www.espressoenglish.net © Shayna Oliveira, 2012
www.espressoenglish.net © Shayna Oliveira, 2012 Why study verbs + prepositions? Prepositions are one of the most difficult things to master in the English language. They provide the “links” between the main words (nouns, verbs, and adjectives), but many English students have a hard time knowing which preposition to use in each situation. This uncertainty can lead to lack of confidence and being afraid to speak – or speaking with lots of pauses as you try to think of the correct preposition. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to give specific rules for when to use each preposition – but most verbs have a preposition that usually goes together. Some verbs can go with multiple prepositions, and sometimes the preposition makes a difference in the meaning of the phrase. You can use this dictionary for learning typical verb-preposition combinations, as well as for reference. Each entry has an example sentence and any notes or explanations that could help you understand better. The best way to remember these combinations of verbs and prepositions is not only to study the list... but also to create your own example sentences! Putting the verb + preposition combination into practice immediately helps you memorize it more easily. If you have questions, please send me an e-mail at
[email protected] Good luck with your English studies! English Teacher www.EspressoEnglish.net
www.espressoenglish.net © Shayna Oliveira, 2012 Verb + Preposition Example Sentence Notes account for How do you account for the differences between the two financial reports? To "account for" is to explain or provide a reason accuse (someone) of (something) Dan accused Henry of stealing money from the company. To “accuse” is to say that someone did something bad adapt to When I moved to a different country, it was hard for me to adapt to the new culture. add (something) to (something) I added some salt to the soup to give it more flavor. adjust to After I got divorced, I had to adjust to life as a single man. admire (someone) for (something) I admire Joanne for her dedication. agree on (topic) My teacher and I agree on the importance of listening practice. You agree ON a noun: We agree on politics. We don't agree on religion. agree to (do something) She agreed to make cookies for the party. You agree TO a verb agree with (someone) I agree with you. You agree WITH a person apologize to (someone) for (doing something) Barbara apologized to her boss for being late to the meeting. apply to (a university / program) I applied to the top university in the country - but I didn't get in. apply for (a job / scholarship) Sandra applied for a marketing job at a multinational company. approve of My parents don't approve of my new boyfriend. argue with (someone) about (something) I argued with my business partner about how much to invest in advertising. To argue is to have a verbal conflict. The noun form is "argument" and we also say "have an argument with (someone)" arrange for (someone) (to do something) We'll arrange for a babysitter to take care of the kids. arrest (someone) for (something) Pat was arrested for driving without a license. To "arrest" is when the police take a person into the police station because they are suspected of some crime.
www.espressoenglish.net © Shayna Oliveira, 2012 This is often in the passive voice: "(Someone) was arrested for..." arrive at (a place) By the time we arrived at the train station, our train had already left. arrive in (a city, country) I'll be arriving in Berlin on Thursday. ask (someone) about (someone/topic) She asked them about their plans for the holiday. You ask someone ABOUT (a topic) ask (someone) for (something) I asked my classmate for a pencil. You ask someone FOR (a noun) ask (someone) to (do something) The teacher asked me to make copies of the worksheet. You ask someone TO (a verb). Never say "I asked to him..." base on Our conclusions are based on scientific research. be accustomed to I'm from Ecuador, so I'm not accustomed to the cold weather! "I'm accustomed to" is the same as "I'm used to" be/get acquainted with At the conference, I got acquainted with various leaders in the industry. be addicted to (something) The rock star was addicted to heroin. You can also say you're "addicted to" interests (like music or sports) - it's not only for drugs and alcohol! be afraid of My 5-year-old daughter is afraid of the dark. "Afraid of" is the same as "scared of" be angry at/with (someone) for (something) Bob is angry at his son for driving his car without permission - and crashing it. be annoyed at/with (someone) for (something) I'm annoyed at my husband for forgetting to wash the dishes. Notice that after “annoyed/angry at someone for...” the verb is in the –ING form. be anxious about (something) Everyone in the class is anxious about the final exam. be associated with There are a number of risks associated with the surgery. be aware of I'm not aware of any problems. be blessed with We've been blessed with good health and stable jobs. To be “blessed with” something is to have received something good / positive, which you’re thankful for. be bored with I'm bored with the
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