Mastering Prepositions: 100+ MCQs for All Competitive Exams (Set 1)
Prepositions Mcqs For Competitive Exams: Welcome to a new, essential series at Objective English! Prepositions are the backbone of sentence structure, and their correct usage is a deciding factor in the English section of almost every competitive exam. Errors in this area are common and heavily penalized in exams like SSC CGL, IBPS PO, UPSC, KVS, TGT, PGT, and LT Grade.
This is the first set in our definitive series on Prepositions. It features 100 carefully selected MCQs from previous year papers, designed to test your knowledge on fixed prepositions, prepositions of time and place, phrasal verbs, and more. Let’s build your expertise, one question at a time.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Prepositions of Time & Place (In, On, At)
Q1. My birthday is ________ January.
(SSC CGL)
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) for
Answer & Explanation: C) in
‘In’ is used for longer periods like months, years, and seasons.
Q2. The meeting is scheduled to start ________ 10:30 AM sharp.
(IBPS PO)
A) in
B) on
C) at
D) from
Answer & Explanation: C) at
‘At’ is used for specific points in time.
Q3. I will see you ________ Friday morning.
(KVS TGT)
A) at
B) in
C) by
D) on
Answer & Explanation: D) on
‘On’ is used for specific days and dates.
Q4. He lives ________ a small village in Rajasthan.
(UP TGT)
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) near
Answer & Explanation: C) in
‘In’ is used for larger areas with boundaries, such as cities and countries.
Q5. The train arrived exactly ________ midnight.
(Railways RRB Exam)
A) on
B) in
C) at
D) by
Answer & Explanation: C) at
‘At’ is used with specific times like ‘at midnight’, ‘at noon’, ‘at dawn’.
Q6. The books are ________ the shelf.
(CDS Exam)
A) at
B) in
C) into
D) on
Answer & Explanation: D) on
‘On’ is used to indicate a position on a surface.
Q7. Shakespeare was born ________ 1564.
(PGT English)
A) on
B) in
C) at
D) from
Answer & Explanation: B) in
‘In’ is used for years.
Q8. The conference will be held ________ the Taj Hotel.
(Bank PO)
A) on
B) in
C) at
D) over
Answer & Explanation: C) at
‘At’ is used for specific places or public venues.
Q9. The Declaration of Independence was signed ________ July 4, 1776.
(UPSC CSE)
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) from
Answer & Explanation: B) on
‘On’ is used for specific dates.
Q10. We usually go to the mountains ________ the summer.
(SSC CPO)
A) at
B) during
C) on
D) in
Answer & Explanation: D) in
‘In’ is used for seasons.
Q11. The shop is located ________ the corner of the street.
(Common PYQ)
A) in
B) at
C) to
D) inside
Answer & Explanation: B) at
‘At the corner’ refers to a specific point.
Q12. I was born ________ the 21st century.
(CDS Exam)
A) on
B) at
C) during
D) in
Answer & Explanation: D) in
‘In’ is used for long periods like centuries.
Q13. Let’s meet ________ the bus stop.
(SSC MTS)
A) on
B) in
C) at
D) near
Answer & Explanation: C) at
‘At’ is used for a specific point or location.
Q14. The cat is sleeping ________ the rug.
(Basic Grammar)
A) in
B) at
C) on
D) into
Answer & Explanation: C) on
‘On’ indicates position on a surface.
Q15. The Prime Minister lives ________ 10 Downing Street.
(UPSC/GK Question)
A) on
B) in
C) at
D) by
Answer & Explanation: C) at
‘At’ is used for specific addresses.
Q16. We decorate our house ________ Christmas.
(Holiday Time)
A) on
B) in
C) at
D) for
Answer & Explanation: C) at
‘At’ is used to refer to the festival period.
Q17. She has an appointment ________ the afternoon.
(IBPS Clerk)
A) on
B) at
C) in
D) by
Answer & Explanation: C) in
‘In’ is used with parts of the day.
Q18. I am currently staying ________ a hotel.
(SSC CGL)
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) Both A and C are correct
Answer & Explanation: D) Both A and C are correct
Both ‘at a hotel’ (point location) and ‘in a hotel’ (inside the building) are correct.
