Many common verbs are used with a preposition. For example:

I waited for 10 minutes, then I went home.

It's a good idea to learn these verb + preposition combinations if you can. In these examples, sb = somebody and sth = something:

FOR is a very common preposition:

  • thank sb for sth
  • wait for sth
  • prepare for sth
  • ask for sth
  • apply for sth
  • pay for sth
  • apologise for sth
  • work for a company

Here are some more to learn:

  • take care of sb/sth
  • believe in sth
  • think about sth
  • belong to sb
  • prevent/stop sb from doing sth
  • borrow/take sth from sb
  • lend/give sth to sb
  • laugh at sb/sth

Many verbs can use two prepositions. For example:

  • I wrote / talked / spoke to him about the washing up.
  • I talked / spoke / argued / fought / agreed with him about the washing up.

Practice 1

Choose the best preposition to complete these sentences.

  1. At the moment, I'm preparing  an exam.
  2. Does this coat belong  you?
  3. I don't believe  ghosts.
  4. Have you said thank you  your birthday present yet?
  5. I can't stop thinking  the man I met yesterday.
  6. Will you pay  dinner, if I buy the cinema tickets?
  7. I'm going to ask my teacher  more homework tonight.
  8. I took care  my brother's cat when he was on holiday.

Practice 2

Now try some more.

  1. I hate my job. I'm going to apply  a new one.
  2. I'll wait  you outside the college.
  3. The terrible weather prevented us  going to the beach.
  4. Everyone laughed  me when I slipped on the banana skin.
  5. You have to apologise to your sister  hitting her.
  6. You need to talk to the doctor  your headaches.
  7. I'm going to write  the shop and complain.
  8. I argued with him for hours  who should clean the bathroom.
  9. He agrees  her about everything.