Prepositional verbs are a fascinating and essential aspect of the English language. These verbs consist of a verb followed by a preposition, forming a unique meaning that often differs from the original verb. Mastering prepositional verbs is crucial for achieving fluency and understanding the nuances of English. This article will delve into the most common prepositional verbs, their meanings, and how to use them effectively in sentences.
Understanding Prepositional Verbs
Prepositional verbs are combinations where the meaning of the verb can change drastically with the addition of a preposition. For example, the verb “look” on its own means to direct one’s gaze towards something. However, when combined with different prepositions, it takes on entirely new meanings:
– “look after” means to take care of someone or something.
– “look for” means to search for something.
– “look into” means to investigate or examine something.
These combinations are not always intuitive, which is why they can be particularly challenging for language learners. However, with practice and exposure, understanding and using prepositional verbs can become second nature.
Common Prepositional Verbs
Let’s explore some of the most frequently used prepositional verbs in English, along with their meanings and example sentences.
1. Look After
Meaning: To take care of someone or something.
Example: “Can you look after my dog while I’m on vacation?”
This verb is often used when talking about responsibilities involving children, pets, or possessions.
2. Look For
Meaning: To search for something or someone.
Example: “I’m looking for my keys. Have you seen them?”
This is a common verb used in everyday situations when something is lost or needs to be found.
3. Look Into
Meaning: To investigate or examine something.
Example: “The police are looking into the cause of the accident.”
This verb is frequently used in professional and formal contexts, particularly involving research or investigation.
4. Take After
Meaning: To resemble a family member in appearance or behavior.
Example: “She takes after her mother in both looks and personality.”
This verb is often used in discussions about family traits and genetics.
5. Take Care Of
Meaning: To look after or be responsible for someone or something.
Example: “Please take care of the plants while I’m away.”
Similar to “look after,” this verb is used in contexts involving responsibility and care.
6. Take Up
Meaning: To start doing a particular activity or hobby.
Example: “I’ve recently taken up painting as a way to relax.”
This verb is often used when someone begins a new interest or pastime.
7. Get Along With
Meaning: To have a good relationship with someone.
Example: “I really get along with my new colleagues at work.”
This verb is essential for discussing interpersonal relationships and compatibility.
8. Get Over
Meaning: To recover from something, such as an illness or a difficult situation.
Example: “It took her a long time to get over the flu.”
This verb is often used in contexts involving recovery and overcoming challenges.
9. Run Out Of
Meaning: To have no more of something left.
Example: “We’ve run out of milk. Can you buy some on your way home?”
This verb is crucial for discussing shortages and the need to replenish supplies.
10. Catch Up With
Meaning: To reach the same level or standard as someone or something.
Example: “She stayed late at work to catch up with her tasks.”
This verb is frequently used in professional and academic contexts, as well as personal situations involving progress.
Usage Tips and Common Mistakes
Understanding the meanings of prepositional verbs is just the first step. To use them effectively, it’s important to be aware of some common pitfalls and best practices.
1. Don’t Confuse Prepositional Verbs with Phrasal Verbs
While prepositional verbs involve a verb and a preposition, phrasal verbs consist of a verb and a particle (which can be a preposition or an adverb). The key difference lies in how they function in a sentence. For example:
– Prepositional verb: “look after” (The preposition “after” always follows the verb “look.”)
– Phrasal verb: “give up” (The particle “up” can sometimes be separated from the verb, as in “give it up.”)
2. Pay Attention to Context
The meaning of a prepositional verb can change based on the context in which it is used. For example, “take off” can mean to remove something (like clothing) or for an airplane to ascend. Always consider the surrounding words and the overall situation to determine the correct meaning.
3. Practice with Real-Life Examples
Exposure to prepositional verbs in authentic contexts is invaluable. Reading books, watching movies, and engaging in conversations with native speakers can help solidify your understanding and usage of these verbs. Try to incorporate prepositional verbs into your daily speech and writing.
4. Be Mindful of Collocations
Certain prepositional verbs are commonly used with specific nouns or in particular phrases. These are known as collocations. For example:
– “Take care of” is often followed by words like “children,” “pets,” or “plants.”
– “Look forward to” is typically followed by a noun or gerund (e.g., “I look forward to meeting you.”)
Familiarizing yourself with these collocations can enhance your fluency and make your speech sound more natural.
Advanced Prepositional Verbs
Once you have a solid grasp of the common prepositional verbs, you can move on to more advanced combinations that are less frequently used but still important.
1. Come Up With
Meaning: To think of an idea or a solution.
Example: “She came up with a brilliant plan to increase sales.”
This verb is often used in creative and problem-solving contexts.
2. Put Up With
Meaning: To tolerate or endure something unpleasant.
Example: “I can’t put up with his rude behavior anymore.”
This verb is useful for discussing situations that require patience and endurance.
3. Look Down On
Meaning: To consider someone or something inferior.
Example: “He tends to look down on people who don’t have a college degree.”
This verb is often used in discussions about attitudes and social hierarchies.
4. Run Up Against
Meaning: To encounter difficulties or obstacles.
Example: “We ran up against several issues during the project.”
This verb is frequently used in professional and academic contexts involving challenges and problem-solving.
5. Keep Up With
Meaning: To stay informed or updated about something.
Example: “It’s hard to keep up with the latest technology trends.”
This verb is essential for discussions about staying current and informed.
6. Break Up With
Meaning: To end a romantic relationship with someone.
Example: “She decided to break up with him after five years of dating.”
This verb is commonly used in discussions about relationships and personal decisions.
7. Look Up To
Meaning: To admire or respect someone.
Example: “I’ve always looked up to my older brother for his achievements.”
This verb is crucial for expressing admiration and respect.
Practical Exercises
To further solidify your understanding of prepositional verbs, here are some practical exercises you can try:
1. Fill-in-the-Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct prepositional verbs:
1. She needs to __________ her homework before going out to play. (catch up with)
2. I can’t __________ his constant complaining. (put up with)
3. They __________ a wonderful idea for the new project. (came up with)
4. He really __________ his grandfather, who was a war hero. (looks up to)
5. We need to __________ more coffee; we’re almost out. (run out of)
2. Sentence Creation
Create sentences using the following prepositional verbs:
1. Look after
2. Get over
3. Take care of
4. Come up with
5. Break up with
3. Conversation Practice
Engage in a conversation with a friend or language partner, focusing on using as many prepositional verbs as possible. Discuss topics such as your daily routine, hobbies, or recent events to naturally incorporate these verbs into your speech.
Conclusion
Prepositional verbs are an integral part of the English language, adding depth and nuance to communication. By understanding their meanings, practicing their usage, and being mindful of common mistakes, you can enhance your fluency and express yourself more effectively. Remember to immerse yourself in authentic language contexts and continually practice to master these versatile and essential verbs. Happy learning!
