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Adjective + WITH, ABOUT & FROM Exercises

B1-B2 Level

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The prepositions with, about, and from follow adjectives in distinct patterns that are worth learning as groups. Use with after adjectives that describe satisfaction, frustration, or compatibility with a person or thing: "satisfied with," "pleased with," "fed up with," "patient with," "familiar with," "compatible with," and "bored with." These adjectives express how you feel about a person, a result, or a situation you are directly involved with — the preposition "with" suggests a connection between you and the source of the feeling.

Use about after adjectives that describe feelings or attitudes towards a topic or future event: "worried about," "excited about," "passionate about," "curious about," "serious about," and "optimistic about." Use from after adjectives that describe separation, difference, or absence: "different from," "absent from," "safe from," and "removed from." A common error is saying "different to" or "different than" — while "different to" is acceptable in informal British English, "different from" is the standard form recommended for examinations and formal writing. These three preposition groups cover many of the B1-B2 adjective phrases tested in Cambridge examinations.

Quick Rule

adjective + with (satisfaction / connection) | adjective + about (feeling / topic) | adjective + from (separation / difference)

1.I wasn't satisfied with the service we received. (frustration — use "with")
2.She is excited about starting her new job next week. (emotion towards future — use "about")
3.Their approach is completely different from ours. (difference — use "from")
4.We are familiar with the local regulations. (knowledge — use "with")
5.He was curious about the strange noise outside. (interest in topic — use "about")