English Verbs Prepositions Dictionary

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 19

www.espressoenglish.

net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

Why study verbs + prepositions?


Prepositions are one of the most difficult things to master in the English
language. They provide the links between the main words (nouns, verbs,
and adjectives), but many English students have a hard time knowing which
preposition to use in each situation.
This uncertainty can lead to lack of confidence and being afraid to speak or
speaking with lots of pauses as you try to think of the correct preposition.
Unfortunately, its not easy to give specific rules for when to use each
preposition but most verbs have a preposition that usually goes together.
Some verbs can go with multiple prepositions, and sometimes the preposition
makes a difference in the meaning of the phrase.
You can use this dictionary for learning typical verb-preposition
combinations, as well as for reference. Each entry has an example sentence
and any notes or explanations that could help you understand better.
The best way to remember these combinations of verbs and prepositions is
not only to study the list but also to create your own example sentences!
Putting the verb + preposition combination into practice immediately helps
you memorize it more easily.
If you have questions, please send me an e-mail at [email protected]
Good luck with your English studies!

English Teacher
www.EspressoEnglish.net

www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

Verb + Preposition
account for

Example Sentence
Notes
How do you account for To "account for" is to explain or
the differences between
provide a reason
the two financial reports?
accuse (someone) of
Dan accused Henry of
To accuse is to say that someone
(something)
stealing money from the did something bad
company.
adapt to
When I moved to a different country, it was hard for me to adapt
to the new culture.
add (something) to
I added some salt to the
(something)
soup to give it more
flavor.
adjust to
After I got divorced, I had
to adjust to life as a
single man.
admire (someone)
I admire Joanne for her
for (something)
dedication.
agree on (topic)
My teacher and I agree
You agree ON a noun: We agree on
on the importance of
politics. We don't agree on religion.
listening practice.
agree to (do
She agreed to make
You agree TO a verb
something)
cookies for the party.
agree with (someone) I agree with you.
You agree WITH a person
apologize to
Barbara apologized to
(someone) for (doing her boss for being late to
something)
the meeting.
apply to (a university I applied to the top
/ program)
university in the country
- but I didn't get in.
apply for (a job /
Sandra applied for a
scholarship)
marketing job at a
multinational company.
approve of
My parents don't
approve of my new
boyfriend.
argue with
I argued with my
To argue is to have a verbal conflict.
(someone) about
business partner about
The noun form is "argument" and we
(something)
how much to invest in
also say "have an argument with
advertising.
(someone)"
arrange for
We'll arrange for a
(someone) (to do
babysitter to take care of
something)
the kids.
arrest (someone) for Pat was arrested for
To "arrest" is when the police take a
(something)
driving without a license. person into the police station because
they are suspected of some crime.
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

arrive at (a place)
arrive in (a city,
country)
ask (someone) about
(someone/topic)
ask (someone) for
(something)
ask (someone) to (do
something)
base on
be accustomed to
be/get acquainted
with
be addicted to
(something)
be afraid of
be angry at/with
(someone) for
(something)
be annoyed at/with
(someone) for
(something)
be anxious about
(something)
be associated with
be aware of
be blessed with
be bored with

This is often in the passive voice:


"(Someone) was arrested for"
By the time we arrived at the train station, our train had already
left.
I'll be arriving in Berlin
on Thursday.
She asked them about
You ask someone ABOUT (a topic)
their plans for the
holiday.
I asked my classmate for You ask someone FOR (a noun)
a pencil.
The teacher asked me to You ask someone TO (a verb).
make copies of the
Never say "I asked to him"
worksheet.
Our conclusions are
based on scientific
research.
I'm from Ecuador, so I'm "I'm accustomed to" is the same as
not accustomed to the
"I'm used to"
cold weather!
At the conference, I got acquainted with various leaders in the
industry.
The rock star was
You can also say you're "addicted to"
addicted to heroin.
interests (like music or sports) - it's
not only for drugs and alcohol!
My 5-year-old daughter
"Afraid of" is the same as "scared of"
is afraid of the dark.
Bob is angry at his son for driving his car without permission and crashing it.
I'm annoyed at my
husband for forgetting to
wash the dishes.
Everyone in the class is
anxious about the final
exam.
There are a number of
risks associated with
the surgery.
I'm not aware of any
problems.
We've been blessed with
good health and stable
jobs.
I'm bored with the

Notice that after annoyed/angry at


someone for the verb is in the ING
form.