Q19. He was born ________ a small island.
(CDS Exam)
A) at
B) on
C) in
D) inside
Answer & Explanation: B) on
‘On’ is used for islands.
Q20. The party will be ________ New Year’s Eve.
(KVS TGT)
A) at
B) in
C) on
D) for
Answer & Explanation: C) on
‘On’ is used for a specific day/eve.
Part 2: Prepositions of Movement & Direction
Q21. The cat jumped ________ the wall.
(SSC CPO)
A) in
B) over
C) at
D) for
Answer & Explanation: B) over
‘Over’ is used to show movement from one side of an obstacle to the other.
Q22. The boy dived ________ the swimming pool.
(NDA Exam)
A) in
B) on
C) at
D) into
Answer & Explanation: D) into
‘Into’ shows movement towards the inside of something.
Q23. The train is traveling ________ Delhi.
(Railways RRB)
A) towards
B) to
C) for
D) from
Answer & Explanation: B) to
‘To’ is used for a specific destination.
Q24. They walked ________ the bridge to cross the river.
(CDS Exam)
A) along
B) across
C) through
D) over
Answer & Explanation: B) across
‘Across’ means from one side to the other.
Q25. The car drove ________ the tunnel.
(SSC CGL)
A) along
B) through
C) in
D) over
Answer & Explanation: B) through
‘Through’ is used for movement within an enclosed space from one end to the other.
Q26. The satellite was launched ________ space.
(UPSC CSE)
A) in
B) to
C) into
D) towards
Answer & Explanation: C) into
‘Into’ signifies the movement of entering a three-dimensional space.
Q27. The ball rolled ________ the hill.
(Bank Clerk)
A) down
B) up
C) from
D) of
Answer & Explanation: A) down
‘Down’ indicates movement to a lower position.
Q28. She poured the tea ________ the cups.
(IBPS PO)
A) in
B) on
C) at
D) into
Answer & Explanation: D) into
‘Into’ indicates the movement of pouring something inside a container.
Q29. He was leaning ________ the wall, looking tired.
(PGT English)
A) on
B) at
C) against
D) with
Answer & Explanation: C) against
‘Against’ is used to show support or pressure on a surface.
Q30. We walked ________ the riverbank for a mile.
(SSC MTS)
A) across
B) through
C) over
D) along
Answer & Explanation: D) along
‘Along’ means moving in a line next to something.
Q31. The horse galloped ________ the field.
(CDS)
A) through
B) along
C) across
D) over
Answer & Explanation: C) across
‘Across’ indicates movement from one side of an area to the other.
Q32. The aeroplane flew ________ the clouds.
(KVS TGT)
A) over
B) on
C) under
D) above
Answer & Explanation: D) above
‘Above’ is used for a higher position without direct contact.
Q33. He came ________ the stairs to greet us.
(Bank Clerk)
A) on
B) down
C) through
D) at
Answer & Explanation: B) down
‘Down’ indicates movement to a lower level.
Q34. I arrived ________ the airport just in time for my flight.
(SSC CGL)
A) in
B) on
C) at
D) into
Answer & Explanation: C) at
‘Arrive at’ is used for a specific location like an airport or building.
Q35. He threw the stone ________ the river.
(IBPS PO)
A) in
B) on
C) into
D) upon
Answer & Explanation: C) into
‘Into’ indicates the motion of something entering a space.
Q36. We travelled from Mumbai ________ Goa by train.
(Railways RRB)
A) towards
B) to
C) at
D) in
Answer & Explanation: B) to
‘From… to…’ is the standard structure for origin and destination.
Q37. The protestors marched ________ the Parliament building.
(UPSC CSE)
A) towards
B) at
C) in
D) from
Answer & Explanation: A) towards
‘Towards’ signifies movement in the direction of a place.
Q38. She was walking ________ the garden when I saw her.
(TGT English)
A) into
B) on
C) in
D) onto
Answer & Explanation: C) in
‘In’ indicates location inside a place with boundaries.
Q39. The boy fell ________ his bicycle.
(CDS)
A) off
B) from
C) of
D) down
Answer & Explanation: A) off
‘Off’ indicates separation or movement away from something.
