Prepositions After Verbs List with Examples: Full Guide

Prepositions After Verbs List with Examples: The Complete Grammar Guide

What Are Prepositions After Verbs? (Definition and Meaning)

In English grammar, certain verbs must be paired with specific prepositions to connect to the rest of the sentence. These fixed combinations are known as dependent prepositions or verb + preposition collocations.

Unlike phrasal verbs—where adding a preposition changes the core meaning of the verb entirely (for example, give up means to stop/surrender)—a verb paired with a dependent preposition retains its standard dictionary meaning. The preposition simply functions as a grammatical bridge linking the verb to its object.

┌─────────────┐     ┌─────────────────────┐     ┌───────────────────────────────┐
│  Main Verb  │  +  │ Dependent Preposition│  +  │ Object (Noun/Pronoun/Gerund)  │
└─────────────┘     └─────────────────────┘     └───────────────────────────────┘
   Apologize                 for                             the delay
   Depend                    on                              the weather
   Specialized               in                              investigating fraud

The Universal Rule

A preposition following a verb must always be followed by an object. This object can take one of three forms:

1. A Noun: She apologized for the mistake.
2. A Pronoun: They agreed with him.
3. A Gerund (Verb + -ing): He specializes in analyzing financial data.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Verb-Preposition Combinations

Follow this simple four-step process to form correct sentences every time:

[ Step 1: Select the Main Action Verb ]
                  │
                  ▼
[ Step 2: Identify the Fixed Preposition ]
                  │
                  ▼
[ Step 3: Check for Necessary Direct Objects ]
                  │
                  ▼
[ Step 4: Add the Prepositional Object (Noun/Gerund) ]

1. Identify the Main Verb: Determine the action you want to describe (e.g., succeed, rely, complain).
2. Select the Correct Dependent Preposition: Pair the verb with its specific preposition (e.g., succeed in, rely on, complain about).
3. Verify Direct Objects (If Applicable): Some verbs require a direct object before the preposition (e.g., “She reminded me of the meeting”).
4. Attach the Prepositional Object: Complete the sentence using a noun, pronoun, or gerund (e.g., “She succeeded in passing the exam”).

Complete Reference Tables: Verbs Grouped by Preposition

Below are exhaustive reference tables organizing the most common English verbs by their dependent prepositions.

1. Verbs Followed by “For”

Verbs paired with for often indicate purpose, reasons, exchange, or duration.

2. Verbs Followed by “To”

Verbs paired with to often indicate direction, communication, agreement, or transfer.

3. Verbs Followed by “With”

Verbs paired with with typically indicate association, agreement, handling, or confrontation.

4. Verbs Followed by “About”

Verbs paired with about relate to thoughts, speech, feelings, or information regarding a topic.

5. Verbs Followed by “On”

Verbs paired with on often relate to focus, reliance, foundation, or insistence.

6. Verbs Followed by “At”, “In”, “From”, “Of”, and “Into”

100 Practical Examples Categorized by Context

To provide deep topical authority and help you apply these grammar rules across real-world situations, here are 100 distinct examples organized into 10 practical communication contexts.

1. Basic Examples

1. Please listen to your teacher during class.
2. She is waiting for the afternoon bus.
3. This laptop belongs to the IT department.
4. I need to talk to my neighbor this evening.
5. They arrived at the museum just before it closed.
6. He always smiles at his customers.
7. We must pay for our groceries at the register.
8. Do you believe in long-distance relationships?
9. She looked at the painting for several minutes.
10. Please don’t worry about minor issues.

2. Intermediate Examples

11. The team will prepare for the upcoming championship game.
12. How do you cope with unexpected disruptions at work?
13. He apologized for making an administrative error.
14. The final grade depends on your research project score.
15. She applied for three distinct university grants last month.
16. The law aims to protect citizens from identity theft.
17. I completely agree with your assessment of the situation.
18. They insisted on booking their accommodation early.
19. Have you heard about the new environmental regulations?
20. You can always count on Sarah when a crisis occurs.

3. Advanced Examples

21. The economic downturn resulted in widespread policy changes.
22. The dissertation concentrates on post-war diplomatic relations.
23. Government officials refused to comment on ongoing negotiations.
24. Researchers must compare new clinical trial results with control group data.
25. Torrential rains prevented the crew from finishing the road repair.
26. Board members strongly objected to the proposed acquisition terms.
27. All financial institutions must comply with federal reporting standards.
28. Dr. Aris specializes in pediatric neurology and genetics.
29. The study’s conclusions are based on long-term demographic trends.
30. Most patients fully recover from this non-invasive surgery within days.

