Prepositions can be a tricky aspect of learning English, especially when they come attached to certain verbs. The relationship between verbs and prepositions often doesn’t follow strict rules, and sometimes it’s necessary to memorize the correct combinations. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and using prepositions with certain verbs, helping language learners navigate this complex area with confidence.
Understanding Prepositions with Verbs
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. Common prepositions include “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” “with,” “about,” and “for.” When combined with verbs, prepositions can change the meaning of a phrase, and choosing the wrong preposition can lead to confusion or misunderstanding.
For example, consider the verb “depend.” The correct prepositional phrase is “depend on,” not “depend of” or “depend in.” Saying “depend of” or “depend in” would be incorrect and could confuse your listener.
Common Verbs with Prepositions
Let’s delve into some common verbs and their associated prepositions.
1. Agree with/on/about
– Agree with: Use this when you share the same opinion as someone. “I agree with you.”
– Agree on: Use this when you reach a consensus on a particular matter. “We agree on the terms of the contract.”
– Agree about: Use this to indicate that you share an opinion about a subject. “They agree about the need for reform.”
2. Apply for/to
– Apply for: Use this when you are requesting something formally, such as a job or a loan. “She applied for the position.”
– Apply to: Use this when indicating the target of the application. “I applied to three universities.”
3. Believe in
– Believe in: Use this to express confidence in the existence or reliability of something or someone. “I believe in fairies.”
4. Depend on
– Depend on: Use this to show reliance or trust in someone or something. “It depends on the weather.”
5. Rely on
– Rely on: Similar to “depend on,” it shows trust or dependence. “You can rely on me.”
6. Look at/for/after
– Look at: Use this when directing your gaze towards something. “Look at the sky.”
– Look for: Use this when searching for something. “I am looking for my keys.”
– Look after: Use this when taking care of someone or something. “She looks after her younger brother.”
Complexities and Exceptions
One of the challenges in mastering prepositions with certain verbs is dealing with exceptions and idiomatic expressions. Sometimes, the combination of verb and preposition doesn’t follow a logical pattern and must be memorized.
1. Care for/about
– Care for: Use this when expressing liking or affection. “I care for my pets.”
– Care about: Use this when showing concern or importance. “I care about the environment.”
2. Hear of/from/about
– Hear of: Use this when you become aware of something. “I have never heard of that book.”
– Hear from: Use this when receiving communication from someone. “I heard from my friend yesterday.”
– Hear about: Use this when you receive information about something. “I heard about the new policy.”
3. Think of/about
– Think of: Use this when you are considering or remembering something. “I thought of you yesterday.”
– Think about: Use this when you are contemplating or pondering something. “I am thinking about moving to a new city.”
Prepositional Phrases with Verbs
Sometimes verbs are part of prepositional phrases that carry a specific meaning. These phrases can be idiomatic, meaning their meaning isn’t immediately obvious from the individual words.
1. Run out of
– Run out of: Use this when something is exhausted or depleted. “We ran out of milk.”
2. Look forward to
– Look forward to: Use this when anticipating something with pleasure. “I look forward to your visit.”
3. Put up with
– Put up with: Use this when tolerating something unpleasant. “I can’t put up with the noise anymore.”
4. Get rid of
– Get rid of: Use this when disposing of something or someone. “She got rid of her old clothes.”
Learning Strategies
Memorizing the correct prepositions to use with verbs can be daunting, but several strategies can make the process easier.
1. Practice with Context
– Read extensively and pay attention to how verbs and prepositions are used in context. This helps reinforce correct usage and makes it easier to remember.
2. Use Flashcards
– Create flashcards with verbs on one side and their corresponding prepositions on the other. Regularly test yourself to reinforce your memory.
3. Engage in Conversations
– Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Real-life conversations help solidify your understanding and recall of correct verb-preposition combinations.
4. Write Regularly
– Incorporate these verb-preposition combinations into your writing. Whether journaling or composing essays, writing helps reinforce proper usage.
5. Use Mnemonics
– Create mnemonic devices or memory aids to help remember tricky combinations. For example, you might remember “depend on” by picturing yourself leaning on a dependable friend.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners can struggle with prepositions. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
1. Incorrect Preposition Choice
– Mistake: “She depends of her friends.”
– Correction: “She depends on her friends.”
– Tip: When in doubt, consult a dictionary or reliable grammar resource.
2. Omitting the Preposition
– Mistake: “He is looking his keys.”
– Correction: “He is looking for his keys.”
– Tip: Make a list of verbs that require prepositions and practice using them in sentences.
3. Mixing Up Prepositions
– Mistake: “I care in my family.”
– Correction: “I care for my family.”
– Tip: Focus on the specific combinations and practice them until they become second nature.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
As you advance in your language learning journey, you’ll encounter more complex and nuanced uses of prepositions with verbs. Here are a few advanced examples:
1. Accuse of vs. Blame for
– Accuse of: Use this when someone is formally charged with wrongdoing. “She was accused of theft.”
– Blame for: Use this when someone is held responsible for something. “He was blamed for the mistake.”
2. Apologize for vs. Apologize to
– Apologize for: Use this when expressing regret for an action. “I apologize for being late.”
– Apologize to: Use this when expressing regret to a person. “I apologize to my teacher.”
3. Complain about vs. Complain to
– Complain about: Use this when expressing dissatisfaction with something. “They complained about the noise.”
– Complain to: Use this when expressing dissatisfaction to a person. “He complained to the manager.”
Conclusion
Prepositions with certain verbs can be a challenging aspect of learning English, but with practice and attention to detail, you can master their usage. Understanding the correct combinations and practicing them in context will help you communicate more effectively and confidently. Remember, language learning is a journey, and each step brings you closer to fluency. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a crucial part of the learning process. Happy learning!