Q40. The birds flew ________ the rooftop.
(SSC MTS)
A) in
B) at
C) over
D) under
Answer & Explanation: C) over
‘Over’ shows movement above something.
Part 3: Fixed & Phrasal Prepositions (Part A)
Q41. I congratulate you ________ your grand success.
(SSC CGL)
A) for
B) on
C) at
D) with
Answer & Explanation: B) on
The fixed preposition after ‘congratulate’ is ‘on’.
Q42. You need to look ________ your younger sister.
(KVS PGT)
A) at
B) after
C) for
D) into
Answer & Explanation: B) after
‘Look after’ is a phrasal verb meaning to take care of someone.
Q43. The police are looking ________ the matter.
(IBPS PO)
A) after
B) on
C) into
D) for
Answer & Explanation: C) into
‘Look into’ is a phrasal verb meaning to investigate or examine.
Q44. The teacher has an excellent command ________ English.
(UP TGT)
A) in
B) on
C) at
D) over
Answer & Explanation: D) over
One has a ‘command over’ a subject or skill.
Q45. He is endowed ________ many great qualities.
(CDS Exam)
A) of
B) with
C) from
D) in
Answer & Explanation: B) with
The correct phrase is ‘endowed with’.
Q46. Do not interfere ________ my personal matters.
(SSC CPO)
A) with
B) in
C) into
D) for
Answer & Explanation: B) in
‘Interfere in’ means to meddle. ‘Interfere with’ means to obstruct.
Q47. He is liable ________ pay the damages.
(Bank PO)
A) for
B) with
C) to
D) of
Answer & Explanation: C) to
The phrase is ‘liable to do something’.
Q48. The judge has a prejudice ________ the defendant.
(Legal Exams)
A) for
B) to
C) against
D) with
Answer & Explanation: C) against
A ‘prejudice against’ someone means a preconceived negative opinion.
Q49. You must be content ________ what you have.
(UPSC CSE)
A) for
B) of
C) by
D) with
Answer & Explanation: D) with
The adjective ‘content’ is followed by the preposition ‘with’.
Q50. The burglars broke ________ the house in the middle of the night.
(SSC CGL)
A) in
B) up
C) into
D) through
Answer & Explanation: C) into
‘Break into’ means to enter illegally.
Part 4: Fixed & Phrasal Prepositions (Part B)
Q51. The president was very much concerned ________ the welfare of his people.
(CDS)
A) for
B) with
C) about
D) at
Answer & Explanation: C) about
We are ‘concerned about’ someone’s welfare.
Q52. The new policy is not very different ________ the old one.
(Bank PO Mains)
A) from
B) than
C) to
D) with
Answer & Explanation: A) from
The standard usage is ‘different from’.
Q53. He is completely engrossed ________ his work.
(SSC CHSL)
A) with
B) on
C) at
D) in
Answer & Explanation: D) in
The correct phrase is ‘engrossed in’.
Q54. She is junior ________ me by two years.
(PGT English)
A) than
B) from
C) of
D) to
Answer & Explanation: D) to
Latin comparatives are followed by ‘to’.
Q55. The manager was asked to look ________ the complaints.
(IBPS Clerk)
A) at
B) for
C) into
D) over
Answer & Explanation: C) into
‘Look into’ means to investigate.
Q56. This is a matter ________ great importance.
(SSC Stenographer)
A) with
B) of
C) for
D) about
Answer & Explanation: B) of
The preposition ‘of’ is used to show belonging or quality.
Q57. The escaped prisoner is still ________ large.
(Police SI Exam)
A) on
B) at
C) in
D) of
Answer & Explanation: B) at
The idiom ‘at large’ means not caught.
Q58. His speech was not relevant ________ the topic.
(UP LT Grade)
A) to
B) for
C) with
D) at
Answer & Explanation: A) to
‘Relevant’ is followed by ‘to’.
Q59. She was taken ________ by his charming personality.
(KVS TGT)
A) on
B) up
C) away
D) in
Answer & Explanation: D) in
‘Taken in’ means deceived or charmed.
Q60. I was leaning ________ the chair to relax.
(NDA Exam)
A) at
B) over
C) against
D) on
Answer & Explanation: C) against
‘Against’ implies resting for support.
