Adjectives + Prepositions (proud of, keen on)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
In English, many adjectives are 'glued' to specific prepositions that never change, regardless of the context or the following noun.
- Use 'of' for emotions and origins: 'I am proud of my heritage.' (max 20 words)
- Use 'at' for skills and abilities: 'She is brilliant at solving puzzles.'
- Use 'on' for enthusiasm or dependence: 'He is keen on playing tennis.'
Overview
Some words for feelings need a small partner word. These pairs always go together. They help people understand you. They make your English sound natural.
Some words feel unfinished alone. If you say 'I am interested,' people ask 'In what?' The word 'in' connects the feeling to the thing. Do not say 'interested on.' You must learn these pairs by heart.
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
When To Use It
- Expressing Emotions and FeelingsThese pairings specify the target of an emotion. A work email might say,
I'm concerned about the project timeline.In a text, you might write,Totally obsessed with that new Netflix series! - Describing Skills and AbilitiesThis is common in job interviews and performance reviews.
Are you proficient in any other languages?orHe's hopeless at managing his time. - Stating Opinions and AttitudesThese structures give your opinions weight and clarity. In a debate, you might state,
I'm opposed to the new policy because it's inequitable.A manager might ask,Are you open to receiving constructive feedback? - Indicating Connection or RelevanceUse these to show how things relate. A news report might state,
The increase in prices is related to supply chain issues.In a meeting,This discussion isn't relevant to the task at hand.
When Not To Use It
- With Adjectives Taking a
to-infinitiveMany adjectives are followed by ato-infinitive, not a prepositional phrase, to express purpose or readiness. For example,I'm ready to beginorIt was difficult to watch.In these cases, the infinitive completes the adjective's meaning. Sayingready for beginningwould be incorrect. - When the Adjective Directly Modifies a NounWhen an adjective comes directly before a noun (
a beautiful day,an important meeting), there is no preposition between them. The prepositional phrase, if needed, typically follows the noun:a day for celebration. - When a Simpler Verb Works BetterSometimes, using an adjective + preposition is grammatically correct but stylistically clumsy.
He is quick at understanding complex ideasis fine, butHe understands complex ideas quicklyis often more direct and elegant.
Common Mistakes
- 1The Wrong PrepositionThis is the most common error, as the choice is idiomatic. For example, learners often confuse
at,in, andonwhen describing skills.- Incorrect:I'm good in public speaking.- Correct:I'm good at public speaking.(Useatfor skills and performance.)- Incorrect:She's responsible of the marketing team.- Correct:She's responsible for the marketing team.(Forindicates duty or accountability.) - 2Gerund vs. Infinitive Error After a PrepositionAs emphasized earlier, this is a major hurdle. Learners see the word
toand automatically assume an infinitive must follow.- Incorrect:I'm looking forward to meet you.- Correct:I'm looking forward to meeting you.(Tois a preposition in the phrasal verblook forward to.)- Incorrect:She confessed to steal the document.- Correct:She confessed to stealing the document.(The prepositiontorequires a gerund.) - 3Omitting a Necessary PrepositionSome adjectives feel incomplete without their prepositional partner. This often happens with adjectives of awareness or dependence.- Incorrect:
You need to be aware the consequences.- Correct:You need to be aware of the consequences.- Incorrect:His mood is dependent the weather.-- Correct:His mood is dependent on the weather.
Common Collocations
I'm tired of hearing the same excuses. |She's brilliant at chess. |He's known for his generosity. |Are you interested in joining the committee? |I'm anxious about the upcoming exam. |Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Verb + Preposition (Prepositional & Phrasal Verbs)The function is different. An adjective describes a state, while a verb describes an action. Compare
She is fond of him(describes her state) withShe looks after him(describes her action). The verblooks afteris a phrasal verb with an idiomatic meaning.
- Adjective +
that-clauseMany emotional or cognitive adjectives can be followed by athat-clause to explain the reason. This structure provides a full clause as the explanation, rather than just a noun phrase.-I'm worried about his health.(Adjective + Prep + Noun)-I'm worried that he is not taking care of himself.(Adjective +that-clause) - Adjective +
to-infinitiveThis pattern indicates purpose, possibility, or readiness. It is not prepositional.-It is important to be on time.(Expresses necessity)-I am happy to help you.(Expresses willingness)
Quick FAQ
- How do I know which preposition to use?There is no single rule; you must learn them through exposure and practice. When you learn a new adjective, use a good learner's dictionary (like Oxford or Cambridge) to check which prepositions it collocates with. Reading and listening to authentic English are the best ways to internalize these patterns.
