Complex and Idiomatic Prepositions Practice for Grade 8

Complex and Idiomatic Prepositions Practice for Grade 8
Last Updated At: 26 Mar 2026
6 min read

Complex and Idiomatic Prepositions Practice for Grade 8 – Complete English Grammar Worksheet with Answers

Understanding how prepositions work can sometimes feel confusing, especially when they appear in phrases or do not follow simple rules. This English grammar worksheet for Grade 8 focuses on complex and idiomatic prepositions and gives students structured practice to build confidence and accuracy.

What Is the Topic?

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship of a noun or a pronoun to another word in a sentence. It often tells us about time, place, direction, or manner.

Types of Prepositions:
Prepositions of Time – show time relationships.
Prepositions of Place/Position – show where something happens.
Prepositions of Direction/Movement – show movement from one place to another.
Complex Prepositions – consist of more than one word.
Idiomatic Prepositions – expressions where the preposition does not follow typical logic.

This worksheet helps students identify, use, and correct different types of prepositions, especially complex and idiomatic ones.

What’s in This Worksheet?

1. Identification of prepositions and their types.
2. Fill in the blanks using correct prepositions.
3. Correction of incorrect preposition usage.
4. Sentence construction using given prepositions and identifying their types.
5. Paragraph writing using multiple prepositions.

This English grammar worksheet strengthens grammar skills and improves sentence formation.

Definitions, Examples, Techniques, and Tips

Definitions:
A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence.

Examples:
on Monday, towards the gate, out of the room, in front of the car, in favor of justice

Techniques:
Read each sentence carefully and identify the relationship shown.
Check whether the sentence refers to time, place, movement, or expression.

Tips:
Complex prepositions contain more than one word.
Idiomatic prepositions must be learned through usage.

Why Is It Important to Learn This?

Prepositions are important for forming correct sentences. They help in expressing ideas clearly and improve both writing and speaking skills.

Where Will This Knowledge Help You?

This knowledge is useful in exams, writing tasks, and speaking activities. It helps students communicate accurately and confidently.

How to Use This Worksheet?

1. Attempt all questions independently.
2. Read each sentence carefully.
3. Compare your answers with the answer key.
4. Practice regularly.

The answers below follow the exact worksheet order. Compare carefully and correct mistakes.

Important Tips and Tricks

1. Identify what the sentence is describing before choosing a preposition.
2. Do not confuse place and direction.
3. Learn idiomatic expressions through practice.
4. Avoid incorrect combinations like “discuss about”.
5. Always check sentence meaning.

Complete Answer Key

Exercise 1

1. They arrived _on_ Monday. – Time  
2. He walked _towards_ the gate. – Direction  
3. She went _out of_ the room. – Direction  
4. We waited _until_ the rain stopped. – Time  
5. He sat _beside_ his best friend. – Place  
6. They moved _to_ the city. – Direction  
7. He was standing _in front of_ the car. – Complex  
8. She fought the case _in favor of_ justice. – Idiomatic  
9. I completed the task _before_ sunset. – Time  
10. She slipped _on_ the icy road. – Place  
11. The bag is _under_ the table. – Place  
12. He returned _from_ the trip. – Direction  

Exercise 2

1. The cat is hiding _under_ the sofa.  
2. We arrived _at_ the airport at 6 a.m.  
3. The show begins _at_ 7 o’clock.  
4. She leaned _against_ the wall.  
5. He jumped _into_ the pool.  
6. They are staying _in_ a hotel.  
7. The gift is _on_ the table.  
8. He stood _beside_ the teacher respectfully.  
9. The boy ran _through_ the park.  
10. She was absent _due to_ illness.  
11. He opened the box _out of_ curiosity.  
12. They walked _through_ the forest.  

Exercise 3

1. She went _by_ the bus.  
2. The dog is sitting _on_ the mat.  
3. They arrived _at_ the venue late.  
4. He was angry _with_ her.  
5. She is good _at_ maths.  
6. He prefers tea _to_ coffee.  
7. He walked on foot.  
8. Please discuss the issue.  
9. We were waiting _for_ two hours.  
10. She married a doctor.  
11. He died _of_ cancer.  
12. They congratulated her _on_ her success.  
13. He is addicted _to_ social media.  
14. I have been working _since_ morning.  
15. She was disappointed _with_ the result.  

Exercise 4

1. (under) – The cat is sitting under the table. – Place  
2. (at) – She is waiting at the bus stop. – Place  
3. (in front of) – The car is parked in front of the house. – Complex  
4. (beside) – He sat beside his friend. – Place  
5. (across) – They walked across the road. – Direction  
6. (after) – We will meet after the class. – Time  
7. (in favor of) – She spoke in favor of the decision. – Idiomatic  
8. (since) – He has been studying since morning. – Time  
9. (into) – The ball fell into the water. – Direction  
10. (because of) – The match was canceled because of rain. – Complex  
11. (according to) – According to the teacher, the test is tomorrow. – Idiomatic  
12. (by means of) – He solved the problem by means of a new method. – Idiomatic  

Exercise 5

Preparing for My School Exhibition

I am working on my project _for_ the school exhibition. I started preparing _since_ last week and gathered materials _from_ different sources. I kept my model _on_ the table and arranged everything _in front of_ my classmates. I worked _with_ my friends and completed the chart _by means of_ teamwork. _According to_ my teacher, the presentation should be clear and neat. I spoke _in favor of_ my idea and explained it confidently. I walked _into_ the hall and placed my project _beside_ others. _Because of_ my hard work, I felt confident and happy. _After_ the presentation, I received appreciation from everyone.

Practicing complex and idiomatic prepositions through this Grade 8 English grammar worksheet will improve your grammar skills and help you write and speak more clearly. Keep practicing regularly to build confidence.

Book a free trial!

Download Free Worksheets