Verb + preposition
Definition
A verb + preposition combination, often called a prepositional verb, uses a particular preposition to introduce its complement: depend on, belong to, listen to, apologize for, deal with. The choice of preposition is part of the verb pattern.
Examples
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The final result depends on the weather.
Depend conventionally selects on.
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Maya apologized for the delay.
For introduces the reason for the apology.
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This bag belongs to Leo.
Belong selects to before the possessor.
Prepositional verb vs. separable phrasal verb
Maya looked after the children.
The object follows the preposition and cannot normally split the combination.
Maya turned the radio off.
The noun object appears between the verb and particle.
A preposition heads a complement phrase and stays before its object. A separable particle can move after a noun object.
The preposition may introduce a noun phrase or -ing form
After the selected preposition, use an appropriate complement. When the complement is verbal, it normally takes the -ing form.
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Maya insisted on checking the figures again.
The verb selected on, followed by an -ing complement.
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We talked about changing the schedule.
About introduces the topic expressed by the -ing form.
Common mistakes
The result depends of the weather.
The result depends on the weather.
Use the conventional combination depend on.
Maya insisted on to check the figures.
Maya insisted on checking the figures.
Use an -ing form after a preposition.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which verb–preposition combination is standard?
The conventional pattern is depend on.Which sentence correctly follows the preposition with an -ing form?
A verb after preposition for takes the -ing form.Which sentence contains a separable phrasal verb rather than a prepositional verb?
The object separates turn from the particle off.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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