1.

Common Adjective & Preposition Combinations

Here are a few of the most common combinations of
adjectives and prepositions in English:
AT – SURPRISED AT, ANGRY AT, GOOD AT, TERRIBLE AT
OF – PROUD OF, AFRAID OF, FOND OF, FULL OF
WITH – SATISFIED WITH, BUSY WITH, FED UP WITH, ASSOCIATED
WITH
IN – DISAPPOINTED IN, SKILLED IN, INTERESTED IN, INVOLVED IN
FOR – KNOWN FOR, GOOD FOR, TERRIBLE FOR, EXCELLENT FOR
TO – MARRIED TO, FRIENDLY TO, SIMILAR TO, RUDE TO
2. Would rather/had better

would rather – meaning: (would) prefer (PREFERENCE)

POSITIVE: I’d rather be at home doing nothing than working without
getting paid. (MEANING: (would) prefer – preference)

NEGATIVE: I‘d rather not eat out tonight, if you don’t mind.
QUESTION FORM: Would you rather watch an action film or a drama?

. had better – meaning: ought to / should (STRONG ADVICE, even

THREAT)
POSITIVE: It’s getting late. I‘d better get going.
NEGATIVE: You’d better not forget your assignment. You’ll be in trouble if
you do!
QUESTION FORM: Had I better speak to him now, or wait until things
cool down a bit?
3. Examples of Connectors of Contrast
1. However (sin embargo)
Used to indicate contrast or contradiction
-> We all tried our best. However, we lost the game.

2. Nevertheless (sin embargo)

Used to say something which contrasts with what has just been said
-> He was very tired; nevertheless, he went on walking.

3. On the Other Hand ( por otro lado)

Used to say something that is different from the first thing mentioned
-> Nuclear power is relatively cheap. On the other hand, you could argue
that it’s not safe.

4. On the contrary (al contrario)

Used to show that a thought or feeling which is the opposite of what has
just started
-> You think you are clever; on the contrary, I assure you that you are
very foolish.

5. Though ( aunque)
Used to show that two ideas are opposing one another
-> Though she’s almost 40, she still plans to compete.

6. Otherwise (sino)
Used to show what the result will be if the thing or condition, mentioned
before, does not occur
-> Walk slowly on the ice, otherwise, you’ll fall.
7. Despite/ In Spite of (a pesar de)
Used to show something which happens without being affected by
something else
-> She looked lovely, despite her strange apparel.

8. Even though ( aunque)

Used as a stronger way to say “though” or “although“
-> We decided to play on even though it was snowing.

9. Although ( aunque)
Used for introducing a new statement that makes the main statement
surprising
-> She walked home by herself, although she knew that it was dangerous.

10. Whereas (mientras que)

Used for comparing two things which have significant differences from
each other
-> She is slender, whereas he is fat.

11. But (pero)

Used to add a statement which is different from what you have said
before
-> It’s an old car, but it’s very reliable.

12. While (mientras)

Means “during the time” or “throughout the time“
-> While we were having lunch we heard an explosion.