- Is there a difference between
angry withandangry at?Yes, a subtle one. You are typicallyangry witha person (I'm angry with my brother). You are oftenangry ata thing or situation, but it can also be used for a person, sometimes implying you are shouting at them (He was shouting and seemed angry at the world).Angry aboutis also used for situations (I'm angry about the injustice). - How can I tell if
tois a preposition or an infinitive marker?Try replacing the word aftertowith a simple noun phrase. If the sentence still makes sense,tois a preposition. For example, inI'm accustomed to working, you can sayI'm accustomed to the work. The sentence is logical. InI want to work, you cannot sayI want the workand retain the same meaning. Therefore, inaccustomed to,tois a preposition requiring a gerund, while inwant to,tois an infinitive marker. - Can an adjective be followed by different prepositions?Yes, and it often changes the meaning. You can be
sorry forsomething you did (I'm sorry for breaking the vase) orsorry abouta situation (I'm sorry about the bad news). You can also feelsorry fora person, which means you pity them (I feel sorry for him).
Structure of Adjective + Preposition
| Subject | Verb 'Be' | Adjective | Preposition | Object (Noun/Gerund) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
am
|
interested
|
in
|
art
|
|
You
|
are
|
good
|
at
|
singing
|
|
He
|
is
|
proud
|
of
|
you
|
|
She
|
is
|
afraid
|
of
|
spiders
|
|
It
|
is
|
famous
|
for
|
cheese
|
|
We
|
are
|
keen
|
on
|
hiking
|
|
They
|
are
|
excited
|
about
|
traveling
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
I am proud of
|
I'm proud of
|
I'm proud of my team.
|
|
You are good at
|
You're good at
|
You're good at chess.
|
|
He is keen on
|
He's keen on
|
He's keen on golf.
|
Meanings
A grammatical structure where an adjective is followed by a specific preposition to link it to a noun, pronoun, or gerund, expressing a relationship like cause, ability, or emotion.
Emotional States
Expressing how someone feels about something or someone.
“I am afraid of spiders.”
“He is excited about the trip.”
Abilities and Skills
Describing proficiency or lack thereof in a specific area.
“She is excellent at math.”
“I am hopeless at drawing.”
Personal Attitudes
Describing a person's stance or interest toward a topic.
“She is keen on photography.”
“He is interested in politics.”
Relationships and Connections
Describing how one thing relates to another.
“The movie is similar to the book.”
“Is this relevant to our discussion?”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + be + adj + prep + obj
|
I am interested in history.
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + be + not + adj + prep + obj
|
She isn't afraid of the dark.
|
|
Question
|
Be + subj + adj + prep + obj?
|
Are you keen on swimming?
|
|
Short Answer (+)
|
Yes, subj + be.
|
Yes, I am.
|
|
Short Answer (-)
|
No, subj + be + not.
|
No, they aren't.
|
|
Gerund Object
|
Adj + prep + Verb-ing
|
He is brilliant at cooking.
|
Formality Spectrum
I am deeply interested in the study of linguistics. (Education)
I am really interested in languages. (Education)
I'm big on learning new languages. (Education)
I'm totally into linguistics. (Education)
Common Preposition Clusters
AT (Skills)
- Good at
- Bad at
- Brilliant at
OF (Emotions)
- Proud of
- Afraid of
- Scared of
ABOUT (Feelings)
- Excited about
- Worried about
- Angry about
At vs. In vs. For
Choosing the Right Preposition
Is it a skill?
Is it an emotion?
Is it a relationship?
Adjective Categories
Positive
- • Proud of
- • Keen on
- • Excited about
Negative
- • Afraid of
- • Worried about
- • Bored with
Neutral
- • Similar to
- • Related to
- • Aware of
Examples by Level
I am good at football.
She is afraid of dogs.
Are you bad at math?
He is nice to me.
I am interested in music.
She is excited about the party.
Paris is famous for the Eiffel Tower.
He is married to a nurse.
I am keen on learning English.
They are proud of their new house.
Don't be worried about the exam.
Is this juice good for me?
Who is responsible for this mess?
She is aware of the risks.
Your style is similar to mine.
He is capable of doing much better.
The environment is conducive to learning.
He is devoid of any emotion.
The salary is commensurate with experience.
She is prone to making mistakes when tired.
His actions were inconsistent with his words.
The region is rich in natural resources.
She was oblivious to the danger.
The results are indicative of a larger trend.
Easily Confused
Learners often use 'in' because they think of being 'inside' a subject area.
Both relate to exhaustion but have different causes.
Both express anger but target different things.
Common Mistakes
I am good in football.
I am good at football.
She is afraid from dogs.
She is afraid of dogs.
He is nice with me.
He is nice to me.
I am bad in math.
I am bad at math.
I am interested with music.
I am interested in music.
She is married with a doctor.
She is married to a doctor.
He is excited for the party.
He is excited about the party.
I am proud about my son.
I am proud of my son.
She is keen of swimming.
She is keen on swimming.
