Page 195 - Basic English Usage

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254 prepositions after particular words and expressions

(This is a fist of expressions which often cause problems.
For the use of of with determiners, see 96.)
ability at (NOT itr)
She shows great ability at mathematics.
afraid of (NOT by)
Are you afraid of spiders?
agree with a person
! entirely agree with you.
agree about a subject of discussion
We agree about most things.
agree on a matter for decision
Let's try to agree on a date.
agree to a suggestion
I'll agree to your suggestion if you lower the price.
angry with (sometimes at) a person for doing something
I'm angry with her for not telling me.
angry about (sometimes at) something
What are you so angry about?
apologize for
| must apologize for disturbing you.
arrive at or in (NOT te)
What time do we arrive at Cardiff?
When did you arrive in England?
ask: see 53
bad at (NOT tr)
I'm not bad at tennis.
believe in God, Father Christmas etc ( = believe that... exists)
| half believe in life after death.
believe a person or something that is said ( = accept as true)
Don't believe her. | don't believe a word she says.
blue with cold, red with anger
My hands were blue with cold when | got home.
borrow: see 67
call after
We called hirn Thomas, after his grandfather.
clever at (NOT tt)
I'm not very clever at cooking.
congratulate/congratulations on (NOT fer)
/ must congratulate you on your exam results.
Congratulations on your new job!