Prepositions often follow verbs to create expressions with distinct meanings. These expressions are sometimes called prepositional verbs. It is important to remember that these expressions cannot be separated.
Verb + Preposition |
Meaning |
Example |
agree with |
to agree with something or someone |
My husband always agreeswith me. |
apologize for |
to express regret for something, to say sorry about something |
I apologize for being late. |
apply for |
to ask for something formally |
I will apply for that job. |
believe in |
to have a firm conviction in something; to believe in the existence of something |
I believe in educating the world’s women. |
care about |
to think that someone or something is important |
I care about the health of our oceans. |
hear about |
to be told about something or someone |
I heard about the teachers’ strike. |
look after |
to watch or to protect someone or something |
Will you look after my dog while I am on vacation? |
talk about |
to discuss something |
We will talk about the importance of recycling. |
speak to, with |
to talk to/with someone |
I will speak to his teacher tomorrow. |
wait for |
to await the arrival of someone or something |
I will wait for my package to arrive. |
Tip
It is a good idea to memorize these combinations of verbs plus prepositions. Write them down in a notebook along with the definition and practice using them when you speak.
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