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Learning Zone
Grammar

Prepositional phrases – usage & examples

Level: C1
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PHRASES WITH AT 
PHRASES WITH IN 
 PHRASES WITH ON
PHRASES WITH OTHER PREPOSITIONS

PHRASES WITH AT 

at a glanceI could see at a glance that something was wrong. 
at handWe have no solutions at hand
at lastYou’re here at last
at leastThe disease killed at least two million people.
at onceThey started singing at once.
at randomThe candidates are selected at random.
at riskThe whole area is at risk of flooding.
at timesThe children are at times aggressive and cruel.
at all timesYou should keep an eye on your children at all times.
at any timeWe can meet at any time you like.
at worstAt worst, you’ll go to prison.

PHRASES WITH IN 

in advanceLet me know in advance.
in allThere were sixty of them in all.
in chargeWho’s in charge here? I’m the boss.
in commonHave we got anything in common?
in a hurryShe was in such a hurry that she forgot to take her passport.
in the long runThe machine will save energy in the long run.
 in troubleHave you ever helped anyone in trouble?
in vainI tried to get in touch with him but in vain.

 PHRASES WITH ON

on averageHow much do teachers earn in your country on average?
on boardWe met on board an ocean liner.
on businessShe’s gone to Barcelona on business.
on good termsWe’re on good terms in spite of the divorce. 
on offerWe have lots of goods on offer at present
on purposeMum, she did it on purpose
 on second thoughtsOn second thoughts, I’d like to come.

PHRASES WITH OTHER PREPOSITIONS

by accidentWe met by accident.
by heartWe had to learn the poem by heart.
by no meansThis is not, by no means, the end of the matter.
for a changeWe went to the seaside – just for a change.
for realOur friendship is not virtual – it’s for real.
out of breathI was out of breath after running from the city centre to the station.
out of orderThe lift was out of order, so we had to use the stairs. 
out of tune She was singing out of tune.

 

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