4. Daily Conversation Examples

31. “Are you going to ask for a discount on that item?”
32. “I cannot concentrate on my study material with loud music playing.”
33. “What are you thinking about right now?”
34. “Don’t forget about our family dinner this weekend!”
35. “I really care about finding an sustainable apartment.”
36. “Who were you speaking to outside the coffee shop?”
37. “He loves to boast about his culinary achievements.”
38. “May I borrow an umbrella from you until tomorrow?”
39. “Please stop laughing at my cooking attempts!”
40. “We were just talking about taking a trip to Canada.”

5. Academic Writing Examples

41. The research model relies on empirical data gathered across five decades.
42. Historians frequently differ on the primary causes of the conflict.
43. The author explicitly refers to primary archival documents in Chapter 2.
44. This publication contributes to the broader discourse on urban planning.
45. Experimental observations lead to a revised understanding of quantum mechanics.
46. Test subjects were requested to refrain from consuming caffeine prior to evaluation.
47. The evaluation framework consists of six core metrics.
48. Several secondary factors attribute to the observed statistical variance.
49. Scholars must account for environmental variables when interpreting field data.
50. The empirical findings substantiate the hypothesis, though some critics argue for further testing.

6. Business and Professional Examples

51. We need to agree on the budget allocations before the fiscal quarter starts.
52. Our engineering department will collaborate with external consultants.
53. The managing director will respond to stakeholder concerns during the meeting.
54. All employees are expected to adhere to company compliance protocols.
55. The sales team succeeded in exceeding their annual revenue targets.
56. The organization plans to invest in renewable energy infrastructure.
57. Please refer to Section 8 of the employment contract regarding benefits.
58. The agency specializes in digital asset management for global brands.
59. Marketing initiatives must target demographics that respond to direct outreach.
60. The operational audit resulted in streamlined workflow procedures.

7. Email Writing Examples

61. Dear Mr. Vance, I am writing to apply for the Operations Manager position.
62. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me during yesterday’s interview.
63. Please refer to the attached invoice for a breakdown of service charges.
64. I sincerely apologize for the delay in fulfilling your order request.
65. We look forward to collaborating with your marketing team on this launch.
66. Could you please inform us about your availability for a conference call?
67. I am writing to complain about the defective product received on October 12.
68. Please let us know if your executive team agrees to the revised timeline.
69. Our support team will keep you informed about future system maintenance.
70. Feel free to contact me directly if you wish to discuss these terms with me.

8. Student-Focused Examples

71. Every student is encouraged to participate in campus leadership events.
72. It takes time for international students to adjust to a new academic system.
73. You should focus on mastering fundamental concepts before taking the final exam.
74. She graduated from the institute with top academic honors last spring.
75. Many high school seniors find it difficult to choose between several college options.
76. Do not worry about making grammatical errors during initial speaking practice.
77. They spent several hours on completing their lab report.
78. The study group meets at the library every Tuesday afternoon.
79. The student asked the professor for feedback on her term paper.
80. Language acquisition depends on consistent, structured practice.

9. ESL Learner Examples

81. I always listen to English podcasts while driving to work.
82. My brother helps me with my English homework every evening.
83. We arrived in New York late yesterday evening.
84. She asked for a glass of water at the restaurant.
85. He smiled at the receptionist when he entered the office.
86. They are preparing for their English proficiency examination.
87. This book belongs to the public library collection.
88. Please don’t complain about the weather; it will clear up soon.
89. I believe in practicing vocabulary every single day.
90. She spoke to the bank manager about opening a new account.

