Prepositions Part 16
Combinations
A preposition is a word placed before a noun or a pronoun to show in what relation the person or thing denoted by it stands in regard to something else. There are over 100 prepositions in English. This is a very small number compared with the vast number of nouns, adjectives and verbs found in English. Here are some of the prepositions used in English:
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Balk at
To not want to do or try something, because it seems difficult, unpleasant, or frightening.
Westerners balk at the prospect of snakes on the menu.
Ban from
To say that something must not be done, seen or used.
Children are banned from driving.
Banish from / to
To not allow someone or something to stay in a particular place.
Thousands were banished to Siberia.
Ben was banished from Australia.
Bank with
To put or keep money in a bank.
Who do you bank with?
Bar from
To officially prevent someone from entering a place or from doing something.
The suspect was banned from leaving the country.
Bargain for
To discuss the conditions of an agreement usually in order to get a lower price.
Workers are bargaining for better pay.
Bark at
When a dog barks, it makes a short loud sound or series of sounds.
Most dogs bark at strangers.
Barrier to / between
A barrier is a rule or problem that prevents people from doing something, or limits what they can do.
The minister wants to lift trade barriers.
Mountains form a natural barrier between two countries.
Based in / on
To have your place of work or business in a particular place.
Our new company will be based in Kandy.
Sri Lanka’s economy is based on farming.
Basic to
Forming the most important or most necessary part of something.
The fear of the unknown is basic to the behaviour of animals.
Basis of / for
The facts, ideas, or things from which something can be developed.
Rice and curry form the basis of their daily diet.
Past experience is the best basis for a sound judgment.
Bask in
To enjoy sitting or lying in the heat of the sun or a fire.
Crocodiles were basking in the morning sun.
Bastion of
Something that protects a way of life that seems likely to change or end completely.
Clubs are the last bastions of male privilege.
Bathe in
To wash yourself or someone else in a bath.
Susan bathed in the lake.
Note: In everyday English, people usually say ‘go for, have a swim’ rather than ‘bathe.’
The boys went for a swim in the Mahaweli River.
Battle between
A fight between opposing armies.
Battles between the security forces and the rebels continue.
Beam at
To smile very happily.
Sam beamed at her.
Bear up
To show courage or determination during a difficult or unpleasant time.
How are you bearing up since the accident?
Beckon to
To make a signal to someone with your hand, to show that you want them to come towards you.
Susan beckoned to the waiter to bring more drinks.
Beg for
To ask for something in an anxious or urgent way.
The accused begged for mercy.
Begin with
To start doing something.
The President will begin talks with otherHeads of State.
Believe in
The feeling that something is definitely true or definitely exists.
Emma has a strong belief in God.
Believe in
To be sure that someone or something exists.
Do you believe in God?
Belong to
If something belongs to someone, they own it.
This house belongs to Smith.
Beneficial to
Having a good effect.
Cycling is beneficial to health.
Beneficiary of
Someone who gets advantages from an action or change.
The rich are the main beneficiaries of tax cuts.
Benefit from
If you benefit from something, it gives you an advantage.
Sri Lanka will benefit from the Indian Prime Minister’s visit.
Bent on
Completely determined to do something, especially something bad.
Terrorists are bent on destroying the country’s economic progress.
Bequeath to
To officially arrange for someone to have something that you own after your death.
The painter bequeathed his collection of paintings to the National Gallery.
Bereft of
Completely without any hope.
Our cricket team seems bereft of inspiration.
Beset with
To experience serious problems or dangers.
His business has been beset with financial problems.
