Choose the right preposition 4

✓ Useful for TOEIC ✓ Useful for Cambridge BEC

READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!

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). Choose the best response to complete each of the sentences below.

1. Despite ____________________ all this, I think it is sensible to continue.

of with NO PREPOSITION

Correct answer: NO PREPOSITION — Despite is followed directly by a noun phrase; despite of is incorrect.

2. We're committed __________________________ providing you with the best possible service.

in to at

Correct answer: to — Committed to doing something is the correct collocation.

3. Many mistakes were made __________________________ the past year.

in on for

Correct answer: in — In the past year = during the past year.

4. We specialize in providing solutions tailored ____________________ your specific needs.

for to A or B

Correct answer: to — Tailor to someone's needs is the standard collocation.

5. These solutions are tailor-made ____________________ your needs.

for to A or B

Correct answer: A or B — Tailor-made for and to are both correct.

6. We're not really interested _______________________ this type of cooperation.

on at in

Correct answer: in — Interested in something is the standard collocation.

7. This is the best-selling product _______________________ the market.

on in A or B

Correct answer: on — Fixed expression: on the market.

8. Our products are available all __________________________ the world.

in around about

Correct answer: around — Fixed expression: all around the world.

9. I'm very happy that you're considering me __________________________ this position.

about in for

Correct answer: for — Consider someone for a position is the standard collocation.

10. The research is moving _________________________ (meaning: progressing) well.

along around about

Correct answer: along — Fixed expression: moving along = progressing.

—

💡 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

Want ad-free practice? Check out our Premium Resources below.

Premium resources

Our other sites

LearnEnglishFeelGood.com LearnSpanishFeelGood.com EnglishForMyJob.com

Connect & follow

Cookie & privacy policy / Content policy / Contact: info (at) businessenglishsite.com