You are here

Prepositions after Verbs

29 April, 2016 - 11:35

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.

Table 5.21 Verbs + Prepositions

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.