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Verbs and prepositions
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
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
Language level
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Hello Mussorie,
I'm not sure what you mean by trick to remember here. The two structures express different meanings, so it's a question of what you want to say. There are a number of adjectives which follow a similar pattern:
Your other sentences are incorrect:
This is no need to read and this is of no need to read.
Need is a noun and we would use 'there' as a dummy subject:
There is no need to read this.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello again Mussorie,
I explained tired of in my first answer:
I also explained the use of adjective + -ing, which includes tired + -ing:
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Kristeine,
Both know of something and know about something can mean that we have heard about it:
Know about something can also mean that we have some knowledge on the subject:
I hope that helps to clarify it for you.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Tim,
The subject is this.
This is a yes/no question with the verb be, so the subject and verb are inverted. If you make the sentence a statement rather than a question then the subject becomes obvious:
This is the same jacket...
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team