Prepositions are essential elements in English that help us form meaningful sentences. They often create confusion for language learners, especially when they are used with verbs. Understanding how prepositions function with verbs is crucial for mastering English. This article will explore the nuances of prepositions with verbs, providing clear explanations and examples to help you navigate this tricky aspect of the language.
Understanding Prepositions with Verbs
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. When used with verbs, prepositions can change the meaning of the verb, creating a phrasal verb, or simply specify the relationship between the verb and the object. Here, we will explore both scenarios.
Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more prepositions or adverbs that function as a single verb with a unique meaning. These combinations can be quite different from the original verb’s meaning. For example:
– **Look up** (to search for information)
– **Break down** (to stop functioning)
– **Give up** (to quit)
Understanding phrasal verbs is crucial because they are pervasive in everyday English. Let’s delve deeper into some common phrasal verbs and their meanings.
Common Phrasal Verbs
1. **Look after** – to take care of
– “She looks after her younger brother.”
2. **Get along with** – to have a good relationship with
– “I get along with my colleagues.”
3. **Run out of** – to deplete the supply of
– “We’ve run out of milk.”
4. **Put up with** – to tolerate
– “I can’t put up with his behavior anymore.”
5. **Take off** – to remove or to ascend (e.g., an airplane)
– “She took off her jacket.”
– “The plane took off on time.”
Prepositions After Verbs
In some cases, prepositions are used after verbs but do not form a phrasal verb. Instead, they specify the relationship between the verb and the object. Here are some examples:
1. **Apologize for**
– “He apologized for his mistake.”
2. **Believe in**
– “She believes in ghosts.”
3. **Depend on**
– “Success depends on hard work.”
4. **Insist on**
– “They insisted on paying for the meal.”
5. **Succeed in**
– “He succeeded in passing the exam.”
The choice of preposition can often change the meaning of the sentence. For instance, “look at” and “look for” have different meanings:
– **Look at** – to direct your eyes toward something
– “Look at the sunset.”
– **Look for** – to search for something
– “I am looking for my keys.”
Prepositions and Their Functions
Understanding the function of prepositions can help you determine the right preposition to use with a verb. Prepositions can indicate time, place, direction, cause, manner, and possession. Let’s explore these functions with examples.
Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time indicate when something happens. Common prepositions of time include **at**, **on**, and **in**.
1. **At**
– “I will meet you at 3 PM.”
2. **On**
– “Her birthday is on Monday.”
3. **In**
– “We will travel in December.”
When these prepositions are used with verbs, they specify the timing of the action.
– **Arrive at** – “We arrived at the party late.”
– **Start on** – “The project started on Tuesday.”
– **Finish in** – “He finished the test in an hour.”
Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place indicate the location of something. Common prepositions of place include **at**, **in**, and **on**.
1. **At**
– “She is at the park.”
2. **In**
– “He lives in New York.”
3. **On**
– “The book is on the table.”
When used with verbs, these prepositions specify where the action takes place.
– **Arrive at** – “They arrived at the airport.”
– **Live in** – “She lives in London.”
– **Put on** – “He put the book on the shelf.”
Prepositions of Direction
Prepositions of direction indicate the movement towards or away from a place. Common prepositions of direction include **to**, **into**, and **out of**.
1. **To**
– “She walked to the store.”
2. **Into**
– “He went into the room.”
3. **Out of**
– “They ran out of the building.”
When combined with verbs, these prepositions specify the direction of the action.
– **Go to** – “They went to the beach.”
– **Enter into** – “She entered into the agreement.”
– **Run out of** – “He ran out of the house.”
Prepositions of Cause
Prepositions of cause indicate the reason for something. Common prepositions of cause include **because of**, **due to**, and **on account of**.
1. **Because of**
– “The game was canceled because of the rain.”
2. **Due to**
– “The delay was due to traffic.”
3. **On account of**
– “She missed school on account of her illness.”
When used with verbs, these prepositions specify the cause of the action.
– **Cancel because of** – “The event was canceled because of bad weather.”
– **Postpone due to** – “The meeting was postponed due to a scheduling conflict.”
– **Close on account of** – “The store closed on account of the holiday.”
Challenges and Tips for Learning Prepositions with Verbs
Learning prepositions with verbs can be challenging due to their idiomatic nature and the fact that they often don’t translate directly from other languages. Here are some tips to help you master prepositions with verbs:
Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is key to mastering prepositions with verbs. Engage in exercises that require you to fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions or rewrite sentences using different prepositions.
Read and Listen
Reading books, articles, and listening to native speakers can expose you to how prepositions are used with verbs in context. Pay attention to phrasal verbs and other verb-preposition combinations.
Use Flashcards
Create flashcards with common verb-preposition combinations and their meanings. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.
Learn in Chunks
Instead of memorizing individual prepositions, learn verb-preposition combinations as chunks. This approach can make it easier to recall the correct preposition when you need it.
Seek Feedback
Practice speaking and writing with native speakers or language partners. Ask for feedback on your use of prepositions with verbs and make necessary corrections.
Conclusion
Prepositions with verbs are an integral part of English, and mastering them can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension. By understanding the function of prepositions, practicing regularly, and learning in context, you can overcome the challenges they present. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and patience and persistence will lead to success. Keep practicing, and you’ll find yourself using prepositions with verbs naturally and accurately.