Q61. This film is not suitable ________ children.
(SSC CGL)
A) with
B) for
C) to
D) at
Answer & Explanation: B) for
Something is ‘suitable for’ someone.
Q62. You must compensate ________ the loss.
(IBPS PO)
A) with
B) to
C) for
D) against
Answer & Explanation: C) for
‘To compensate for’ a loss.
Q63. I was surprised ________ his behavior.
(CDS)
A) by
B) at
C) with
D) from
Answer & Explanation: B) at
Surprised ‘at’ a situation or behavior.
Q64. Smoking is injurious ________ health.
(Common PYQ)
A) for
B) with
C) of
D) to
Answer & Explanation: D) to
‘Injurious to’ is a fixed phrase.
Q65. He died ________ cholera.
(UPSC CSE)
A) from
B) with
C) of
D) in
Answer & Explanation: C) of
‘Die of’ is for a disease.
Q66. The principal has dispensed ________ the services of the clerk.
(PGT English)
A) of
B) off
C) with
D) from
Answer & Explanation: C) with
‘Dispense with’ means to get rid of.
Q67. You must rely ________ your own efforts.
(Bank PO)
A) at
B) on
C) with
D) for
Answer & Explanation: B) on
The phrase is ‘rely on’.
Q68. He is totally blind ________ one eye.
(SSC CPO)
A) with
B) of
C) in
D) from
Answer & Explanation: C) in
‘Blind in one eye’ is the correct expression.
Q69. Our success depends ________ how hard we work.
(TGT Exam)
A) at
B) of
C) for
D) on
Answer & Explanation: D) on
The phrase is ‘depend on’.
Q70. You should be grateful ________ your mentors.
(CDS)
A) for
B) to
C) with
D) about
Answer & Explanation: B) to
‘Grateful to’ a person.
Q71. Hard work is indispensable ________ success in life.
(IBPS PO Mains)
A) to
B) for
C) with
D) from
Answer & Explanation: B) for
‘Indispensable for’ something.
Q72. Do not insist ________ going there against my wishes.
(SSC CGL)
A) on
B) for
C) with
D) to
Answer & Explanation: A) on
‘Insist’ is followed by ‘on’.
Q73. My mother has great affection ________ me.
(KVS PGT)
A) to
B) towards
C) for
D) with
Answer & Explanation: C) for
‘Affection for’ is correct.
Q74. We must provide ________ the future.
(CAT Exam)
A) for
B) to
C) against
D) with
Answer & Explanation: C) against
‘Provide against’ means to take precautions.
Q75. His views did not coincide ________ mine.
(SSC CHSL)
A) to
B) at
C) on
D) with
Answer & Explanation: D) with
The verb ‘coincide’ is followed by ‘with’.
Part 5: Confusing Pairs & Error Spotting
Q76. He distributed the sweets ________ the two brothers.
(SSC CGL)
A) among
B) between
C) amidst
D) in
Answer & Explanation: B) between
‘Between’ is used for two people. ‘Among’ for more than two.
Q77. The office remains open ________ 10 AM to 5 PM.
(Bank PO)
A) between
B) from
C) since
D) during
Answer & Explanation: B) from
‘From… to…’ is for a range.
Q78. I have not seen him ________ last Sunday.
(IBPS Clerk)
A) for
B) since
C) from
D) before
Answer & Explanation: B) since
‘Since’ is for a point in time.
Q79. She sat ________ me during the ceremony.
(CDS)
A) besides
B) across
C) beside
D) among
Answer & Explanation: C) beside
‘Beside’ means next to. ‘Besides’ means in addition to.
Q80. In accordance ________ your instructions, I have completed the task.
(UPSC CSE)
A) to
B) for
C) of
D) with
Answer & Explanation: D) with
The phrase is ‘in accordance with’.
Q81. The new mall was built opposite ________ my house.
(SSC CGL)
A) of
B) to
C) from
D) No preposition needed
Answer & Explanation: D) No preposition needed
‘Opposite’ works as a preposition by itself.
Q82. Despite ________ his hard work, he did not get the promotion.
(Bank PO)
A) of
B) to
C) No preposition needed
D) with
Answer & Explanation: C) No preposition needed
‘Despite’ is used without ‘of’.
