What Are Dependent Prepositions with Adjectives?
Some adjectives need a specific preposition after them. We call these dependent prepositions. The preposition depends on the adjective. You cannot change it or leave it out. For example, we say 'proud of' not 'proud about' or just 'proud.' Learning which preposition goes with which adjective is important for speaking and writing correctly at A2 level.
Common Adjectives N–Z with Their Prepositions
The preposition is part of the adjective phrase, so you must learn them together. Pay attention to the preposition that follows each adjective—it is essential for correct English usage.
| Adjective | Dependent Preposition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| nervous | about | He is nervous about the exam. |
| nice | to | She was nice to everyone at the party. |
| noticeable | in | The change is noticeable in his behaviour. |
| opposed | to | They are opposed to the new policy. |
| proud | of | She is proud of her achievements. |
| popular | with | That band is popular with teenagers. |
| polite | to | It is polite to knock before entering. |
| puzzled | by | I was puzzled by his strange comment. |
| responsible | for | He is responsible for the project. |
| rich | in | This region is rich in natural resources. |
| relevant | to | This information is relevant to your research. |
| related | to | His question is related to the topic. |
| rude | to | It was rude to interrupt her speech. |
| right | about | You are right about the answer. |
| reluctant | to | He is reluctant to admit his mistake. |
| similar | to | This design is similar to the previous one. |
| sick | of | She is sick of waiting in traffic. |
| suitable | for | This job is suitable for experienced workers. |
| sure | of/about | I am sure of his loyalty. |
| shocked | by/at | We were shocked by the sudden news. |
| satisfied | with | Are you satisfied with the results? |
| short | of | We are short of time to finish this. |
| sorry | for/about | I am sorry for my late arrival. |
| suspicious | of | He was suspicious of their intentions. |
| tired | of | I am tired of this routine. |
| true | of | That is true of many students. |
| typical | of | This behaviour is typical of teenagers. |
| useful | for | This tool is useful for gardening. |
| unkind | to | It was unkind to laugh at him. |
| wrong | about | You are wrong about the date. |
| worried | about | She is worried about her exam results. |
Why This Matters
Dependent prepositions are fixed. You cannot guess them. Native speakers learn them slowly, word by word. The best way to learn is to see the adjective and preposition together many times. When you read or listen, notice which preposition comes after each adjective. Write the whole phrase in your notebook: 'proud of', 'worried about', 'similar to'. This helps your brain remember the correct combination.
Adjectives N–Z with Dependent Prepositions
| Adjective | Preposition + Example Phrase |
|---|---|
| necessary | for — necessary for success |
| nervous | about — nervous about the exam |
| new | to — new to the job |
| nice | to — nice to everyone |
| notorious | for — notorious for being late |
| oblivious | to / of — oblivious to the danger |
| obsessed | with — obsessed with fitness |
| opposed | to — opposed to the plan |
| optimistic | about — optimistic about the future |
| originate | from — originate from a tradition |
| patient | with — patient with children |
| pessimistic | about — pessimistic about the outcome |
| pleased | with / about — pleased with the result |
| polite | to — polite to strangers |
| popular | with / among — popular with students |
| prepared | for — prepared for the worst |
| proud | of — proud of her achievement |
| qualified | for — qualified for the role |
| ready | for — ready for anything |
| related | to — related to the problem |
| relevant | to — relevant to the discussion |
| responsible | for — responsible for the team |
| rude | to — rude to the waiter |
| sad | about — sad about the news |
| satisfied | with — satisfied with the service |
| scared | of — scared of spiders |
| sensitive | to / about — sensitive to criticism |
| shocked | by / at — shocked by the news |
| similar | to — similar to mine |
| skilled | at / in — skilled at negotiating |
| sorry | about / for — sorry about the delay |
| stressed | about — stressed about deadlines |
| suitable | for — suitable for all ages |
Examples
I am proud of my English.
Everyday usage · Feeling
She is worried about the test tomorrow.
Everyday usage · Emotion
This colour is similar to the one I saw before.
Everyday usage · Comparison
Who is responsible for the project?
Everyday usage · Duty
The students are quiet, and the teacher is pleased with them.
Everyday usage · Satisfaction
Your ideas are totally different from mine.
Everyday usage · Comparison
When to use it
Talking About Feelings
Use dependent prepositions when you describe emotions. This makes your sentence correct and natural.
"I am nervous about the interview next week."
Making Comparisons
When you compare two things, use the correct preposition to show the relationship.
"Your answer is different from the textbook answer."
Describing Responsibility
Use 'responsible for' to show who must do something or control something.
"The manager is responsible for all the staff."
Expressing Satisfaction
Show you are happy or satisfied by using the correct preposition combination.
"I am very pleased with this result."
Signal words
proud of
worried about
similar to
responsible for
pleased with
different from
nervous about
rude to
ready for
tired of
upset about
wrong with
sure of
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
I am proud about my English.
✓
Correct
I am proud of my English.
'Proud' always goes with 'of', not 'about'. This is a fixed pattern.
✕
Wrong
She is worried for the test.
✓
Correct
She is worried about the test.
'Worried' goes with 'about' for feelings or concerns, not 'for'.
✕
Wrong
This is similar with that one.
✓
Correct
This is similar to that one.
'Similar' needs 'to', not 'with'. Use 'to' for comparisons.
✕
Wrong
He is responsible of the money.
✓
Correct
He is responsible for the money.
'Responsible' always needs 'for' to show what someone controls or manages.
✕
Wrong
I am tired about my job.
✓
Correct
I am tired of my job.
'Tired' goes with 'of' to show you want to stop doing something.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- Dependent prepositions are fixed phrases — you cannot change or remove the preposition after an adjective.
- Each adjective has one correct preposition that must follow it; memorize them as fixed pairs.
- Common A2 adjectives like proud, worried, and similar words each require a specific dependent preposition.
- The same adjective never takes different prepositions; for example, only 'proud of' is correct, never 'proud about'.
- Learning dependent prepositions by heart is essential for accurate English speaking and writing at A2 level.