Lesson

Listen to... look at... (verb + prepositions)

Verb + preposition

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Listen to... look at... (verb + prepositions)

Some verbs in English require a specific preposition before their object. These combinations (verb + preposition + object) are fixed patterns you must learn. Using the wrong preposition — or omitting it — changes the meaning or makes the sentence ungrammatical.

  • Common examples: listen to, look at, speak to, depend on, look for.
  • The structure is: verb + preposition + object (Listen to the client).
  • Learn these patterns as chunks and practise them in business contexts.

Table

Common Verb + Preposition Patterns

Verb Preposition Example
listen to Listen to the client before finalising the proposal.
look at Look at the sales chart for Q4.
speak to I need to speak to the manager about the schedule.
depend on Our delivery date depends on the supplier.
look for Please look for the invoice in the shared folder.
rely on We rely on accurate data for forecasting.

Tip

Key rule: verb + preposition + object

Remember that some verbs are followed by a specific preposition. The preposition is part of the pattern and is not optional.

  • Use: listen to the recording. Not: listen the recording.
  • Use: look at the report. Not: look the report.
  • Learn common pairs and practise them in sentences.

Treat verb + preposition as a single chunk when you learn it.

Example

Examples in context

Please listen to the client's feedback before proposing changes.

Look at the annual report and highlight the key figures.

I'll speak to HR about the onboarding process tomorrow.

We depend on supplier reliability to meet our deadlines.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when using verb + preposition patterns.

  • Omitting the required preposition (e.g., *listen the update*).
  • Using the wrong preposition (e.g., *look in the report* when you mean *look at the report*).
  • Incorrect word order (placing the preposition after the object).
  • Treating all verbs like they behave the same: different verbs require different prepositions.

When unsure, check a dictionary or example sentences to confirm the correct preposition.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Which preposition commonly follows 'listen'?

Quiz

Complete: Please _____ the manager about the changes.

Hint: Think about the preposition used after 'speak' to indicate the person you contact.

Quiz

Choose the sentence with correct preposition usage:

Hint: Check the order: verb + preposition + object.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

listen to

verb + preposition CEFR B1 //ˈlɪsən tuː//

to give attention with the ear to someone or something

Listen to the client's concerns before responding.

GrammarPoint

look at

verb + preposition CEFR B1 //lʊk æt//

to direct your eyes toward something to see or examine it

Look at the presentation slides before the meeting.

GrammarPoint

speak to

verb + preposition CEFR B1 //spiːk tuː//

to talk with someone; to address someone with words

I'll speak to the team about the deadline.

GrammarPoint

depend on

verb + preposition CEFR B2 //dɪˈpɛnd ɒn//

to be influenced or decided by something else; to rely on

Our launch date depends on regulatory approval.

GrammarPoint

look for

verb + preposition CEFR B1 //lʊk fɔːr//

to search or try to find something

Please look for the missing file in the archive.

GrammarPoint

rely on

verb + preposition CEFR B2 //rɪˈlaɪ ɒn//

to trust or have confidence in someone or something

We rely on accurate forecasts to plan production.