Q83. She was deprived ________ her rightful inheritance.
(TGT English)
A) from
B) against
C) with
D) of
Answer & Explanation: D) of
‘Deprived of’ is the correct phrase.
Q84. He was appointed ________ the post of director.
(KVS PGT)
A) for
B) in
C) on
D) to
Answer & Explanation: D) to
‘Appointed to’ a post.
Q85. There is no exception ________ this rule.
(CDS)
A) to
B) for
C) against
D) of
Answer & Explanation: A) to
‘Exception to’ is the correct phrase.
Q86. My uncle who lives in Mumbai will arrive ________ next week.
(SSC CPO)
A) on
B) in
C) at
D) No preposition needed
Answer & Explanation: D) No preposition needed
No preposition with ‘next week’.
Q87. We went to his house ________ foot as our car broke down.
(IBPS PO)
A) by
B) with
C) on
D) from
Answer & Explanation: C) on
The idiom is ‘on foot’.
Q88. The doctor advised him to refrain ________ smoking.
(UPSC CSE)
A) of
B) from
C) to
D) off
Answer & Explanation: B) from
‘Refrain from’ is the fixed phrase.
Q89. He takes great pride ________ his son’s achievements.
(PGT Exam)
A) in
B) for
C) of
D) about
Answer & Explanation: A) in
The phrase is ‘take pride in’.
Q90. She was charged ________ murdering her husband.
(CDS)
A) of
B) for
C) with
D) from
Answer & Explanation: C) with
‘Charged with’ a crime.
Q91. He has been ill ________ last week.
(SSC CGL)
A) since
B) from
C) for
D) by
Answer & Explanation: A) since
‘Last week’ acts as a specific point in time.
Q92. The river flows ________ the bridge.
(Bank PO)
A) below
B) under
C) beneath
D) All of the above
Answer & Explanation: D) All of the above
‘Under’, ‘below’, and ‘beneath’ all mean a lower position.
Q93. The property was divided ________ the five children.
(SSC MTS)
A) between
B) amidst
C) in
D) among
Answer & Explanation: D) among
‘Among’ is used for more than two.
Q94. He was very kind ________ me when I was sick.
(KVS PGT)
A) for
B) with
C) at
D) to
Answer & Explanation: D) to
‘Kind to’ someone.
Q95. The organization complied ________ all the government regulations.
(CAT)
A) with
B) to
C) by
D) for
Answer & Explanation: A) with
‘Comply’ is followed by ‘with’.
Q96. My application was rejected in lieu ________ some missing documents.
(UPSC)
A) of
B) to
C) for
D) from
Answer & Explanation: A) of
‘In lieu of’ means in place of.
Q97. The ship is bound ________ Liverpool.
(SSC CPO)
A) to
B) at
C) towards
D) for
Answer & Explanation: D) for
‘Bound for’ means heading to a place.
Q98. This book is a good introduction ________ the topic of robotics.
(NDA Exam)
A) of
B) about
C) for
D) to
Answer & Explanation: D) to
‘Introduction to’ a subject.
Q99. He complained ________ the principal about my behaviour.
(IBPS RRB)
A) of
B) to
C) with
D) against
Answer & Explanation: B) to
You complain ‘to’ a person.
Q100. I differ ________ you on this matter.
(CDS)
A) from
B) with
C) than
D) Both A and B
Answer & Explanation: B) with
We ‘differ with’ a person.
Conclusion: Your Foundation in Prepositions is Now Built!
Excellent work on completing the first set of 100 MCQs on Prepositions! This topic is vast, and a strong start is crucial for success. You have practiced the fundamental rules that govern some of the most common prepositions in English.
Key Takeaways from This Set:
- ✓ Distinguishing between ‘in’, ‘on’, and ‘at’ for both time and place.
- ✓ Understanding prepositions that indicate movement and direction.
- ✓ Memorizing essential fixed and phrasal prepositions.
- ✓ Identifying errors based on confusing pairs like ‘between/among’ and ‘since/for’.
Ready for the next challenge? Join us for Set 2 in our Prepositions series to master more complex rules and advanced error-spotting questions!