PREPOSITIONS AFTER VERBS OR ADJECTIVES

Verbs/ adjectives & Prepositions

Some verbs are usually followed by prepositions before the object of the verb. These are called dependent prepositions and they are followed by a noun or a gerund (‘ing’ form).

• He’s waiting for a bus.

For is the dependent preposition for ‘wait’

We can use other prepositions with ‘wait’ – e.g. He waited at the bus stop – but ‘for’ is the dependent preposition.
The same is true for adjectives. Some adjectives are followed by dependent prepositions
He is good at computing technology

Here are some other verbs and adjectives with their dependent prepositions.

With ‘for’

• He apologised for being late. You can also ‘apologise to someone’
• I applied for the job but I didn’t get it.
• How do you ask for a coffee in Polish?
• She spent many years caring for her aged parents.
• I can’t go out tonight because I have to prepare for my interview tomorrow.
• He is sorry for all the inconvenience
• They were sentenced for their crimes
• I paid for the clothes

With ‘from’

• This spray should protect you from mosquitoes.
• Has he recovered from his illness yet?
• He won an award because he saved someone from drowning.
• I suffer from hay fever.
• He is very different from his brother

With ‘in’

• She believes in ghosts.
• Our company specialises in computer software.
• You have to work hard if you want to succeed in life.
• They are interested in Art

With ‘of’

• I don’t approve of your language, young man.
• Our dog died of old age.
• This shampoo smells of bananas.
• He is afraid of spiders.
• She is fond of sports
• I dreamt of you last night

I am thinking of you all the time

• 
  

With ‘on’

• 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!
• He is keen on football

With ‘to’

• Can I introduce you to my wife?
• Please refer to the notes at the end for more information.
• Nobody responded to my complaint.
• He was sentenced to six months in prison.
• He is married to Jenny

With ‘with’

• I agree with everything you’ve said.
• My secretary will provide you with more information if you need it.

With “about”

I am worried about you

I dreamt about going on holiday

I am thinking about buying a new car

There are many more verb / adjective + dependent preposition combinations – make a note of them as you meet them.