Some verbs need a preposition before an object or another verb. The preposition doesn’t change the meaning of the verb, but it does change the significance of the verb within the situation. Below are some of the most common verb + preposition combinations:

✅ to adjust + to (something)

I am adjusting to my new job really well.

✅ to admit + to (something)

My brother never admits to mistakes.

✅  to agree + on (something/someone)

We’ve agreed on two of the issues, but we have another four topics to continue discussing tomorrow.

✅ to agree + with (something/someone)

I completely agree with your decision.

✅ to apologize + for (something)

Please let me apologize for my lateness.

✅ to apply + for (something)

I’m applying for a new job next week.

✅ to argue + about (something)

What were we arguing about? I completely forgot.

✅ to argue + with (someone)

I don’t want to argue with you any more.

✅ to ask + for (something)

When the waiter sees you, could you ask for some water for me?

✅ to base/to be based + on (something/someone)

This movie is based on a true story.

✅ to be concerned + about (something/someone)

I am concerned about Jane. She doesn’t seem well these days.

✅ to be interested + in (something)

I’m very interested in chemistry.

✅ to be used/to get used + to (something/someone)

At first, I didn’t really like my sister-in-law, but after I got used to her I really started to love her.

✅ to belong + to (something/someone)

Who does this dog belong to?

✅ to borrow + from (someone)

Don’t forget to return the book that you borrowed from me last week.

✅ to care + about (something/someone)

I really care about you. I just want what is best for you. 

✅ to care + for (something/someone)

Would you care for a coffee?

✅ to complain + about (something/someone)

Jim is always complaining about his job. He should just get a new one.

✅ to complain + to (someone)

Jim is always complaining to me. I don’t even listen to him anymore.

✅ to concentrate/to be concentrated + on (something)

 It’s really hard to concentrate on my work when you’re playing such loud music.

Let’s practice!

Complete the following sentences with the correct preposition for each verb. You can use any of the following prepositions: about, from, for, on or to.

1. Don’t worry ___________ Lance. He’ll be great. 

2. I’ve been waiting ___________ the bus for almost half an hour.

3. What can we agree ___________ for dinner?

4. Stop getting distracted, and start to concentrate ___________ your work.
5. Don’t forget to pay ___________ the pizza.

6. My wife likes to listen ___________ the radio when she wake up.

7. Brianne left without paying ___________ the meal.

8. I will respond ___________ your email by the end of the day.

9. I’m not sure what we’ll do this weekend. It all depends ___________ the weather.

10. Please explain this result ___________ me.

11. Jane borrowed $20 ___________ me for lunch.

12. The construction next door is so noisy that I can’t concentrate ___________ my work.

13. Who does this hat belong ___________?
 

14. Parents always worry ___________ their children.

15. It was so hot at the beach yesterday that I couldn’t concentrate ___________ my book.

16. Could you explain the causes of the financial collapse ___________ me?

17. I’m so sick of winter. I can’t wait ___________ spring.

18. She listens ___________ music while she works out.

19. Getting into law school depends entirely ___________ your entrance exams.

20. I need to borrow some money ___________ the bank to pay for our new house.

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