Our topic for today is “Verb + Preposition”. As you may notice, different verbs must be followed by different prepositions. Try to use the verb with its preposition correctly. Study the list of verbs + preposition below.
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Verb + Preposition List
| Verb | Preposition | Examples in Sentences |
| apologize | to ( someone) for (something) | When she realized she was wrong, she apologized to him for her mistake. |
| apply | for a job / a place at university etc. | I think this job would suit you. Why don’t you apply for it? |
| believe | in (something) | Do you believe in ghost (= I believe that ghost exists?) |
| belong | to (someone) | Who does this iPad belong to? |
| care | for someone / something | I need a baby sitter to care for my baby. I don’t care for hot weather. |
| care | about someone / something. (= think someone / something is important) | Jane is very selfish. She doesn’t care about other people. |
| collide | with (someone / something) | There was an accident last night. A truck collided with a car. |
| complain | ( to someone) about (someone/ something) | They complained to the manager of the restaurant about the waiter. |
| concentrate | on ( something ) | Don’t dream. Concentrate on your work ! |
| consist | of ( something ) | The world consists of hundreds of countries. |
| crash / drive / bump / run | into (someone / something) | He lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a wall. |
| depend | on ( someone / something ) | How much money will you need? I don’t know. It depends on the number of clothes you want. |
| die | of ( an illness ) | What did he die of? Lung cancer. |
| dream | of ( being something / doing something ) (=imagine) | I sometimes dream of being a famous actress. |
| dream | about ( someone / something ) | I often dream about you. |
| happen | to (someone / something) | What happened to her father? |
| hear | about | Have you heard about your ex-girlfriend? She’s going to get married. |
| hear | from ( someone ) (receive a call / letter from someone) | I’ve never heard from Bill anymore. Maybe he has a new girlfriend. |
| hear | from ( someone ) (=receive a call / letter ) from someone | I’ve never heard from Bill anymore. I’m sure he has a new girlfriend. |
| hear | of ( someone / something ) ( know someone/something exists | Have you heard of UFO? |
| laugh | at ( someone / something ) | Don’t laugh at the boy. He will be nervous. |
| listen | to ( someone / something ) | Listen to the teacher. He’s explaining something to us. |
| live | on | We just live on my low salary; 150 dollars for five people a month. |
| look | for ( someone / something ) (=try to find someone/something) | I’m looking for my lost book. Can you help me? |
| look | after ( someone/something ) (=take care of ) | I don’t mind looking after my parents. |
| look, have a look, stare, glance | at ( someone / something ) | Look at my eyes. You’ll see how much I love you. |
| pay ( someone ) | for (something) | We don’t have enough money to pay for the rent. (but pay a bill / a fare / taxes) |
| rely | on (someone / something) | You can rely on Jill. She never breaks her promises. |
| smile | at (someone / something) | She smiled at me. |
| take care | of (someone / something) (= look after) | Have a nice holiday . Take care of yourself ! |
Verb + Preposition Exercises
Exercise I
Complete the sentences with the correct preposition whenever necessary!
- I never listen ………. what he says. He’s a liar.
- I’m looking …. my lost keys. Have you seen it anywhere?
- Thank you for your email. It was nice to hear ……you again.
- She had to pay …… the damage of his car because the accident was her fault.
- I dreamt ……. my ex-girlfriend last night. I feel I miss her so much.
- This customer is never satisfied with our service. She complains …. everything.
- That pen belongs …..me. Where did you find it?
- A football team consists …….11 players.
- “Are you going out tonight?” “It depends ….the weather.”
- A lot of people have died …. hunger in under developed countries.
Exercise II
Answer the following questions. Try to use the verb with its correct preposition. Ask and answer the questions with your partner.
- Whom do you often listen to when the person gives you an advice? Why?
- What have most people die of?
- Do you look after anyone, any animals or plants? Can you tell us?
- Do you spend most of your money paying for your bills or saving it for future? Tell us.
- What do you think most people complain about? Why?
Answers
Exercise I
- I never listen to what he says. He’s a liar.
- I’m looking for my lost keys. Have you seen it anywhere?
- Thank you for your email. It was nice to hear from you again.
- She had to pay for the damage of his car because the accident was her fault.
- I dreamt about my ex-girlfriend last night. I feel I miss her so much.
- This customer is never satisfied with our service. She complains about everything.
- That pen belongs to me. Where did you find it?
- A football team consists of 11 players.
- “Are you going out tonight?” “It depends on the weather.”
- A lot of people have died of hunger in under developed countries.
Exercise II
Different answers are possible.
- I often listen to my mother’s advice because she is the most honest person I’ve known.
- I think most people die of heart attack.
- Yes, right now I’m looking after my little sister, a beautiful cat, a lot of plantation.
- Yes, I spend most of my money paying for my bills. My salary is so low that I can hardly save some.
- I think most people complain about trivial things. They do so because they are used to thinking from the negative side of everything.
Other Exercises
Verbs + Object + Bare Infinitive
Verbs Followed by To Infinitive
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