Other prefixes which change meaning

We use at, in and on in these ways:

Verb + preposition

After many verbs we use particular prepositions. For example, we say believe in and concentrate on.

Here are some more common examples of these verb + preposition combinations:

■ apologizeto someone for (doing) something

I apologized to her for being late.

■ apply for

Are you going to apply for this job?

■ belong to

Does this book belong to you?

■ care about (=think someone/something as important)

I don’t care about money. Money can’t buy happiness.

But: care for (=look after, nurse)

She’s very good at caring for sick animals.

■ take care of (=look after)

Could you take care of the baby while I go out shopping?

■ complain to (someone) about (something)

The workers complained to the manager about the working

conditions.

■ crash into run into drive into bump into

When he was driving home he almost crushed into the bus.

■ depend on

‘ Are you going to the beach tomorrow?’ ‘It depends on the weather.’

■ die of

A lot of people are dying of AIDS.

■ dream about (while asleep)

I was dreaming about Sue when I suddenly woke up.

But: dream of (=imagine)

When I was younger I dreamt of being a famous pop-singer.

■ hear about (= be told about)

Have you heard about Jimmy? He broke his leg in a skiing accident.

But: hear from (=receive news from)

We haven’t heard from Mike since he wrote to us last May.

Also: hear of (=know that someone/something exists)
Have you heard of a disco called The Dance Factory?

■ laugh at smile at

Who’s that girl smiling at you?

■ listen to

Would you like to listen to some music?

■ look at

Look at this photograph

But: look for (=try to find)

Can you help me, please? I’m looking for West Street.

Also: look after (=take care of)

Could you look after the baby while I go shopping?

■ rely on

You can’t rely on the post. It’s always late.

■ search for

I’ve been searching for my keys.

■ shout at

Don’t shout at me! I can hear you.

■ speak to talk to

I spoke to Sue this morning.

■ suffer from

He suffers from asthma.

■ think about (=use you mind)

You look sad. What are you thinking about?

But: think of/about (=consider)

He’s thinking about changing his job.

Also: think of (=have as opinion about)

‘What do you think of Sue?’ ‘She is very nice.’

■ wait for

How long have you been waiting for the bus?

■ write to

I’ll write to you soon.
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