Appropriate Prepositions

Dawn on (become clear to someone)

Explanation: When you suddenly understand something.

Example: It dawned on me that I had forgotten my keys.

Deaf of / in (the ear), to (not listen to)

Explanation: "Deaf in" means physically unable to hear, while "deaf to" means not willing to listen.

Example: He is deaf in one ear.

Example: She is deaf to criticism.

Deal in / with / by (trade in / handle / treat someone)

Explanation: "Deal in" means to trade, "deal with" means to handle, and "deal by" means to treat someone in a certain way.

Example: He deals in antiques.

Example: The teacher knows how to deal with difficult students.

Example: He deals fairly by his employees.

Deal out (distribute)

Explanation: To give things out, especially in equal parts.

Example: The judge dealt out fair punishment to all.

Debar from (prevent from doing something)

Explanation: To officially stop someone from doing something.

Example: He was debarred from entering the competition.

Decide upon / against (choose / reject)

Explanation: "Decide upon" means to choose something, while "decide against" means to reject it.

Example: I have decided upon a career in medicine.

Example: We decided against moving to another city.

Dedicate to (commit something to someone/something)

Explanation: To devote something to a person or purpose.

Example: He dedicated his book to his parents.

Deduce from (infer from evidence)

Explanation: To conclude something based on facts.

Example: I deduced from his tone that he was upset.

Defend from / against (protect from harm)

Explanation: "Defend from" is used for general protection, while "defend against" is for specific attacks.

Example: Sunscreen defends the skin from sun damage.

Example: The army defended the country against invaders.

Deficient in (lacking something)

Explanation: Not having enough of something.

Example: The diet is deficient in vitamins.

Defer to (postpone / respect someone’s opinion)

Explanation: "Defer to" means to respect and accept someone's opinion, while "defer to (a later time)" means to postpone.

Example: I defer to your judgment on this matter.

Example: The meeting was deferred to next week.

Deliberate upon (discuss carefully)

Explanation: To think about or discuss something before making a decision.

Example: We need to deliberate upon this issue before deciding.

Delight in / Delighted at, with

Explanation: "Delight in" means to enjoy something, while "delighted at/with" means to be happy about something.

Example: She delights in reading novels.

Example: He was delighted with his exam results.

Example: The child is delighted with his new toy.

Deliver to, from

Explanation: "Deliver to" means to send or give something, while "deliver from" means to save or rescue someone.

Example: Please deliver this package to my office.

Example: The firefighter delivered the people from danger.

Demand from / of / for

Explanation: "Demand from/of" is used when asking someone for something, while "demand for" refers to the need for something.

Example: The teacher demanded an answer from the students.

Example: There is high demand for skilled workers.

Demur to (object to)

Explanation: To raise doubts or show reluctance.

Example: She demurred to his suggestion about changing the plan.

Depend upon (rely on)

Explanation: To trust or rely on something or someone.

Example: You can depend upon his honesty.

Dependent on (relying on)

Explanation: When someone or something needs another person or thing.

Example: He is dependent on his parents for financial support.

Deprive of (take something away)

Explanation: To take something important away from someone.

Example: The storm deprived the village of electricity.

Derive from (get from)

Explanation: To get something from a source.

Example: He derives great pleasure from music.

Derogate from (reduce value or importance)

Explanation: To take away from someone's reputation or status.

Example: His rude behavior derogates from his good reputation.

Derogatory to (insulting or disrespectful)

Explanation: Something that lowers someone's honor or dignity.

Example: His comments were derogatory to his colleagues.

Descent from / Descendant of

Explanation: "Descent from" refers to family origin, while "descendant of" means a person from a certain lineage.

Example: He claims descent from a royal family.

Example: She is a descendant of a famous writer.

Deserving of (worthy of)

Explanation: When someone is worthy of praise, punishment, or something else.

Example: His kindness is deserving of appreciation.

Desire for / of; Desirous of

Explanation: "Desire for" is used when talking about wanting something, while "desirous of" means wanting something strongly.

