Prepositions After Verbs in English: Rules, Examples, and Practice

Learning English involves mastering various components, among which prepositions after verbs hold a special place. These combinations, often referred to as phrasal verbs, are one of the most challenging topics for many learners because they often lack direct translations and can change the meaning of the verb significantly. They are used in all aspects of the language: spoken English, writing, and even academic texts. Mastering them makes your language more natural and richer.

What Are Prepositions After Verbs?

Prepositions after verbs are combinations where a verb is used together with a preposition. For example, in the sentence “I rely on you,” “rely” is the verb, and “on” is the preposition that follows it. Prepositions after verbs create phrasal verbs, which have their specific meanings. For instance, the verb “to look” can have entirely different meanings when a preposition is added: “to look after” (to take care of), “to look for” (to search for), “to look forward to” (to anticipate eagerly).

Why Is It Important to Know Prepositions After Verbs?

1. Improves Understanding and Communication: Correct use of prepositions after verbs helps you express your thoughts more clearly and understand native speakers better.
2. Expands Vocabulary: Learning prepositions after verbs enriches your vocabulary and introduces you to new ways of expression.
3. Helps in Exam Preparation: Many international English exams include tasks on phrasal verbs and prepositions after verbs, making this knowledge essential.

To help you consolidate your knowledge, we have prepared a practical exercise consisting of 20 questions. This exercise will help you test how well you have learned the rules for using prepositions after verbs. Perform the task carefully and check your answers to ensure you understand the material correctly.

Common Prepositions After Verbs

• Quarrel with / over – to argue or have a conflict with someone about something.
  • Example: She quarreled with her brother over the TV remote.
• Disagree with – to have a different opinion or to not agree with someone or something.
  • Example: I disagree with your opinion.
• Disapprove of – to have a negative opinion about something.
  • Example: He disapproves of smoking.
• Prefer something to something – to like one thing more than another.
  • Example: I prefer coffee to tea.
• Prevent someone from doing something – to stop someone from doing something.
  • Example: The rain prevented us from going out.
• Succeed in – to achieve something desired or intended.
  • Example: She succeeded in passing the exam.
• Suspect someone of something – to think that someone is guilty of something.
  • Example: The police suspected him of theft.
• Boast about – to talk with excessive pride about one’s achievements or possessions.
  • Example: He boasted about his achievements.
• Insist on – to demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal.
  • Example: She insisted on paying for the meal.
• Rely on – to depend on someone or something.
  • Example: You can rely on me.
• Worry about – to feel anxious or troubled about someone or something.
  • Example: He worries about his health.
• Object to – to express or feel disapproval or opposition.
  • Example: They objected to the new policy.
• Approve of – to agree with or support something or someone.
  • Example: His parents approve of his choice.
• Forgive someone for – to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
  • Example: She forgave him for being late.
• Laugh at – to find something funny or ridiculous and show this through laughter.
  • Example: They laughed at his joke.
• Argue with / about – to exchange or express diverging or opposite views, typically in a heated or angry way.
  • Example: He argued with her about the decision.
• Depend on – to be controlled or determined by something.
  • Example: Success depends on hard work.
• Remind someone of – to cause someone to remember someone or something.
  • Example: This song reminds me of summer.
• Translate from / into – to express the sense of words or text in another language.
  • Example: She translated the book from French into English.
• Object to – to express opposition or disapproval.
  • Example: They objected to his proposal.

Practical Exercise: Prepositions After Verbs in English (20 Questions)

Now that you are familiar with the main rules for using prepositions after verbs, it is time to test your knowledge in practice. Below are several questions that will help you consolidate the material and ensure you correctly understand the use of prepositions. Complete the exercise and check your answers to confirm your understanding of the material.

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Practice. prepositions after verbs (quiz, test)

I am translating this book _____ English _____ Turkish.

to / into

on / over

from / into

from / over

I don’t want to argue _____ you _____ that matter at this time.

with / about

on / about

at / over

with / at

My father doesn’t approve _____ studying late at night.

on

about

with

of

You shouldn’t rely _____ getting assistance from Frank.

about

in

at

on

Mr. Green always worries _____ losing his position.

at

on

about

in

Our boss objects _____ using any different method.

with

of

to

over

He disapproves _____ mothers going out to work.

by

on

of

with

I don’t know why you insist _____ blaming me _____ all my troubles.

at / on

in / for

over / for

on / for

You really shouldn’t boast _____ your success _____ other people.

with / to

of / to

over / to

about / at

I definitely prefer traveling by air _____ traveling by train.

in

to

at

by

I disagree _____ you.

to

with

from

at

Did you finally succeed _____ convincing them they were wrong?

for

at

in

on

Mary reminded her boss _____ his appointment the next day.

of

at

on

with

All of the members objected _____ the chairman’s suggestion.

to

about

in

for

Why did you quarrel _____ your friends _____ such a small matter?

at / about

against/over

with / on

with / over

There is no way we can prevent people _____ talking _____ this matter.

from / about

by / over

from / with

without / on

Why are you laughing _____ me?

of

to

at

over

The teacher suspected the student _____ cheating on the test.

about

on

of

in

Terry always depends _____ his brother for assistance.

of

on

in

at

Forgive me _____ using these pompous words.

on

with

of

for

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