Verbs and prepositions

Do you know how to use the prepositions for, from, in, of, on, to and with after verbs? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

Look at these examples to see how prepositions are used after verbs.

Can you wait for me to finish my lunch?
I'm relying on my co-worker to answer all my emails while I'm on holiday.
Sun cream protects you from getting burnt.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Grammar test 1: Verbs and prepositions: Grammar test 1

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

When a verb is part of a longer sentence, it is often followed by a specific preposition.

I agree with Mike.
She listens to the radio a lot.
He thanked me for the flowers.

There are no grammatical rules to help you know which preposition is used with which verb, so it's a good idea to try to learn them together. To help you do this, write new vocabulary in your notebook in a sentence or phrase. Here are some common verbs for each preposition.

Verbs with for

They're waiting for a bus.
He apologised for being late.
I applied for the job but I didn't get it.
How do you ask for a coffee in Polish?
I can't go out tonight because I have to prepare for my interview tomorrow.

Verbs with from

This spray should protect you from mosquitoes.
Has he recovered from the accident yet?
She won an award because she saved someone from drowning.
I suffer from allergies.

Verbs with in

She doesn't believe in coincidences.
Our company specialises in computer software.
You have to work hard if you want to succeed in life.

Verbs with of

I don't approve of hunting animals for their fur.
Our dog died of old age.
This shampoo smells of bananas.

Verbs with on

Their decision will depend on the test results.
The film is based on the novel by Boris Pasternak.
If you make so much noise, I can't concentrate on my work.
Come on! We're relying on you!
We don't agree on anything but we're still good friends.

Verbs with to

What kind of music do you like listening to?
Can I introduce you to my grandfather?
Please refer to the notes at the end for more information.
Nobody responded to my complaint.
She apologised to me the next day.

Verbs with with

I agree with everything you've said.
My assistant will provide you with more information if you need it.
We're finding it difficult to deal with the stress.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Grammar test 2: Verbs and prepositions: Grammar test 2

Try another grammar lesson

Language level

B1 - Intermediate

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Hi. Would it be correct to use 'at' before morning, afternoon and night, if I speak generally? For example, I drink coffee at mornings or I drink coffee in the mornings. I eat cake at the afternoons or I eat cake in the afternoons. I play football at nights or I play football in the nights. Can I use preposition 'at' If I do these activities e.g. every day? Thank you.

Hi muratt,

No, you can't use at in that way.

We say at night, but in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. We don't use at before these.

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Hi, which one is correct 1.Mr James has requested for a therapeutic counseling. 2.Mr James has requested therapeutic counseling.

Hi resh,

I think the most likely construction would be this:

Mr. James has requested theraputic counselling.

I can't be completely sure without knowing the full context, but the article is unlikely to be needed here.

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Hello, In the example sentence "All norms, including/alongwith/together with/coupled with our moral ones,were violated" Does the prepositional phrase"including/alongwith/together with/coupled with our moral ones" function as adjective phrase modifying "norms" or are they co-ordinating conjunctions ?if not, then what function are the phrases performing? Thanks

Hi teacher. Thank you for providing great materials. How can I different to use the proposition between 'agree on' and 'agree with'?

Hello fleur_y

In general, we agree with someone and we agree on something. So, for example, if you said that we should go to Australia on holiday in 2021 and I thought the same thing, you could say 'I agree with you on that'.

I'd suggest you check the dictionary entry for 'agree' to see more ways to use this verb.

All the best

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team