Example: He has a strong desire for success.

Example: She is desirous of learning new skills.

Desist from (stop doing something)

Explanation: To give up or stop doing something.

Example: He was asked to desist from making noise in class.

Despair of (lose hope)

Explanation: To lose hope about something.

Example: She never despaired of finding happiness.

Destined for / to

Explanation: When something is planned or meant to happen.

Example: He is destined for great success.

Example: She is destined to become a doctor.

Destitute of (without something)

Explanation: Lacking something essential.

Example: The village is destitute of clean water.

Destructive of / to (harmful)

Explanation: "Destructive of" and "destructive to" both mean harmful to something.

Example: Smoking is destructive to health.

Detach from (separate from)

Explanation: To remove or separate from something.

Example: He detached himself from bad company.

Deter from (prevent from doing something)

Explanation: To discourage or stop someone from doing something.

Example: The bad weather deterred us from going outside.

Determined on (firmly decided about something)

Explanation: Having a strong decision to do something.

Example: She is determined on winning the competition.

Detract from (reduce value)

Explanation: To take away value or importance from something.

Example: His rude behavior detracts from his achievements.

Detrimental to (harmful to)

Explanation: Something that causes harm or damage.

Example: Too much sugar is detrimental to health.

Deviate from (go away from a path or rule)

Explanation: To go in a different direction from what is expected.

Example: He never deviates from his principles.

Devoid of (without something)

Explanation: Completely lacking something.

Example: His speech was devoid of any emotion.

Devolve upon / to (pass on responsibility or rights)

Explanation: When responsibility or property is passed to someone.

Example: The responsibility devolved upon his son after his retirement.

Devote to (give time or effort to something)

Explanation: To spend time or effort on something.

Example: She devotes time to helping the poor.

Die of / by / from / for

Explanation: 

Die of (cause of death, like a disease)

Die by (a method, like a weapon)

Die from (an indirect cause, like exhaustion)

Die for (a noble cause)

Example: He died of a heart attack.

Example: She died by poison.

Example: He died from overwork.

Example: Soldiers die for their country.

Differ from / in / with / on / about

Explanation: 

Differ from (be different from)

Differ in (have differences in specific aspects)

Differ with (have a different opinion)

Differ on/about (disagree on a subject)

Example: This book differs from the other one in style.

Example: They differ in their approach to work.

Example: I differ with him on this issue.

Example: Scientists differ about the cause of climate change.

Difference between / Different from

Explanation: "Difference between" compares two things, while "different from" describes one thing as being unlike another.

Example: What is the difference between these two phones?

Example: This dress is different from the one I saw yesterday.

Diffident of (doubtful or lacking confidence)

Explanation: Not confident about something.

Example: She is diffident of her ability to pass the test.

Disappointed at, of, in, with

Explanation: 

Disappointed at → used for an event or situation.

Disappointed of → when someone expected something but didn’t get it.

Disappointed in → when something or someone does not meet expectations.

Disappointed with → used for people or things.

Examples: 

He was disappointed at his team's loss.

She was disappointed of the scholarship (she expected it but didn’t get it).

He was disappointed in the new phone (he bought it but it wasn’t as good as he expected).

I am disappointed with my friend for breaking his promise.

Disagree with (a person) on (a point)

Explanation: 

Disagree with → used for people.

Disagree on → used for topics.

Example: 

I disagree with him on the best way to solve the problem.

Disgrace to

Explanation: Something or someone that brings shame.

Example: 

His behavior is a disgrace to his family.

Disgusted with, at, by

Explanation: 

Disgusted with → used for people.

Disgusted at/by → used for actions or situations.

Examples: 

I am disgusted with his selfishness.

She was disgusted at the dirty streets.

We were disgusted by the rude comments.

Dislike to, for, of

Explanation: 

Dislike to/for → used when referring to people or things.

Dislike of → used for general ideas or concepts.

Examples: 

I have a strong dislike for spicy food.

She has a dislike of dishonesty.

Dispense with

Explanation: To do without something.

