Page 35 - English Vocabulary in Use Pre Intermediate

iL Verb or adjective + preposition

Verb (+ preposition)

Here are some common examples of verbs which are usually followed by a particular
preposition. You will probably know most of these verbs, but do you always get the
preposition right? Pay special attention to any that are different in your language.
I often listen to the radio.
My brother never agrees with me. (= he never has the same views/opinion as me)
I may go to the match; it really depends on the weather. (= the weather will decide for me)
He suffers from (= has the unpleasant/bad experience of) a type of diabetes.
He got married to a girl he met in France.
I’m going to apologise (= say sorry) fer.the mistakes we made.
She has applied (= made a written request) for a new job.
They were waiting for me when I arrived.
Don’t worry (= be nervous) about your exam; it’l] be OK.
She complained (= said she was not satisfied) to the waiter about the food. (You complain
to someone about something.)
He spends a lot of money on clothes and discos.
That dictionary belongs to Rolf. (= it is Rolf’s dictionary)
Changes of meaning

Sometimes a verb may
be followed by different
prepositions, and the
meaning changes.

He threw the ball to me. He threw the ball at me.
(= for me to catch it) (= in order to hit me;
perhaps he was angry)

He shouted to me. (= in order to communicate with me)
He shouted at me. (= he was angry with me)

Adjective (+ preposition)
I was never very goed at mathematics.
She is afraid of (= frightened of) flying.
I’m very keen on Italian food. (= I like Italian food very much)
She is similar to (= almost the same as) her older sister, but very different from her brother.
He’s very interested in antique furniture.
I was surprised at (or by) the weather; it rained nearly every day.
I think she is aware of (= knows about) the problems in her class.
I’m tired of studying foreign languages. (= I’ve had enough and I want to stop)
The streets are full.of rubbish. (= there is rubbish everywhere in the streets)
There is something wrong with this TV. (= the TV is not working/functioning correctly)

32 English Vocabulary in Use (pre-intermediate & intermediate)