To be blessed with something is to


have received something good /
positive, which youre thankful for.

www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

be capable of
(something)
be cluttered with
(something)
be committed to
be composed of
be concerned about
be connected to/with
be content with
be dedicated to
be devoted to
be disappointed
in/with (someone/
something)
be discouraged by
be done with
(something)
be dressed in
be engaged in
(something)
be engaged to
(someone)
be envious of

classes I'm currently


taking.
This technology is
capable of changing the
world.
The spare room is
"Cluttered" means there are too many
cluttered with my
objects in the space, and it's
sister's half-finished art
disorganized.
projects.
Our organization is committed to improving education in the
community.
The group is composed
of doctors and lawyers.
I'm concerned about the
increasing violence in
this neighborhood.
Less education is
connected with higher
unemployment.
The employees weren't content with the salary adjustments they wanted a bigger raise.
Veronica is very dedicated to her job. She always does her best
work.
Frank is a great father;
he's so devoted to his
family.
We were disappointed
in our son when he failed
three classes.
I'm discouraged by the
poor results of the
marketing campaign.
I'm done with my work time to go home.
The robbers were
dressed in black.
The company is engaged "Engaged in" is like "involved in"
in a legal battle with one
of their competitors.
My brother is engaged
If you are "engaged to" someone, it
to a woman he met while means you are going to get married
traveling. They're getting to that person
married next month.
I'm envious of my
sister's success.
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

be equipped with
(something)
be excited about
be exposed to
be faced with
(problem / dilemma
/ decision)
be faithful to
be familiar with
be famous for
be filled with
be finished with
be fond of
be frightened by
be frightened of
be grateful to
(someone) for
(something)
be guilty of (a crime)
be happy about
(something)
be innocent of
(something)
be interested in
(something)
be interested in

This building is
equipped with a solar
power system.
We're excited about our
upcoming trip around
the world.
The children of smokers
are exposed to
secondhand smoke.
My family didn't have health insurance, and we were faced with
enormous medical bills after my father got sick.
He's faithful to his wife - he wouldn't get involved with another
woman.
Sorry, I'm not familiar with that computer program. I've only
used it once.
That musician is famous
for her poetic song lyrics.
The stores were filled with shoppers during the week before
Christmas.
Don't throw away the
newspaper - I'm not
finished with it yet.
I'm quite fond of
To be fond of something means you
peppermint tea. I drink it especially like it, you have an
almost every day.
emotional connection to it.
My dog was frightened
by the fireworks, and hid
under the bed.
Alex never talks to women because hes too frightened of
rejection.
I'm grateful to Sally for
helping me find a new
apartment.
The director was found
"Guilty" is the opposite of "innocent"
guilty of sexual
harassment.
My family wasn't happy
about my decision to
drop out of college.
I believe she's innocent of the charges - she doesn't seem like a
criminal.
I'm interested in
photography.
Kevin keeps asking me
If you are "interested in" someone, it
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

(someone)

out to lunch, but I'm not


usually means you have romantic
really interested in him. interest in that person
be involved in
Ten politicians were
(something)
involved in the scandal.
be involved with
Sorry, I don't have any information - I'm not involved with that
project.
be jealous of
All my colleagues are jealous of me because I have the biggest
office.
be known for
Thailand is known for its
(something)
beautiful beaches.
be limited to
This scholarship is
limited to applicants
from low-income
families.
be made from
Wine is made from
We use "made from" when there is a
(something)
grapes.
transformation in the process of
making the final product
be made of (material) This table is made of
We use "made of" when talking about
wood.
the material (wood, metal, plastic,
etc.)
be married to
My cousin is married to
(someone)
a dancer.
be opposed to
Many of the students are
opposed to the new
school policy.
be patient with
The teacher was very patient with me when I couldn't
(someone)
understand the exercise.
be pleased with
Are you pleased with
the results of the project?
be polite to
The woman wasn't very polite to me when I asked her for
(someone)
directions.
be prepared for
I didn't study, so I wasn't
prepared for the test.
be proud of
I'm proud of my daughter - she graduated with the highest
grades in her class.
be relevant to
Why are you talking
about that? It's not
relevant to this
discussion.
be responsible for
I'm responsible for
training new employees.
be satisfied with
I wasn't satisfied with
the quality of that
product.
be scared of
My wife is scared of
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

be terrified of
be thankful for
be tired of (doing
something)
beg for

believe in
belong to
benefit from
blame (someone) for
(something)
blame (something)
on (someone)
boast about

