Moving to an English-speaking country (and taking the CELPIP Test!) is an exciting step, but communicating confidently in English can take time. One of the biggest challenges many newcomers face isn’t vocabulary, it’s using prepositions correctly.

Small words like in, on, at, for, to, with, by, and of may seem simple, but they can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Because preposition rules often don’t translate directly from other languages, they’re one of the most common sources of mistakes for English learners.

Whether you’re settling into life in Canada or Australia, improving your use of prepositions will help you communicate more naturally at work, during everyday conversations, and on English proficiency tests such as the CELPIP Test

Why Are English Prepositions So Difficult?

Prepositions show relationships between words, including location, time, direction, and purpose.

For example:

• The book is on the table.
• She arrived at work.
• We moved to Australia.
• They have lived in Canada for three years.

Unlike many grammar rules, prepositions are often based on convention rather than logic. That’s why even advanced English learners occasionally use the wrong one.

The best approach is to learn common word combinations instead of trying to translate directly from your first language.

10 Common English Preposition Mistakes Made by CELPIP test takers

1. Saying “Married with” Instead of “Married to”

❌ I am married with Alex.
✅ I am married to Alex.

Similarly:

• Engaged to
• Related to
• Connected to

2. Using “Interested on” Instead of “Interested in”

❌ I’m interested on Australian culture.
✅ I’m interested in Australian culture.

Other common adjective-preposition combinations include:

• Good at
• Proud of
• Responsible for
• Famous for
• Afraid of

Learning these as complete phrases is much easier than memorizing individual grammar rules.

3. Confusing “In,” “On,” and “At”

These three prepositions cause problems for almost every English learner.

Use at for precise places or times.

Examples:

• At work
• At home
• At the station
• At 9:00 a.m.

Use on for days and surfaces.

Examples:

• On Monday
• On the weekend (common in North America)
• At the weekend (more common in British and Australian English)
• On the table

Use in for countries, cities, months, years, and enclosed spaces.

Examples:

• In Canada
• In Sydney
• In July
• In 2026
• In the office

4. Saying “Discuss About”

The verb discuss does not require about.

❌ We discussed about housing.
✅ We discussed housing.

The same applies to:

• Mention
• Enter
• Approach

5. Using the Wrong Preposition After “Depend”

❌ It depends of my schedule.
✅ It depends on my schedule.

Other common expressions include:

• Focus on
• Concentrate on
• Believe in
• Listen to
• Apply for

6. Confusing “For” and “Since”

Use for with a period of time.

✅ I have worked here for three years.

Use since with the starting point.

✅ I have worked here since 2023.

7. Forgetting “To” After “Explain”

❌ Can you explain me this process?
✅ Can you explain this process to me?

This is one of the most common grammar mistakes in spoken English.

8. Using the Wrong Preposition with “Arrive”

Use:

• Arrive at a building or specific place.
• Arrive in a city or country.

Examples:

• Arrive at the office.
• Arrive at the airport.
• Arrive in Melbourne.
• Arrive in Toronto.
• Arrive in Australia.
• Arrive in Canada.

9. Confusing “By” and “With”

Use by for transportation or method.

Examples:

• By train
• By bus
• By email

Use with for the tool or object used.

Examples:

• Write with a pen.
• Cut with scissors.

10. Adding Unnecessary Prepositions

Some English verbs already include the meaning learners try to add.

❌ Enter into the building.
✅ Enter the building.

❌ Request for information.
✅ Request information.

When you’re unsure, check whether the verb normally takes a preposition.

Why Prepositions Matter for English Tests

Accurate preposition use can improve your score on English language proficiency exams.

If you’re applying for permanent residency, citizenship, professional licensing, or higher education, you’ll likely need to demonstrate strong English skills.

For newcomers to Canada, the CELPIP Test is commonly accepted for immigration purposes.

For newcomers to Australia, the CELPIP Test  is accepted for visa purposes and permanent residency.

In speaking and writing assessments, repeated preposition mistakes can make your English sound less natural and may reduce your grammar score, even when your vocabulary and ideas are strong.

For example:

❌ I am responsible of customer service.

✅ I am responsible for customer service.

Small corrections like these can make a noticeable difference in both test performance and everyday communication.

Practical Tips for Learning Prepositions

Instead of studying long grammar lists, learn prepositions as part of complete expressions.

For example:

• interested in
• depend on
• apply for
• belong to
• agree with
• apologize for
• wait for
• arrive in
• arrive at
• good at

Reading English every day—through news articles, workplace documents, books, or local websites—helps you recognize these patterns naturally.

You can also keep a notebook or digital list of useful expressions you hear at work or in daily life. Reviewing these phrases regularly is often more effective than memorizing grammar rules in isolation.

Finally, practice using new expressions in conversations, emails, and journal entries. The more often you use them correctly, the more natural they’ll become.

Final Thoughts

Prepositions are small words, but they play a big role in clear and natural communication.

Whether you’re starting a new job in Canada, studying in Australia, preparing for an English proficiency test (such as the CELPIP Test!), or simply building confidence in everyday conversations, mastering common prepositions will make your English more accurate and easier to understand.

Rather than memorizing hundreds of grammar rules, focus on learning common expressions, noticing how native speakers use them, and practising them consistently. Over time, choosing the correct preposition will become automatic, and your English will sound more fluent wherever your journey, and your CELPIP Test, takes you.