10. Complex & Context-Dependent Pairs

Understanding how prepositions change meaning based on context:

91. Think about vs. Think of
    • Sentence: I am thinking about moving to Chicago. (Considering an action)
    • Sentence: What do you think of the new logo design? (Asking for an opinion)
92. Shout at vs. Shout to
    • Sentence: The angry driver shouted at the pedestrian. (Expressing anger)
    • Sentence: He shouted to his friend across the noisy parking lot. (To be heard over distance)
93. Agree with vs. Agree on vs. Agree to
    • Sentence: I agree with your opinion. (Sharing a viewpoint with someone)
    • Sentence: We agreed on a meeting date. (Reaching a consensus on a topic)
    • Sentence: The board agreed to the proposed budget. (Consenting to a plan/contract)
94. Arrive at vs. Arrive in
    • Sentence: We arrived at the hotel at midnight. (Reaching a specific building or location)
    • Sentence: They arrived in Tokyo after a long flight. (Reaching a city or country)
95. Throw at vs. Throw to
    • Sentence: The angry child threw a toy at the wall. (Aiming aggressively to hit)
    • Sentence: Throw the ball to your brother so he can catch it. (Passing for cooperation)
96. Care about vs. Care for
    • Sentence: She cares deeply about social justice. (Finding something important)
    • Sentence: Would you care for some coffee? (Polite offer/desire)
97. Hear about vs. Hear of vs. Hear from
    • Sentence: Did you hear about the news update? (Learned about an event)
    • Sentence: I have never heard of that author. (Awareness of existence)
    • Sentence: I haven’t heard from my roommate all week. (Receiving direct communication)
98. Correspond with vs. Correspond to
    • Sentence: She corresponded with her mentor via email. (Exchanging messages)
    • Sentence: The figures correspond to last year’s sales data. (Matching or aligning)
99. Die of vs. Die from
    • Sentence: The patient died of heart disease. (Direct internal illness/cause)
    • Sentence: He died from injuries sustained in the crash. (External cause/event)
100. Partake in vs. Partake of
     * Sentence: All guests were invited to partake in the games. (Participate)
     * Sentence: They sat down to partake of a hearty meal. (Consume/eat)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Incorrect preposition choices frequently stem from direct translation from native languages or confusing transitive verbs (which take a direct object with no preposition) with intransitive verbs.

Correct vs. Incorrect Breakdown

 INCORRECT: "We discussed about the project for hours."
 CORRECT:   "We discussed the project for hours."
 EXPLANATION: "Discuss" is a transitive verb that directly takes an object without "about".

 INCORRECT: "She entered into the classroom quietly."
 CORRECT:   "She entered the classroom quietly."
 EXPLANATION: Physical entry takes a direct object ("entered the room"). "Enter into" is used only for abstract concepts like agreements or contracts.

 INCORRECT: "He married with his college sweetheart."
 CORRECT:   "He married his college sweetheart."
 EXPLANATION: In active voice, "marry" takes a direct object without "with". (Passive voice uses "married to").

 INCORRECT: "The professor emphasized on the main thesis."
 CORRECT:   "The professor emphasized the main thesis."
 EXPLANATION: "Emphasize" functions transitively without "on". (Contrast with noun form: "put emphasis on").

 INCORRECT: "I lack of financial resources."
 CORRECT:   "I lack financial resources."
 EXPLANATION: As a verb, "lack" takes no preposition. As a noun, it requires "of" ("a lack of resources").

 INCORRECT: "They arrived to the airport late."
 CORRECT:   "They arrived at the airport late."
 EXPLANATION: Never use "arrive to". Use "arrive at" for specific facilities and "arrive in" for geographic areas.

Easy Memory Tips and Tricks

1. Memorize as a Two-Word Unit: Never write down a verb alone in your vocabulary journal. Always record it as a fixed unit: depend on, insist on, comply with.
2. Group by Preposition, Not Verb: Study all verbs that take FOR together (apply for, wait for, search for, apologize for). Grouping builds strong neural patterns.
3. The “Verb vs. Noun” Rule: Remember that some words change preposition requirements based on whether they act as a verb or a noun:
   • Verb: “They discussed the issue.” (No preposition)
   • Noun: “They had a discussion about the issue.” (Requires about)
   • Verb: “She lacks confidence.” (No preposition)
   • Noun: “She suffers from a lack of confidence.” (Requires of)

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding by completing the exercises below.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Missing Preposition

1. The success of our product launch depends ______ the reliability of our supply chain.
2. She apologized ______ her colleague ______ missing the morning briefing.
3. All corporate expenditures must comply ______ national tax laws.
4. I am looking forward ______ meeting the new department head.
5. The detective spent three months searching ______ the missing evidence.
6. Does this briefcase belong ______ you or the visitor?
7. We need to concentrate ______ finalizing the contract draft.
8. The speaker referred ______ several academic studies during her presentation.
9. They failed to agree ______ a compromise during the negotiations.
10. He spent over $200 ______ new accounting textbooks.