borrow (something)
from (someone)
care about (someone
/ something)
care for (someone)
don't care for
(something)
cater to (group of
people)
charge (someone) for
(something)

spiders.
I'm terrified of enclosed "Terrified" means EXTREMELY
spaces - I can get panic
scared or afraid
attacks in an elevator.
We're thankful for everyone who volunteered to help with the
program.
I want to buy a car. I'm
tired of taking the bus.
My ex-boyfriend begged To "beg" is to ask repeatedly with a
me for another chance,
lot of emotion
but I said the
relationship was over.
Do you believe in magic?
No, that motorcycle's not
mine. It belongs to my
brother.
The local population will
benefit from the new
hospital.
He blamed the other
driver for the car
accident.
She blamed the mistakes
in the article on the
editors.
I hate talking to Ronald
"Boasting" means to talk about
because he's always
something arrogantly
boasting about how
much money he makes.
I borrowed a dress from "Borrow" is the opposite of "lend"
my sister.
(when you borrow, you receive the
object temporarily)
Our company cares
about the environment.
Rachel is caring for her
It's also common to say "taking care
95-year-old
of" a person
grandmother.
I don't care for Mexican "I don't care for it" means "I don't like
food. It's too spicy for me. it very much."
Most of the restaurants
"Cater to" means to be specialized
in this area cater to
towards that group of people
tourists.
The restaurant charged
In this case, "charge" means to
us for the water - I
require money for a product or
thought it was
service
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

charge (someone)
with (something)
choose between
(someone/
something) and
(someone/
something)
collide with
come from
comment on
communicate with
(someone)
compare (someone
/something) to/with
(someone/
something)
compete with
complain about
complain to
(someone) about
(something)
compliment
(someone) on
(something)
concentrate on
confess to
confuse (someone/
something) with
(someone/

complimentary!
He was charged with
In this case, "charge" means when
assault with a deadly
someone is formally accused of a
weapon.
crime
I'm trying to choose between Australia and New Zealand for my
next vacation.

Eight people were


injured when a bus
collided with a car.
The world's best
chocolate comes from
Belgium.
A number of people
commented on my new
haircut.
The company needs to
communicate with
customers.
Organic food is expensive
compared to nonorganic food.
Pepsi launched a new
type of soda to compete
with Coca-Cola.
We complained about
the slow service in the
restaurant.
We complained to the manager about the slow service in the
restaurant.
George complimented
Erica on her ability to
speak French.
We're trying to do too many things; we need to concentrate on
one project at a time.
The scientist confessed
To "confess" is to admit that you did
to lying about the results something wrong, or reveal a secret
of his research.
You're confusing a laptop with a netbook - they're two different
types of computers.

www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

something)
congratulate
(someone) for/on
([doing] something)
consent to
(something)
consist of
contribute to
(something)
convict (someone) of
(something)
convince (someone)
to
cope with
count on
cover in/with
crash into
cure (someone) of
(something)
deal with
decide against

decide between
(someone/
something) and
(someone/
something)
decide on

We congratulated
Vanessa on her
promotion.
The director consented
to the employees'
proposal.
My CD collection
consists of jazz and
classic rock music.
Stress can contribute to
various health problems.
He was convicted of
child abuse.
My wife convinced me
to take dance lessons.
Psychologists can help
people cope with
tragedies.
I'm counting on you to
finish the work by
tomorrow.
The mountains are
covered with snow.
A drunk driver crashed
into a tree near my
house.
The antibiotics cured her
of the infection.

When someone is "convicted," it


means they are found guilty of a
crime
"Cope with" means to deal with
something and emotionally process it
- usually a negative thing
"Count on" is like "depend on"

"Cure of" is used with diseases, but


can also be used with bad habits "Working as a journalist cured me of
my tendency to procrastinate."

How do you deal with an


annoying co-worker?
When I needed money, I
If you "decide against" something,
considered selling my
you decide NOT to do it
car, but in the end I
decided against it.
I'm trying to decide between buying a motorcycle and saving up
the money for a car.