Example: 

We had to dispense with his help because he was unavailable.

Displeased with (a person) at/by (his conduct)

Explanation: 

Displeased with → used for people.

Displeased at/by → used for actions or behavior.

Example: 

I am displeased with him at his rude behavior.

Dispose of

Explanation: To get rid of something.

Example: 

Let’s dispose of this old furniture.

Dispute with (a person) about/on (a matter)

Explanation: 

Dispute with → used for people.

Dispute about/on → used for topics.

Example: 

She had a dispute with her neighbor about the property line.

Disqualified for (a post), from (competing)

Explanation: 

Disqualified for → when someone is not eligible for something.

Disqualified from → when someone is not allowed to participate.

Example: 

He was disqualified for the job due to lack of experience.

She was disqualified from the race for breaking the rules.

Dissent from

Explanation: To disagree with an opinion or belief.

Example: 

I dissent from the idea that money brings happiness.

Dissimilar to

Explanation: Something that is not similar to another thing.

Example: 

This painting is dissimilar to the one we saw earlier.

Dissuade from

Explanation: To persuade someone not to do something.

Example: 

I dissuaded him from quitting his job.

Distinct from

Explanation: Clearly different from something else.

Example: 

His teaching style is distinct from mine.

Distinguish between, from, by

Explanation: 

Distinguish between → used when comparing two things.

Distinguish from → used to differentiate one thing from another.

Distinguish by → used to show a distinguishing feature.

Examples: 

Can you distinguish between these two shades of blue?

I distinguished the twins from each other by their voices.

Distrust of

Explanation: Lack of trust in someone or something.

Example: 

He has a deep distrust of politicians.

Divert from, to

Explanation: 

Divert from → take attention away.

Divert to → move towards something else.

Example: 

The loud noise diverted my attention from my studies.

Divest of

Explanation: To take away something (usually power, rights, or possessions).

Example: 

The king was divested of his authority.

Divide into, between, among

Explanation: 

Divide into → used for parts.

Divide between → used when there are two people.

Divide among → used when there are more than two people.

Examples: 

The book is divided into three sections.

The inheritance was divided between the two brothers.

The prize money was divided among the four winners.

Domineer over

Explanation: To rule over someone in an arrogant way.

Example: 

He always tries to domineer over his classmates.

Doubt about, of / Doubtful of

Explanation: 

Doubt about/of → used for uncertainty about something.

Doubtful of → unsure about something.

Examples: 

There is no doubt about his honesty.

I am doubtful of my chances of winning.

Due to

Explanation: Something that is owed or expected.

Example: 

No payment is due to him this month.

Dull of, at

Explanation: 

Dull of → used for senses like hearing.

Dull at → used for abilities.

Examples: 

He is dull of hearing.

She is dull at mathematics.

Dwell in, upon

Explanation: 

Dwell in → used for living in a place.

Dwell upon → used for discussing something in detail.

Examples: 

He dwells in a small apartment.

The speaker dwelt upon the importance of education.

Eager for, after, about

Explanation: 

Eager for/after → wanting something strongly.

Eager about → showing excitement.

Examples: 

He is eager for success.

She is eager about her upcoming trip.

Easy of

Explanation: Something that is simple or accessible.

Example: 

He is easy of approach.

Elicit from

Explanation: To draw out information from someone.

Example: 

The teacher elicited an answer from the student.

Eligible for

Explanation: Qualified for something.

Example: 

She is eligible for the scholarship.

Emerge from, into

Explanation: 

Emerge from → to come out of something.

Emerge into → to move from one place into another.

Examples: 

The rabbit emerged from its burrow.

The train emerged into the open countryside from the tunnel.

Enamoured of

Explanation: To be very fond of or deeply in love with something or someone.

Example: 

She is enamoured of old books and antiques.

Encroach on

Explanation: To gradually take someone else's rights, space, or property without permission.

Example: 

The company is trying to encroach on our land.

End in

Explanation: To have a final result.

Example: 

His hard work ended in success.