They are worried for the future.
They are worried about the future.
The results are indicative for a trend.
The results are indicative of a trend.
He is prone for headaches.
He is prone to headaches.
This is relevant with our talk.
This is relevant to our talk.
Sentence Patterns
I am really ___ at ___.
She is ___ of ___.
Are you ___ in ___?
This is ___ to ___.
Real World Usage
I am proficient at managing large budgets.
I'm so stoked about the concert!
This theory is inconsistent with the evidence.
I'm really into hiking and travel.
Are you allergic to any medication?
What is this city famous for?
The Gerund Rule
Avoid Direct Translation
Learn in Chunks
Keen vs. Into
Smart Tips
Always use 'at'. It acts like a bullseye on a target.
Think of the preposition as a wall that only 'ing' can climb over.
Use 'to' for behavior (kind to, mean to) and 'with' for shared emotions (angry with, happy with).
Use 'consistent with' or 'relevant to' instead of just 'about'.
Pronunciation
Weak Forms
Prepositions like 'of', 'at', and 'to' are usually unstressed and pronounced with a schwa /ə/.
Linking
When an adjective ends in a consonant and the preposition starts with a vowel, they link together.
Stress the Adjective
I'm PROUD of you.
The emphasis is on the emotion, not the preposition.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'G.A.I.N.' - Good At, Interested In. If you want to gain skills, you must be Good At them and Interested In them.
Visual Association
Imagine a giant magnet labeled 'OF' pulling a heart (Proud of, Afraid of). Imagine a target with an 'AT' in the bullseye (Good at, Brilliant at).
Rhyme
If you're good at the game, you'll be famous for your name.
Story
I was so 'excited about' my new job that I became 'responsible for' everything. My boss was 'proud of' me, but I was 'tired of' the long hours.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your hobbies using 'interested in', 'good at', 'keen on', 'excited about', and 'proud of'.
Cultural Notes
'Keen on' is much more frequent in the UK than in the US, where 'into' or 'fond of' might be used.
Americans often use 'excited for' in casual speech, though 'excited about' remains the grammatically standard form.
In research, 'consistent with' and 'relevant to' are essential for linking evidence to claims.
Most adjective-preposition pairs developed in Middle English as the language lost its complex case system and began using prepositions to show relationships.
Conversation Starters
What is one thing you are really proud of?
Are you keen on trying extreme sports?
Who is responsible for the cooking in your house?
What kind of music are you most interested in?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
She is very good ___ playing the piano.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
He is married with a famous actress.
Everyone knows the city because of its food. -> The city is famous ___ its food.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: Are you coming to the beach? B: No, I'm afraid ___ the water.
responsible / who / for / is / this / ?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesShe is very good ___ playing the piano.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
He is married with a famous actress.
Everyone knows the city because of its food. -> The city is famous ___ its food.
Proud, Keen, Afraid
A: Are you coming to the beach? B: No, I'm afraid ___ the water.
responsible / who / for / is / this / ?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesAre you afraid ___ speaking in public?
Which sentence is correct?
He's very good at to paint portraits.
Translate into English: 'Ella está satisfecha con los resultados.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the adjective with the correct preposition:
Our team is capable ___ delivering high-quality work.
Which sentence is correct?
I'm responsible about training the new employees.
Translate into English: 'El libro está basado en hechos reales.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the adjective with its required preposition:
Score: /12
FAQ (9)
There is no logical reason. These are 'dependent prepositions' that must be memorized as fixed pairs.
Only in specific phrases like 'good in a crisis' or 'good in bed'. For subjects and skills, always use `good at`.
It is neutral but more common in British English. In American English, it can sound slightly old-fashioned or formal.
A noun, a pronoun, or a gerund (verb + -ing). Never use a base verb.
Both are used, but `different from` is preferred in British English and formal American English.
Yes, especially in questions like 'What are you interested in?' or relative clauses.
`Tired of` means bored or annoyed. `Tired from` means physically exhausted.
No. Phrasal verbs are Verb + Particle (e.g., 'look up'). These are Adjective + Preposition.
Learn them in groups (e.g., all adjectives that use 'of') and practice them in sentences about your own life.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Adjetivo + preposición (de, en, a)
The preposition for skills is 'at' in English but 'en' in Spanish.
Adjectif + de/à
French 'en' for skills (bon en) must be translated to 'at' (good at).
Adjektiv + Präposition + Kasus
English has no noun cases, so you only need to remember the preposition.
Adjective + Particle (ni, de, ga)
Japanese uses post-positions (after the noun) while English uses pre-positions (before the noun).
Adjective + Harf Jarr
Arabic prepositions often have much broader meanings than English ones.
Prepositional phrase + Adjective
The word order is completely different; English is Adj + Prep, Chinese is Prep + Adj.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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