To indicate the topic of an academic work

He wrote a book on Early Egyptians

She made a presentation on Hieroglyphics.

His paper on the habitat of the flying squirrel was published in a journal.

To show that something is included on a list

His name was included on the list of winners.

There were several items on the agenda.

With public transportation and telephone communication

On the bus/plane/boat/train/streetcar

We spoke on the phone.

go on a trip/journey/holiday/picnic

PRACTICE

1. The audience threw tomatoes ______ the horrible comedian.
2. He spoke ________ me ________ a loud voice.
3. She is good/successful/skillful _________ chess.
4. Her skill ________ chess impressed me.
5. _________ this painting we can see Lawrence’s use of light.
6. She cried ________ the sight of the starving child.
7. She was glancing impatiently ________ her watch.
8. I laughed _______ her ability to talk _______ circles.
9. They went _______ a trip to their old home country.

OTHER COMMON PREPOSITIONS WITH MULTIPLE MEANING

BY

Agent In this factory bicycles are made by robots.

How/through the means of by plane/bus/train

I learned English by studying grammar.

He contacted me by phone

FOR

Length of time for two weeks

Purpose I came here for my studies.

This is the best medication for a cold.

Recipient I brought a present for my friend.

OF

Belonging to the mother of the child

Being part of the lid of the saucepan

Coming from a background of Italian descent

Showing a map of India

Concerning talk/dream/think of doing something

WITH

Accompanying She brought her children with her.

Having He wore a shirt with a button-down collar

By means of/usin g He tied it up with a piece of cloth.

PRACTICE

1. She improved her vocabulary _______ using a monolingual dictionary.
2. Do you take medicine _______ your cold?
3. There was a picture ________ her boyfriend on the desk.
4. His family is ________ Japanese origin.
5. I spoke with him _______ the telephone.
6. He contacted me _______ telephone.
7. I came to see you _______some advice.
8. She wore a sweater ________ ¾ length sleeves.
9. She wiped the table ________ paper towel.
10. His name was ______ the list of candidates.
11. His articles ______ computer technology have appeared _______ many journals.
12. There is a message ______ you from the office.
13. You can make this soup better _______ adding some cream to it.
14. We made reservations ______ 6 o’clock.
15. It was good _____ you to wait for me.
16. I feel sorry _____ you and _____ what happened.
17. The paintings ________ Lawrence show a remarkable treatment _______ light.
18. They bought a painting ________ Lawrence.
19. I dream _____ marrying Bill _____ one day.
20. I dreamed ______ Bill _____ last night.
21. Butter is made ______ cream, and shoes are made _____ leather.
22. He is married ______ a lawyer.
23. We discussed _____ the problem.
24. Expecting a letter, he left ____ the post office to look _____ his mailbox.
25. I have not seen my friend ____ 6 months.

______ July she has been travelling _____ a station wagon _____ Canada ____Newfoundland ____British Colombia.

Unfortunately, her car broke _____ somewhere ______ Toronto and Winnipeg, so she had to return _____ train.

She has been _____ the train ______ Tuesday.