Page 181 - Advanced English Grammar in Use

P r e p o s i t i o n s a f t e r a d j e c t i v e s : a f r a i d o f / f o r , e t c .

Some adjectives are commonly followed by particular prepositions. You can find information
about these in a good dictionary. Here we will look at some adjectives that can be followed by
one preposition or another, depending on the meaning. Study these examples.

afraid + of/for concerned + about/with
• Janet had always been afraid of flying. ^ • I'm a little concerned about your exam
• They tried to leave the country, afraid for • results. (= worried)
their own lives. • This section of the book is concerned
with (= about) adjectives.
angry or annoyed + about/with
• She felt a little annoyed about the delay. glad + for/of
(about something) • I'm very glad for you.
• I'm not angry with you, Paul. • I'd be glad of some help.
(with somebody)
pleased + about/at/with
answerable + for/to • Was he pleased about/at the news?
• She is answerable for (= responsible for) • He's really pleased with the car.
the money that has disappeared. (with something)
• The committee is answerable only to (= has • She felt pleased with Paul.
to explain its actions to) the President. (with somebody)
anxious + about/for right + about/for
• Ministers are increasingly anxious about • You're right about Tom. He is moving to
(= worried about) the cost of health care. Spain.
• I'm anxious for (= want very much) the • We're sending her to a school that we
work to be done as soon as possible. think is right for her.
bad or good + at/for sorry + about/for
• She's very good/bad at languages. (= • I'm sorry about giving you such a hard
successful) time.
• You should drink this. It's good/bad for • I felt really sorry for Susan (= felt
you. (= healthy or beneficial) sympathy for her), but what could I do?
also
good + about/to/with
• She felt good about winning the prize.
(= pleased with herself)
• Tom was good to us (= kind) when times
were hard.
• He's very good with his hands. (= skilful)

D When a verb follows an adjective + preposition it takes an -ing form:
• I don't agree with smacking children if they do something wrong.
• He was famous for holding the world land speed record.
Compare:
• You were right to report them to the police, and
• You were right about seeing Mark in town. He's got a new job there.
• We're anxious to avoid problems, and
• I'm anxious about not having enough time.

Prepositions after verbs =