition errors with verbs
Common correct collocations: 'agree on' (a decision), 'agree with' (a person), 'deal with' (a problem), 'result in' (a consequence), 'depend on' (a factor). These fixed combinations are best memorized as complete units.

▶ Keep practicing — more exercises for you: Articles in business English 1
Articles in business English 2
Articles in business English 3
Articles in business English 4
Articles in business English 5
Articles in business English 6
Business English basics 1
Business English basics 2

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