Endowed with

Explanation: To have a natural quality or talent.

Example: 

She is endowed with great musical skills.

Engaged with (a person), on/in (work), to (a person in marriage)

Explanation: 

Engaged with → involved in an activity with someone.

Engaged in/on → working on something.

Engaged to → promised to marry someone.

Examples: 

He was engaged with his teacher in a discussion.

She is engaged in writing a novel.

My sister is engaged to her childhood friend.

Enraged with, at

Explanation: 

Enraged with → angry at a person.

Enraged at → angry at an action or situation.

Examples: 

He was enraged with his friend for lying.

The crowd was enraged at the unfair decision.

Enter into, upon, for

Explanation: 

Enter into → to go inside a place (optional "into").

Enter upon → to begin a career or duty.

Enter for → to register for something.

Examples: 

He entered the room quietly.

She entered upon her new job yesterday.

I have entered for the singing competition.

Entertained by, with, at

Explanation: 

Entertained by → by a person.

Entertained with → with something enjoyable.

Entertained at → at a specific event.

Examples: 

We were entertained by a famous singer.

The guests were entertained with music and dance.

We were entertained at the wedding.

Entitled to

Explanation: Having the right to something.

Example: 

She is entitled to a scholarship.

Entrust with, to

Explanation: 

Entrust to → to give something to someone for safekeeping.

Entrust with → to assign someone a responsibility.

Examples: 

I entrusted my keys to my neighbor.

He was entrusted with an important task.

Envy of, at; Envious of

Explanation: 

Envy of → used for people.

Envy at/of → used for advantages or achievements.

Envious of → feeling jealousy.

Examples: 

I have no envy of my classmates.

He has no envy at your success.

She is envious of her sister’s talent.

Equal in, with, to; Equally with

Explanation: 

Equal in → used for rank or status.

Equal with → used for people in comparison.

Equal to → used for tasks (ability to do something).

Examples: 

She is equal in rank with her manager.

He is not equal to the challenge.

He is to blame equally with his friend.

Escape from

Explanation: To get away from something.

Example: 

There is no escape from reality.

Essential to

Explanation: Absolutely necessary for something.

Example: 

Water is essential to life.

Exact from

Explanation: To demand or take something.

Examples: 

The teacher exacted a promise from the students to work hard.

The government exacts taxes from citizens.

Excel in

Explanation: To be very good at something.

Example: 

He excels in mathematics.

Exception to; (with the) Exception of

Explanation: 

Exception to → to object to something.

Exception of → excluding someone or something.

Examples: 

I take exception to his rude remark.

Everyone was invited with the exception of John.

Exchange for, with

Explanation: 

Exchange for → giving something to receive another.

Exchange with → swapping ideas or words with someone.

Examples: 

I will exchange my old phone for a new one.

He often exchanges ideas with his professor.

Exclude from

Explanation: To keep someone out of something.

Example: 

He was excluded from the meeting.

Exclusive of

Explanation: Not including something.

Example: 

The price is $50, exclusive of shipping costs.

Excuse from, for

Explanation: 

Excuse from → to allow someone not to do something.

Excuse for → a reason or apology for doing something.

Examples: 

He was excused from attending the meeting.

What is your excuse for being late?

Exempt from

Explanation: To be free from an obligation.

Example: 

He was exempt from paying taxes.

Expect from, of

Explanation: 

Expect from → expecting something from a person.

Expect of → general expectation about someone’s behavior.

Examples: 

I didn’t expect this from you.

We expect good manners of our students.

Expert at, in

Explanation: 

Expert at → used for skills.

Expert in → used for subjects or fields.

Examples: 

He is expert at playing the piano.

She is expert in computer science.

Expose to

Explanation: To leave something open to danger or risk.

Example: 

Don't expose the food to sunlight.

Exult over (a person) at, in (his misfortune)

Meaning: To show great happiness, especially when someone else suffers.

Examples: 

He exulted over his rival’s failure.

She exulted at winning the competition.

They exulted in their unexpected success.