2026 Updated · SPSC & STS Aligned

Appropriate Prepositions MCQs with Answers & Explanation (2026 Updated)

High-frequency fixed prepositions MCQs for Sukkur IBA STS BPS 05–15, SPSC & FPSC. Abide by, accused of, congratulated on, differ with/from explained.

Fixed Prepositions Mastery Table (Top Tested Pairs)

Prepositions account for 5 to 8 direct questions in every 40-mark English section of Sukkur IBA STS screening tests. Memorizing these exact fixed verb-preposition and adjective-preposition collocations is the fastest route to guaranteed marks.

Top High-Yield Fixed Prepositions in Pakistani Competitive Exams
Verb / AdjectiveRequired PrepositionContext / NuanceExam Sentence
AbidebyRules, decisions, lawsCitizens must abide by the constitution.
AccusedofCrime, offense (NOT with)He was accused of theft.
CongratulateonSuccess, achievement (NOT for)I congratulated him on his stellar promotion.
Differwith / fromWith = a person in opinion; From = an object in qualityI differ with you on this policy; Silk differs from wool.
DeprivedofRights, privilegesThe poor were deprived of their basic rights.
Senior / JuniortoLatin comparatives take TO (NOT than)He is senior to me by five years.

Key Exam Takeaways:

  • Latin adjectives ending in -ior (Senior, Junior, Superior, Inferior, Prior, Posterior) take 'TO', never 'THAN'.
  • You 'congratulate' someone 'ON' their success, NEVER 'for' their success.
  • You are 'accused OF' a crime, but 'charged WITH' a crime.
  • You 'die OF' a disease (e.g., cholera), but 'die FROM' hunger/exhaustion or 'die FOR' a noble cause.

Practice Questions with Step-by-Step Rationales (3 MCQs)

Q1 STS BPS 05–15 2023

All government servants are strictly required to abide _______ the civil service rules.

  1. with
  2. to
  3. by ✓ (Correct Answer)
  4. upon
Show Verified Explanation

Correct Option: Option C (by)

The phrasal verb 'abide by' is fixed and means to comply with, conform to, or obey a rule or standard.

Q2 SPSC CCE 2024 / FPSC

The Prime Minister congratulated the national cricket team _______ winning the championship trophy.

  1. for
  2. on ✓ (Correct Answer)
  3. at
  4. with
Show Verified Explanation

Correct Option: Option B (on)

In standard English, the verb 'congratulate' takes the preposition 'on' followed by the achievement or occasion.

Examiner Trap / Distractor: Using 'for' is an extremely common South Asian vernacular error that examiners specifically test.

Q3 STS BPS 05–15 Graduation 2023

Although he is younger in age, Muhammad Ali is senior _______ all other officers in the department.

  1. than
  2. to ✓ (Correct Answer)
  3. from
  4. over
Show Verified Explanation

Correct Option: Option B (to)

Adjectives of Latin origin ending in '-ior' (senior, junior, superior, inferior, prior) are followed by 'to', not 'than'.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do you use 'differ with' versus 'differ from'?

Use 'differ with' when disagreeing with a person on an opinion or idea ('I differ with the director on this budget'). Use 'differ from' when contrasting physical or intrinsic traits between two items ('A crow differs from a raven in size').

What preposition follows 'accused' versus 'charged'?

'Accused' takes 'of' (e.g., 'He was accused of bribery'), while 'charged' takes 'with' (e.g., 'He was charged with bribery').