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
Hello. Could you please help me? - Which one is correct, or both? Simple explanation, please.
- I have no goals this year (except - other than) passing my final exam.
Thank you.
Both are correct, since both prepositions have the same meaning ("excluding" or "with the exception of.")
Hello Ahmed Imam,
Both are correct and there is no difference in meaning. I think 'other than' is perhaps a little more formal but minimally so.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
This Excel file makes it easy to find a verb and its prepositions. You can also add to it. If a cell appears in dark red, it means that the verb added to had already been placed there (delete it) or it had another preposition (find it).
htt//docs.google.com/spreadsheets------------------
Hello Mounir,
That is a fantastic idea and it is very generous of you to want to share your work with other users.
I'm afraid, however, that we don't allow links such as this one for privacy reasons. This is why the link in your comment was deactivated.
I'm sorry about this, as your comments are excellent contributions to the site and I'm sure help many other users.
Best wishes,
Kirk
LearnEnglish team
This is very good
Hello im amir this is very good while im eating my traditional chicken tika masala and listening to this its very nice good i recomended go do it
Hi everyone,
I'm hoping to get some insights from you regarding the correct usage of prepositions with "join."
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hello Omyhong,
Both 'for' and 'at' are possible here but with different meanings.
Join me for... means you want to participate in something together. You could say 'Join me for a coffee' (you want to have a coffee together) or 'Join me for a chat' (you want to have a conversation together), for example.
Join me at... describes where you want to meet. If you say 'Join me at the zoo' you mean that you will meet the person there rather than meeting earlier and going there together.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
1- Join me to the zoo : this one doesn't sound natural.
--> Joint me 𝓪𝓽 the zoo: meet me there.
2-Joint me for the zoo: be part of this activity.
With more details:
-Joint me for the party ( Help me organise the party...)
-Joint me at the party ( Come in here, I'm waiting you...)