Master Prepositions & Collocations (Spot the Error) 12th English Grammar: A Cheat Sheet

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Communication Skills in English For Engineers and Technologists


 Prepositions & Collocations (Spot the Error)


Collocations and prepositions



The Ultimate Grammar Hack for 12th HSC Students: Fixed Prepositions & Collocations

Are you a Class 12 science or commerce student struggling with the "Spot the Error" question in your English board exam? You are not alone. Most students lose marks here because they try to translate sentences from their mother tongue to English. In English, certain words act like "best friends"—they always stay together. These are known as fixed prepositions and collocations. If you break them, the sentence becomes wrong. To help you score full marks in Q.1 (B), I have compiled a master cheat sheet of the most frequent grammar pairs asked by the Maharashtra Board. Don't analyse them—just memorise them!

 

Part 1: Fixed Prepositions (The "Fixed Pairs")


This is the most common area for errors. Remember, you cannot change these prepositions based on "feeling." For example, we always say "Superior TO," never "Superior than."

1. Words followed by 'TO'

Word Pair (Correct) Common Mistake (Wrong)
Prefer toPrefer than
Superior / Inferior toSuperior than
Senior / Junior toSenior than
Listen toListen (blank)
Married toMarried with
Addicted / Accustomed toAddicted with
Key to successKey of success
Injurious to healthInjurious for health

2. Words followed by 'OF' and 'FROM'


Word Pair (Correct) Common Mistake (Wrong)
Afraid / Scared ofAfraid from
Died of (disease)Died from
Guilty / Fond ofGuilty for
Suffering fromSuffering with
Different fromDifferent than
Prevent / Prohibit fromPrevent to

3. The "Zero Preposition" Trap


Be careful! These words do NOT take any preposition.

Part 2: Collocations (Word Partnerships)

What are collocations?

Simply put, collocations are "word partners". They are words that naturally go together. For example, in English, we say "Make a mistake," not "Do a mistake." We say "heavy rain", not "big rain".

Using these correct pairs shows the examiner that you have a strong command of the language. Below are the most important lists for the board exam.


1. 'Make' vs 'Do'


Use 'MAKE' for... Use 'DO' for...
Make a mistakeDo homework
Make a decisionDo business
Make an effort
Make progress		Do a favour
Make a noise
Make a promise		Do the dishes
Do your business

2. High-Impact Power Pairs (For Writing Skills)

Use these phrases in your essays and speeches to impress the examiner.

Correct Phrase Meaning
Eradicate povertyTo remove completely
Curb corruptionTo control/limit
Violate lawsTo break rules
Seize opportunityTo grab a chance
Cast a voteTo vote
Deliver a speechTo give a speech

3. Power Words for Writing Skills

Want to impress the examiner in your Speech, Blog, or Essay? Use these "Power Pairs" instead of simple words.

Topic High-Scoring Collocations
Environment Raise awareness, Deplete resources, Sustainable development, Eco-friendly practices.
Social Issues Eradicate poverty, Curb corruption, Violate rules, Face a challenge.
Success/Goals Achieve a goal, Set a target, Seize the opportunity, Have a dream, Fulfil a dream.
Personal Response I strongly agree, firmly believe, deeply concerned, vivid memory.

Grammar is not about guessing; it is about knowing the patterns. By memorising these lists, you cover almost 80% of the "Spot the Error" questions asked in the HSC Board Exams. Review this list one hour before your exam, and you will be able to spot the mistakes instantly. Good luck with your preparation!






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