Prepositions are a fundamental part of the English language, and their use with verbs can sometimes be perplexing for learners. Understanding how prepositions work with verbs can significantly improve your command of English, making your speech and writing more fluent and accurate. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of prepositions with verbs, providing you with clear explanations, examples, and tips to master this essential aspect of the language.
What Are Prepositions?
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They typically indicate relationships of place, time, direction, cause, manner, and possession. Common examples of prepositions include “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” “for,” “with,” “about,” “over,” “under,” and “between.”
When prepositions are used with verbs, they can change the meaning of the verb or add specific nuances. These combinations are known as phrasal verbs or prepositional verbs.
Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (which can be prepositions or adverbs). These combinations often have meanings that are different from the individual meanings of the words. For example, “give up” means to quit or stop doing something, which is different from the meanings of “give” and “up” separately.
Here are some common phrasal verbs with their meanings and examples:
1. Break down – to stop functioning (usually a machine)
– Example: “My car broke down on the way to work.”
2. Bring up – to mention or introduce a topic
– Example: “She brought up an interesting point during the meeting.”
3. Call off – to cancel
– Example: “The event was called off due to bad weather.”
4. Look after – to take care of
– Example: “Can you look after my cat while I’m away?”
5. Put off – to postpone
– Example: “We had to put off our vacation plans until next year.”
Separable and Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs can be categorized into separable and inseparable types.
Separable phrasal verbs allow the particle to be placed either before or after the object. For example:
– “I will pick up the package.”
– “I will pick the package up.”
Inseparable phrasal verbs do not allow the particle to be separated from the verb. For example:
– “I will look after the children.” (Correct)
– “I will look the children after.” (Incorrect)
Prepositional Verbs
Prepositional verbs consist of a verb followed by a preposition, and they are always followed by an object. Unlike phrasal verbs, the meaning of prepositional verbs can often be deduced from the meanings of the individual words.
Here are some common prepositional verbs with their meanings and examples:
1. Agree with – to have the same opinion as someone
– Example: “I completely agree with your point of view.”
2. Apologize for – to express regret for something
– Example: “She apologized for being late.”
3. Depend on – to rely on
– Example: “Our success depends on everyone’s effort.”
4. Laugh at – to find something funny
– Example: “They all laughed at his joke.”
5. Succeed in – to achieve something
– Example: “She succeeded in passing the exam.”
Common Mistakes with Prepositional Verbs
Using the wrong preposition with a verb is a common mistake for language learners. Here are some typical errors and how to correct them:
1. Incorrect: “She is waiting on the bus.”
– Correct: “She is waiting for the bus.”
2. Incorrect: “He is married with her.”
– Correct: “He is married to her.”
3. Incorrect: “I am interested on that topic.”
– Correct: “I am interested in that topic.”
4. Incorrect: “We discussed about the project.”
– Correct: “We discussed the project.”
5. Incorrect: “She is responsible of the team.”
– Correct: “She is responsible for the team.”
Tips for Mastering Prepositions with Verbs
Mastering prepositions with verbs can be challenging, but with consistent practice and awareness, you can improve your skills. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Learn Common Combinations
– Make a list of common verb-preposition combinations and review them regularly. Practice using them in sentences to become familiar with their correct usage.
2. Pay Attention to Context
– The meaning of some phrasal verbs can change based on the context. Pay attention to how they are used in different situations to understand their nuances.
3. Read and Listen to Native Speakers
– Exposure to authentic language through reading and listening to native speakers can help you internalize correct verb-preposition combinations. Pay attention to how prepositions are used with verbs in various contexts.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
– Practice is key to mastering any aspect of a language. Use exercises, quizzes, and writing activities to reinforce your understanding of prepositions with verbs.
5. Seek Feedback
– Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from teachers, language partners, or native speakers. They can provide valuable insights and correct any mistakes you might be making.
Exercises and Practice
To help you practice using prepositions with verbs, here are some exercises you can try:
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition.
1. She apologized ______ being late.
2. He is interested ______ learning new languages.
3. They are looking forward ______ the trip.
4. The book belongs ______ her.
5. We agree ______ the terms and conditions.
Exercise 2: Correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. She is waiting on the bus.
2. He is married with her.
3. I am interested on that topic.
4. We discussed about the project.
5. She is responsible of the team.
Exercise 3: Match the verbs with the correct prepositions.
1. Depend
2. Laugh
3. Succeed
4. Agree
5. Apologize
a. at
b. for
c. with
d. in
e. on
Answers:
Exercise 1:
1. for
2. in
3. to
4. to
5. with
Exercise 2:
1. She is waiting for the bus.
2. He is married to her.
3. I am interested in that topic.
4. We discussed the project.
5. She is responsible for the team.
Exercise 3:
1 – e
2 – a
3 – d
4 – c
5 – b
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using prepositions with verbs is a crucial aspect of mastering the English language. While it can be challenging, consistent practice, exposure to authentic language, and seeking feedback can help you improve. Remember to learn common verb-preposition combinations, pay attention to context, and practice regularly. By doing so, you will enhance your fluency and accuracy in English, making your communication more effective and natural. Keep practicing, and soon you will find that using prepositions with verbs becomes second nature.