5-Question Quiz

Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence.

1. The committee refused to comment ______ the pending litigation.
a) about
b) on
c) for
d) with

2. Dr. Smith specializes ______ treating rare autoimmune conditions.
a) at
b) on
c) in
d) for

3. We must prepare ______ potential delays during the holiday shipping season.
a) for
b) to
c) with
d) on

4. She succeeded ______ obtaining her commercial pilot license.
a) at
b) with
c) in
d) about

5. You should never blame your mistakes ______ your assistants.
a) to
b) on
c) with
d) at

Answer Key with Explanations

Exercise 1 Answers

1. on (Depend requires on to show conditionality).
2. to / for (Apologize to a person for an action).
3. with (Comply always pairs with with when adhering to rules).
4. to (In the phrase look forward to, “to” acts as a preposition followed by a gerund).
5. for (Search for means actively seeking a lost item or answer).
6. to (Belong to denotes ownership).
7. on (Concentrate on indicates directing focus).
8. to (Refer to means making explicit reference).
9. on (Agree on refers to reaching a joint decision on a topic).
10. on (Spend [money/time] on is the correct structure).

5-Question Quiz Answers

1. b) on — Explanation: The verb comment requires the dependent preposition on when introducing the subject of remarks.
2. c) in — Explanation: The verb specialize always pairs with in to denote an area of expertise.
3. a) for — Explanation: Prepare for indicates making necessary arrangements for a future event.
4. c) in — Explanation: Succeed in must be followed by a noun or gerund (obtaining) to indicate an achievement.
5. b) on — Explanation: You blame a problem on a person or thing (or blame a person for a problem).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are dependent prepositions?

Dependent prepositions are prepositions that naturally and consistently follow specific verbs, adjectives, or nouns. Their usage is fixed by English language conventions (collocations).

2. How do prepositions after verbs differ from phrasal verbs?

Phrasal verbs combine a verb and a particle to create an entirely new, often idiomatic meaning (e.g., break down = stop functioning). Verbs with dependent prepositions retain their literal definition while using the preposition to link to an object (e.g., listen to = hear attentively).

3. Can a verb pair with different prepositions to change meaning?

Yes. Many verbs accept different prepositions depending on

the context. For example, you agree with a person, agree on a topic, or agree to a proposal. Similarly, you can shout at someone in anger or shout to someone so they can hear you across a distance.

4. Why don’t transitive verbs like “discuss” or “emphasize” take prepositions?

Transitive verbs act directly upon their receiver (direct object) without requiring a prepositional bridge. Adding a preposition—such as saying “discuss about”—creates grammatical redundancy because the verb discuss already inherently means “to talk about.”

5. What is the most effective way to memorize prepositions after verbs?

Instead of studying prepositions or verbs in isolation, memorize them as unified two-word collocations (e.g., depend on, specialize in). Grouping verbs by their shared prepositions (all “for” verbs, all “with” verbs) and practicing them inside full contextual sentences will build natural muscle memory far faster than memorizing static lists.

Conclusion on Prepositions After Verbs

Navigating dependent prepositions is one of the most rewarding steps toward achieving natural, polished, and authoritative English communication. By learning how specific prepositions attach to main verbs, avoiding common transitive errors (like “discuss about” or “married with”), and using categorized lists for targeted practice, you can eliminate hesitation in both spoken and written English.

Keep this prepositions after verbs list with examples bookmarked as your go-to grammar reference, download our free printable PDF cheat sheet, and apply these collocations to your everyday business emails, academic writing, and daily conversations!

Put Your Knowledge into Practice! Pick three verb-preposition combinations from our master list and write your own original practice sentences in the comments below. Don’t forget to bookmark this guide for quick daily reference!

Disclaimer

This article is provided strictly for educational and informational purposes as part of our Current Affairs Grammar & Language Series. While every effort has been made to ensure complete linguistic accuracy according to standard US and UK English conventions, language rules may vary across regional dialects or specialized style guides.

Also read: Order From vs Order With a Restaurant: The Definitive Preposition Guide

Prepositions After Adjectives Worksheet with Answers

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