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I was very surprised at/by etc... (About prepositions)

hirashin

Sempai
Donor
8 Apr 2004
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Hello, native English speakers,
Which prepositions would be used in each blank?
(Also, please correct my sentences if needed.)

1) I was very surprised _____ her colorful clothes.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

2a) We were amused _____ his funny comments.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of
2b) The baby was amused _____ the toy.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

3a) He is very disappointed _____ his son's results of the first term exam.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of
3b) I was disappointed _____ the concert last night.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

4) I am quite satisfied _____ your efforts.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

5a) All the furniture was covered _____ dust.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of
5b) The garden was covered _____ snow.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

6a) His name is known _____ everyone.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

6b)) A man is known _____ the company he keeps.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

7) She was frightened _____ the big noise.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

8) My grandfather was injured _____ the Second World War.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

9) I was caught _____ a shower yesterday afternoon.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

10) My house was badly damaged _____ yesterday's typhoon.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

11) I was shocked _____ the early death of my father.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

12) People were excited _____ his performance.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

13a) I'm pleased _____ our new house.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of
13b) He is easily pleased _____ flattery.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of


Thanks in advance.
Hirashin
 
1) I was very surprised _____ her colorful clothes.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would choose "by", but wouldn't be bothered by "about".

2a) We were amused _____ his funny comments.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

"by"

2b) The baby was amused _____ the toy.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

"by"

3a) He is very disappointed _____ his son's results of the first term exam.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

Either "with" or "in" would be my top choices, but I would also accept "by" and "about"

3b) I was disappointed _____ the concert last night.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

"With" and "in" would be my top choices, but I would accept "by" as well.

4) I am quite satisfied _____ your efforts.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would choose "with", but also accept "by".

5a) All the furniture was covered _____ dust.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would choose "in", but "with" is just as good. "By" wouldn't really put me off even though I wouldn't use it.

5b) The garden was covered _____ snow.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

Same as 5a.

6a) His name is known _____ everyone.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

"to" or "by".

6b)) A man is known _____ the company he keeps.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would say "by", but "to" is also good and I think I would be fine with "in".

7) She was frightened _____ the big noise.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would choose "by", but "of" works too.

8) My grandfather was injured _____ the Second World War.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would say "in".

9) I was caught _____ a shower yesterday afternoon.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

"In" is what I would use. "By" is also fine if as I suspect you're talking about the rain.

10) My house was badly damaged _____ yesterday's typhoon.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would choose "by".

11) I was shocked _____ the early death of my father.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would choose "at", but also accept "by" and "about".

12) People were excited _____ his performance.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I had to think about this one. I would choose "about", but also accept "by" and "with".

13a) I'm pleased _____ our new house.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would choose "with". "By" would be fine too.

13b) He is easily pleased _____ flattery.
at, by, with, about, to, for, in, on, of

I would choose "by", but also accept "with". I'm on the fence regarding "of" here.
 
Thanks for the help, Julimaruchan.
I'd like to hear other people's opinions as well. Would anyone help me?
 
1. by, at, with

2.a by, at, with
2.b by, at, with

3.a in, at, by, with
3.b with, by, in

4. with

5.a with, in (by)
5.b with (in, by)

6.a by
6.b by

7. by, with

8. in

9. in (by)

10. in, by

11. by, at

12. by, with, about (at, in)

13.a by, with
13.b by, with
 
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