Question 1

Why do we say "afraid of" and not "afraid from"?

Accepted Answer

Many learners say "afraid from" because in their first language the equivalent expression uses a word meaning "from." However, in English, "afraid" always takes "of" — this is a fixed phrase with no alternative. The logic is that "of" connects the feeling to its cause: you are afraid of something, meaning that thing is the source of your fear. "Proud of," "ashamed of," "jealous of," and "tired of" all use "of" in exactly this way — connecting the emotion to its cause. The preposition "from" in English describes physical movement or separation (different from, absent from, safe from) rather than the cause of an emotion. Remembering this distinction helps avoid one of the most common preposition errors.

Question 2

How do I know when to use "for" after an adjective?

Accepted Answer

The preposition "for" after adjectives usually indicates a purpose, a responsibility, or a reason for recognition. Ask yourself: is the adjective about what someone does or what something is used for? "Responsible for" means in charge of a task. "Famous for" means recognised because of something. "Suitable for" means appropriate for a purpose. "Grateful for" means thankful because of something received. If the adjective answers "why?" or "for what purpose?", the preposition is almost certainly "for." Common mistakes include "responsible of" and "suitable to" — both are incorrect. In Cambridge B1 Preliminary and B2 First exams, "for" phrases appear frequently in fill-in-the-blank questions.

Question 3

What is the difference between "close to" and "close with"?

Accepted Answer

"Close to" describes physical proximity or emotional nearness to a person or place: "The hotel is close to the beach" (physically near) or "She is close to her grandmother" (emotionally near). "Close with" is not a standard adjective + preposition combination in British English — it is sometimes heard in informal American English, but the correct British form is always "close to." Be careful not to confuse "close to" (adjective, meaning near) with "closed to" (past participle, meaning shut or unavailable): "The road is closed to traffic." Other adjectives of proximity also take "to": "near to," "next to," "adjacent to," "similar to."

Adjective + OF, FOR & TO (Part 1)

Quick Rule

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Prepositions of Time and Place Error Correction

In, On, At for Time

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-ed vs -ing Adjectives

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Present Perfect