Master Prepositions for PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks: Rules, Collocations, and Practice

What is a Preposition?

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and another word in a sentence. It often indicates place, time, direction, reason, or connection.

Examples

• The book is on the table.
• She arrived at the station.
• We are interested in science.
• He is responsible for the project.

Common prepositions include: at, on, in, by, with, for, of, to, from, about, over, under, among, between

Why Are Prepositions Important in PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks?

Prepositions are one of the most frequently tested grammar elements in PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks. They help create natural word combinations, known as collocations, which are essential for selecting the correct answer. Even if you understand the meaning of a sentence, choosing the wrong preposition can make the sentence grammatically incorrect. Prepositions may look like small words, but they can make a surprisingly big difference in the PTE Reading section.

For PTE Reading Fill in the Blanks, this becomes especially important because you need to choose the word that fits both the meaning and grammar of the sentence. Sometimes the answer is easy to identify from the context.

Question 1: Many scientists are concerned _____ the rapid loss of biodiversity.

A. of
B. with
C. for
D. to

Question 2: Students should pay attention _____ the instructions before starting the exam.

A. for
B. with
C. to
D. of

Question 3: The committee approved _____ the proposal after a lengthy discussion.

A. of
B. for
C. with
D. to

Question 4: The university provides support _____ international students throughout the semester.

A. to
B. for
C. with
D. of

Question 5: Researchers are looking _____ new ways to reduce air pollution.

A. of
B. for
C. with
D. to

Question 6: The success of the project depends _____ effective communication.

A. on
B. with
C. of
D. for

Question 7: Many employees participated _____ the professional development workshop.

A. on
B. at
C. in
D. for

Question 8: The report consists _____ five sections covering different aspects of the study.

A. from
B. on
C. of
D. with

Question 9: The professor compared the new theory _____ previous research findings.

A. for
B. to
C. of
D. at

Question 10: Consumers are becoming more aware _____ environmental issues.

A. in
B. of
C. to
D. with

Answers

1. B. with
2. C. to
3. No preposition is required — the natural sentence is “The committee approved the proposal.”
4. B. for
5. B. for
6. A. on
7. C. in
8. C. of
9. B. to
10. B. of