Verbs with Preposition
1. The use of prepositions with verbs
In the English language, verbs are very often followed by a preposition.
We are talking about the exam results.
Did you listen to radio this afternoon?
Scientists experiment with different chemicals.
Note: When a verb + preposition is followed by another verb, this verb will use the gerund form.
We are talking about buying a new car.
She insisted on paying for the meal.
2. Verb patterns
Verb | Preposition | Object |
We talked They listened | about to | the holiday the radio |
Verb | Preposition | Object |
We talked They listened | about to | the holiday the radio |
Verb | Prep | Object | Prep | Obj / -ing |
He argued We talked | with to | his wife the manager | about about | the cleaning. the finances. |
Verb | Object | Prep | Object / -ing |
They blamed We congratulated | the student them | for on | breaking the window. on their wedding. |
3. Verbs with different prepositions
Some verbs can be followed by different prepositions. Usually this involves a change in meaning.
Here are a few examples:
We talked to the boss.
We talked about the weather.
I am thinking about taking some time off. (considering)
What do you think of the new teacher? (What’s your opinion?)
I’ve just thought of a cool present for Jane. (the idea came to my mind)
4. About and of
Think about = consider, concentrate on something
Think of = have an idea or opinion
What are you thinking about? (=what’s on your mind?)
What do you think of the new boss? (=opinion)
Hear about= hear something new, news, new information
Hear of = to know about the existence of something
Hear from = receive information from someone
Have you heard about the accident last night?
‘Do you know Tom Cruise?’ ‘I’ve never heard of him.’
I haven’t heard from Fred for months.
5. The use of ‘for’
Pay for something = when we buy something, we pay for it.
Ask for something = if you want to have something, you have to ask for it.
Apologise for something and say sorry for something = if you do something bad or wrong, you have to apologise/say sorry for it
Thank somebody for something = if somebody helps you, you have to thank them for it.
Thank you for helping me yesterday.
I would like to pay for the drinks. How much are they?
I am really sorry for being late.
I apologise for the delay.
6. The use of ‘on’
Here are some examples of common verbs which always use the preposition on:
depend on
rely on
spend on
congratulate on
concentrate on
insist on
I can always rely on my best friend for advice.
What do you spend your free time on?
We congratulated him on graduating from high school.
I can’t concentrate on my work in this noise.
