A2 - Verbs + Prepositions
Below is a brief explanation about how to use verbs with prepositions in English.
How to use Verbs + Prepositions
Do you know how to use the prepositions for, from, in, of, on, to and with after verbs? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.
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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.​
Grammar explanation
When a verb is part of a longer sentence, it is often followed by a specific preposition.
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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.
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Verbs with for
They're waiting for a bus.
He apologized 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 specializes 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 apologized 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.​
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Task 1 - Multiple Choice
Directions: Pick the correct answer, some questions may have more than one correct answer.
1 - Harry was tired __________ the cluttered mess around his house.
a. for
b. in
c. on
d. to
d. from
f. of
​
2 - Lloyd came __________ a small town in Texas called La Grange,
a. with
b. on
c. in
d. from
e. at
f. of
​
3 - James Dean came __________ his girlfriend to the charity event in 1957.
a. for
b. to
c. at
d. with
e. on
f. None of the above
​
4 - The soldiers came __________ night to issue the arrest warrants.
a. from
b. on
c. for
d. in
e. at ---
f. with
​
5 - The cake was made __________ the disabled veterans.
a. on
b. for
c. with
d. at
e. in
f. None of the above
​
6 - President Bill Clinton played __________ his audience all night.
a. in
b. from
c. at
d. for
e. on
f. with
​
7 - The Tuskegee Airmen trained __________ the United States Air Force from 1940-1948
a. at
b. in
c. on
d. for
e. with
f. from
​
8 - Paul Newman was a famous Hollywood star __________ 1949 - 2008.
a. at
b. in
c. on
d. for
e. with
f. from
​
9 - The Los Angeles Lakers were playing __________ the basketball court in Venice beach for an exhibition game.
a. at
b. in
c. for
d. from
e. with
f. None of the above
​
10 - Many people who travel to Paris go __________ their girlfriends.
a. at
b. in
c. on
d. for
e. from
f. with
​
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Answer Key
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1 - F ---> Of
​
2 - D ---> From
​
3 - D ---> With
​
4 - E ---> At
​
5 - B ---> For
​
6 - D ---> For
​
7 - E ---> With
​
8 - F ---> From
​
9 - A ---> At
​
10 - F ---> With
​
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Task 2 - Multiple Choice
Directions: Pick the correct answer, some questions may have more than one correct answer.
1 - Joe played __________ the first game but did not play __________ the second game.
a. at, in
b. at, on
c. at, at
d. in, in ---
d. in, on
f. in, at
​
2 - The U.S. army took the brunt __________ the missile attacks.
a. from
b. on
c. in
d. of ---
e. at
f. with
​
3 - The women went __________ the ballroom to dance with the men.
a. for
b. to ---
c. at
d. with
e. on
f. None of the above
​
4 - Magic Johnson played __________ the Los Angeles Lakers for the entirety of his career.
a. from
b. on
c. for ---
d. in
e. at
f. with
​
5 - The dog swam __________
a. on
b. for
c. with
d. at
e. in
f. None of the above
​
6 -
a. in
b. from
c. at
d. for
e. on
f. with
​
7 -
a. at
b. in
c. on
d. for
e. with
f. from
​
8 -
a. at
b. in
c. on
d. for
e. with
f. from
​
9 -
a. at
b. in
c. for
d. from
e. with
f. None of the above
​
10 -
a. at
b. in
c. on
d. for
e. from
f. with
​
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External Links:
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https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b1/verb-preposition/
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​https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/b1-b2-grammar/verbs-prepositions
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Other A1 - C1 English Tasks
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