Fish goes well with salad.
Just like in the title example, the verb “go” is used together with the preposition “with.” When these verbs are used with prepositions, they are not “phrasal verbs” that change their meanings. For example, when we add the preposition “up” to the verb “get,” its meaning changes to “get up,” which means “to get out of bed.” The following verbs, however, are used with certain prepositions, and their meanings remain unchanged.
Let’s take a look at how some verbs are used with certain prepositions in English:
Let’s think about it! Where does anchovy belong to? The meaning of the verb “think” does not change.
Here, the verb “think” is used with the preposition “about” or sometimes “of,” which usually emphasizes the subject of thinking. Let’s explore some verbs that must be used with specific prepositions:
Don’t ask for the red pepper. We have just run out.
“Ask” is used with the preposition “for.”
Don’t worry about the pepper. But you should listen to your doctor about the salt.
“Worry” is used with “about,” and “listen” is used with “to.” (These are mandatory.)
I am listening to folk music now.
In English, certain verbs are often used with specific prepositions, and you can think of them as meaning “to something,” “for something,” or “about something.”
Some common verbs used with prepositions (which can be translated to “to something,” “for something,” or “about something”) include:
- think about / of (to think)
- go with (to go together, to be harmonious)
- ask for (to inquire)
- worry about (to be worried)
- belong to (to belong)
- come across (to encounter)
- believe in (to believe)
- look after (to take care of)
- look for (to search for)
- look at (to look towards)
And more.
For instance:
- She is looking after the patients in the hospital.
- I am looking for my key. I lost it yesterday.
- Why are you looking at me?
The word “look” is used with three different prepositions.
I belong to where I was born.
Fish goes well with salad.
My parents are always worried about me.
The Prime Minister agreed with the ministers’ proposal.
We’re always waiting for you here, but you’re always late.
She’s constantly suffering from back pain.
This cat belongs to Mrs. Jane.
A little research: Find out which prepositions are used with the following verbs:
- consist (to consist of)
- pay (to pay for)