The government is going to decide on the proposed new law


next week.
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

dedicate (something)
to (someone)
depend on
derive (something)
from (something)
deter (someone)
from (something)
differ from
disagree with
(someone /
something)
disapprove of
discourage
(someone) from
(something)
discriminate against

discuss (something)
with (someone)
distinguish between
(someone/
something) and
(someone/
something)
distract (someone)
from (something)
dream about/of

elaborate on
(something)
escape from (a place)

I'd like to dedicate this performance to my mother, who has


always helped and inspired me.
I'll be there in 20-30
Avoid the common error of saying
minutes, depending on
"depend in" or "depend of" - it's
the traffic.
always "depend on"!
Many medicines are
derived from natural
products like plants.
Difficulties with organic chemistry class deterred me from
becoming a doctor.
New Year's traditions
differ from country to
country.
I disagree with the
decision to close down
the program.
Religious groups disapprove of that TV show; they say it's
offensive.
They discouraged us from visiting Paris, saying it was extremely
expensive.
He's racist - he
discriminates against
black and Hispanic
people.
We need to discuss these
problems with the boss.
Cashiers need to know how to distinguish between real and
counterfeit bills.

The loud music


distracted me from my
work.
I dream about becoming
a famous singer
someday.

If talking about dreams (hopes) for


the future, you can say "dream about"
or "dream of." If talking about a
dream you had when you were
sleeping, use only "dream about"

Could you elaborate on


that last point? I'd like to
know more.
Three prisoners escaped
from the jail last night.
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

exchange
(something) for
(something)
exclude (someone)
from (something)
excuse (someone) for
(something)
expel (someone)
from (a place)

I exchanged the small


shirt for a medium.
He excluded them from
the meeting.
Please excuse me for
interrupting.
He was expelled from
university for using
drugs.

"Expel" means someone was forced


to leave a group, school, or company usually because they did something
bad
experiment on
Scientists are experimenting on monkeys to develop new
medicines.
explain (something)
The doctor explained
Never say He explained me the
to (someone)
the procedure to me in
procedure.
detail.
feel about
How do you feel about
the new company policy?
feel like
I don't feel like going out "I don't feel like doing it" means "I
to a nightclub. I'd rather
don't want to do it; I'm not in the
relax at home tonight.
mood for doing it"
fight about
My kids are fighting
You "fight about" the topic of the
about whose turn it is to conflict
use the computer.
fight against
This organization is
You "fight against" your opponent
fighting against
(when it's a person or an
discrimination and
idea/thing/etc.)
injustice.
fight for
After the accident, he
You "fight for" something you
was fighting for his life.
approve of, or you want to have
fight with
The protestors are
You "fight with" your opponent (only
fighting with the police. when it's a person)
forget about
Oh no! I forgot about the You "forget about" a noun
(something)
meeting - now I'm going
to be late.
forget to (do
I'm cold - I forgot to
You "forget to" a verb
something)
bring my jacket.
forgive (someone) for I forgave him for taking
(something)
my camera without
asking permission.
gaze at
She sat on the beach,
"Gaze" means to look at something
gazing at the ocean.
for a long time and in a contemplative
way
get back from (a
I just got back from the
"Get back from" is the same as
place)
gym - I need to take a
"return from"
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

get rid of
get used to
give (something) to
(someone)
glare at

graduate from (a
place)
grieve for
grumble about
(something)
happen to
harp on

hear about
hear from (someone)
hear of
help (someone) with
(something)
hide (something)
from (someone)
hinge on

hope for (noun)

shower
I got rid of some old
"Get rid of" means to throw away or
clothes that I don't wear give away
anymore.
I'm a relaxed person, so it was hard for me to get used to the fast
pace of New York City.
I gave the keys to
You can also say "I gave Pamela the
Pamela.
keys."
Rita glared at her
"Glare" means to look at
husband when he started someone/something angrily
chatting with a beautiful
woman at the club.
He graduated from
Harvard University in
1986.
He's grieving for his
"Grieve" means to be sad about a loss
mother, who died just a
- usually a death
few days ago.
My husband is
"Grumble" is like "complain"
grumbling about how
early we need to get up
to catch our 6 AM flight.
What happened to your
car? Did you get in an
accident?
The salesman was
"Harp on" means to emphasize
harping on all the
something strongly (and rather
wonderful benefits of the annoyingly)
product.
Did you hear about the
"Hear about" is used for knowing
bank robbery that
about the details of a situation
happened last night?
My cousin is traveling and doesn't have much internet access, so I
haven't heard from her lately.
I've never heard of that
"Hear of" is used for hearing just a
movie.
mention of something (no details)
She really helped me
with the problem.
I hid the cookies from my kids so they wouldn't eat them before
dinner.
The success of this
"Hinge on" is like "depend on" - it
project hinges on
means teamwork and collaboration
teamwork and
are ESSENTIAL to the success
collaboration.
I'm hoping for good
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

hope to (verb)
insist on
insure against
interfere in
(something)
interfere with
(something)
introduce (someone/
something) to
(someone/
something)
invest in
invite (someone) to
joke about
jot down (something)
keep (someone/
something) from
(doing something)
know about
laugh about

laugh at

learn about
lend (something) to
(someone)

weather this weekend.


