Categories: Verbs

Verb + Preposition

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.

Contents hide

1. Verb + Preposition List

2. Verb + Preposition Exercises

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.
1. I often listen to my mother’s advice because she is the most honest person I’ve known.
2. I think most people die of heart attack.
3. Yes, right now I’m looking after my little sister, a beautiful cat, a lot of plantation.
4. Yes, I spend most of my money paying for my bills. My salary is so low that I can hardly save some.
5. I think most people complain about trivial things. They do so because they are used to thinking from the negative side of everything.