Many English verbs require a specific preposition before their object. The verb and preposition form a fixed pair — depend on, listen to, wait for — and the preposition cannot be guessed from the verb's meaning. It must be learned as a unit.
These pairs are called dependent prepositions. They are different from phrasal verbs: in depend on, the preposition on keeps its normal relational sense, while in a phrasal verb like give up, the particle creates an entirely new meaning. Phrasal verbs are covered separately.
The most practical way to learn dependent prepositions is by grouping them around the preposition itself.
Verbs with "on"
The preposition on often carries a sense of reliance, focus, or target.
Other common pairs: rely on, concentrate on, insist on, count on, base on.
Verbs with "for"
For frequently expresses purpose, benefit, or the reason behind an action.
Other common pairs: pay for, search for, blame for, forgive for, prepare for.
Verbs with "to"
To often signals direction — toward a person, a topic, or a future event.
Other common pairs: respond to, contribute to, look forward to.
Verbs with "about"
About connects a verb to the topic of thought, speech, or emotion.
Other common pairs: think about, care about, complain about.
Verbs with "in"
In often points to a field, an activity, or a belief.
Other common pairs: specialize in, result in.
Verbs with "with"
With can express agreement, cooperation, or the means of handling something.
Other common pairs: cope with, compare with.
Verbs with "of"
Of often links a verb to content, composition, or removal.
Other common pairs: accuse of, take care of.
Verbs with "from"
From signals origin, separation, or protection.
Other common pairs: suffer from, benefit from, prevent from.
Verbs with "at"
At often directs attention or emotion toward a specific point.
Other common pairs: smile at, shout at, stare at.
Verb + preposition + -ing
When a second verb follows a verb-preposition pair, that second verb takes the -ing form. This is true even when the preposition is to — because here to is a preposition, not part of an infinitive.
The pattern is always: verb + preposition + -ing. There are no exceptions within dependent prepositions.
Common mistakes
Wrong preposition
Missing preposition
Infinitive instead of -ing after a preposition