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engbites1English Bites! are practical, bite-sized tips to help you improve your English for work. Published twice a week, the articles include useful advice covering different aspects of business English including grammar, vocabulary, writing, speaking as well as fun topics. It'll take just a few minutes to read each tip. You can subscribe to English Bites! from the Newsletters link above. After that, you'll receive notifications of all new tips by email.

Verb + Preposition Combinations

grammVerb + Preposition

Many verbs are followed by a particular preposition. Since there are no rules concerning this, you need to memorise the combinations. Try to familiarise yourself with the most common verb/preposition combinations used in business writing. Here is a list of common verbs and the prepositions that normally follow them:                                                

  • agree on
  • agree to
  • agree with
  • apologize for
  • apologize to
  • apply for
  • approve of
  • argue with
  • arrive at
  • ask for
  • belong to
  • borrow from
  • comment on
  • compare with
  • complain about
  • concentrate on
  • deal with
  • decide between
  • decide on
  • depend on
  • feel like
  • forget about
  • hear about
  • hear from
  • look forward to
  • participate in
  • pay for
  • prefer to
  • prepare for
  • prevent from
  • refer to
  • succeed in

Example Sentences:

I agree with him on most things, but we don’t agree on everything.

Have you apologised to Mr Leung about the mistake?

I haven’t applied for my annual leave yet.

Do you think they will approve of the changes?

This book doesn’t belong to me.

You need to concentrate on achieving greater accuracy.

Do you feel like going out for lunch?

Have you heard from Jolson Ltd about their order?

It all depends on how much it costs.

I refer to your letter of 12 July 20xx.

Have you prepared for the meeting tomorrow?


Verb + Object + Preposition   

The following verbs can be followed by an object and a preposition:

  • blame (someone) for
  • blame (something) on
  • compliment (someone) on
  • excuse (someone) for
  • explain (something) to
  • invite (someone) to
  • protect (someone) from
  • provide (someone) with
  • remind (someone) of
  • spend/waste (money) on
  • congratulate (someone) on
  • thank (someone) for

Example Sentences:

Don’t blame me for the error!

Can you explain the procedure to me again?

We will provide your department with three computers.

You shouldn’t waste money on unnecessary items.

Can you thank Bill for his help when you see him?

I didn’t invite Mary to the party.
 

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