My husband and I are
hoping to go camping.
I thought the company website was great, but my boss insisted
on redesigning it.
My car is insured
against theft.
Don't interfere in the
"Interfere in" means to get involved
situation if you don't
in something that you shouldn't
know all the facts.
The flight delay
"Interfere with" means to add an
interfered with our
obstacle that delays or prevents
travel plans.
something from happening
I'd like to introduce you
to a friend of mine from
college.
The city is investing thousands of dollars in improving public
transportation.
She invited me to her
birthday party.
Chris is always joking
"Joke about" is to talk about it with
about how bad he is at
humor, in a funny/comedic way
sports.
I jotted down a few
"Jot down" is the same as "write
notes during the
down" - jot means "to write quickly"
presentation
A password keeps
"Keep someone from doing
people from accessing
something" is the same as "prevent
your account.
someone from doing something"
He knows a lot about
computers.
Our travel disaster was
You "laugh about" a situation
annoying at the time, but
we laughed about it
later.
When I said something
You typically "laugh at" a person
stupid, everyone
(although sometimes "laugh at" is
laughed at me.
used for a situation - "I laughed at her
reaction to the news."
I like learning about
other cultures.
I lent a book to my friend "Lend" is the opposite of "borrow."
six months ago, and he
When you lend something, you give it
hasn't given it back yet.
to someone else temporarily
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

listen to
long for
look at
look forward to
matter to (someone)
meet with (someone)
mistake (someone/
something) for
(someone/
something)
object to

participate in
(something)
pay for
plan on
praise (someone) for
(something)
pray for
prefer (something) to
(something)
prepare for
present (someone)
with (something)
prevent (someone/
something) from

I usually listen to music


on my mp3 player while I
exercise.
I long for a job in which I To "long for" something means you
have more flexible hours! REALLY want something
I looked at the pictures
from Jason's vacation.
I'm looking forward to
"Look forward to" means you are
having lunch with you
happy or excited for something in the
next week.
future.
We can take the 8 AM or
the 11 AM train - it
doesn't matter to me.
I met with the
department manager to
discuss the project.
My sister looks like a famous actress, so people always mistake
her for a celebrity.
I object to the idea that
If you "object to" something, it means
stay-at-home moms are
you oppose it or strongly disagree
lazy. They work really
with it
hard!
Representatives from 15 countries will participate in the
conference.
I paid $100 for this
perfume.
We plan on attending
"Plan on" is followed by the -ING form
the party.
of the verb
He praised me for my
creative solution to the
problem.
I'm praying for you to
feel better soon.
I prefer swimming to
biking.
The sports team is
preparing for the
tournament next month.
The company presented
Randy with an award for
excellent service.
Computer problems prevented me from finishing my work
yesterday.
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

(doing something)
prohibit (someone)
from (doing
something)
protect (someone)
from (something)
provide (someone)
with (something)
punish (someone) for
(something)
quarrel with
(someone)
about/over
(something)
react to
recover from
(something)
refer to (something)
related to

rely on
remind (someone) of
(something)
remind (someone) to
(do something)
reply to
rescue (someone)
from (something)
respond to
result in (something)
save (someone) from
(something)
scold (someone) for

Employees are
prohibited from
smoking inside the office.
Wearing a bicycle helmet can protect you from serious head
injuries.
We provided all the
children with computers.
I punished my teenage daughter for going to a party without my
permission.
We quarreled with the
"Quarrel" is the same as "argue"
hotel receptionist about
(have a verbal conflict)
the extra charges on our
bill.
Environmental groups are reacting to the city's plans to build a
new shopping center in the middle of the park.
She stayed home from work because she's still recovering from
pneumonia.
Please refer to the
diagram on page 15.
The website has
"Related to" is also used for family
information on various
members - "I'm related to a famous
topics related to
actor. He's my cousin."
pregnancy.
You can't rely on other
"Rely on" is like "depend on"
people to make you
happy.
You remind me of my
sister - you have a similar
personality.
I reminded my husband to buy some milk at the store on the
way home from work.
I'll reply to your e-mail
later today.
The coast guard rescued
the fisherman from the
sinking boat.
The film director responded to the criticisms about his latest
movie.
The advertising campaign resulted in hundreds of new
customers for the company.
The fireman saved the
child from the burning
building.
The teacher scolded the To "scold" is to reprimand or criticize
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

([doing] something)
search for
separate (something)
from (something)
share (something)
with (someone)
shout at
show (something) to
(someone)
smile at (someone)
speak to/with
(someone) about
(someone /
something)
specialize in
(something)
spend (money/time)
on
stand for
stare at
stem from
stop (someone) from
(doing something)
subject (someone) to
(something)
subscribe to
substitute
(something) for

student for coming to


class late.
I'm searching for a twobedroom apartment in
the city center.
I separated last year's
documents from this
year's documents.
I shared the food with
my brother.
My mother shouted at
me when I left a big mess
in the kitchen.
I showed my new cell
phone to all my friends.
She smiled at me.
I spoke with my son's
teacher about his
behavior in school.

someone for doing something wrong


You can use "searching for" or
"looking for"

To "shout" is to yell, to speak very


loudly. You can also say "yell at"

Both "to" and "with" can be used after


"speak," but "with" implies more of a
two-way conversation. If the
conversation is only one way, use "to"
- "The president spoke to an audience
of 5,000."

I'm a biologist. I
specialize in the study of
tropical plants.
I spent $300 on this backpack because I wanted one that was
really high-quality.
NATO stands for the
North Atlantic Treaty
Organization.
When I dyed my hair
"Stare" means to look at something
bright green, a lot of
intensely for a long time
children stared at me.
The current health crisis "Stem from" is like "originate in"
stems from lack of
nutritional education.
I stopped the child from
playing with the scissors.
I was subjected to verbal abuse from my boss in my previous job
- that's why I quit.
I don't subscribe to any
magazines - I just read
them online.
You can substitute
chicken for beef in this
www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

(something)
succeed in (doing
something)
suffer from
suspect (someone) of
(something)
take advantage of
(someone/
something/
situation)

take care of
talk to/with
(someone) about
(topic)
tell (someone) about
(something)
thank (someone) for
(something)
think about

recipe.
She succeeded in
running a marathon in
under 4 hours.
My aunt suffers from
arthritis.
He is suspected of
planning a terrorist
attack.
With low interest rates,
many people took
advantage of the
opportunity to buy a
house.

If you "take advantage of" someone, it


has a negative connotation - you are
using that person for your own
benefit. If you "take advantage of" a
situation, it can be negative, but it can
also be neutral - as in the example
sentence.
I'm taking care of my neighbors' dog while they're traveling this
weekend.
I need to talk with you
Similar to "speak to/with"
about plans for next year.

Caroline told us about


her trip to South Africa.
Thank you for helping
me with my homework.
I'm thinking about
taking piano lessons.
think of
He thought of a great
way to increase sales.
translate (something) We need to translate
into (a language)
this document into
Italian.
travel to
We're traveling to
(somewhere)
Moscow by train.
trust (someone) with I trust her with my car (something)
she's a careful driver.
turn into
The city is going to turn
this old church into a
museum.
use (something) for (- I use vitamins to give me
ING) / to (infinitive)
more energy.
vote against
That senator voted
against a law proposing
stricter measures for gun
control.

"Turn into" means to transform

"Vote against" means you oppose it,


you vote NO

www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

vote for
vouch for (someone /
something)
wait for
(someone/something
)
warn about
waste (money/time)
on
work for (a company
/ person)
work on (a project /
task)
worry about
write about
write to (someone)
yap about

yearn for

I'm going to vote for


Janet for president.
I can vouch for him he's an honest and
dependable guy.

"Vote for" means you support it, you


vote YES
If you "vouch for"
someone/something, it means you
recommend it because you have
experience with it
I can't leave yet because I'm waiting for my wife to finish putting
on her makeup.
They warned us about
the poisonous snakes in
the forest.
I wasted $10 on a
flashlight that didn't even
work.
I work for a car
dealership.
We're working on a new
project.
My grandmother always
worries about my
safety.
The journalist wrote
about the election.
Make sure to write to your grandparents and thank them for the
gift.
The secretaries were
To "yap" is to talk or chat in an
yapping about the
annoying way
newest episode of the TV
show.
The poor children are
"Yearn for" is like "long for" - it
yearning for a better
means you really want something,
life.
with a lot of emotion

www.espressoenglish.net
Shayna Oliveira, 2012

You might also like