Lesson

Verb + preposition 2 - about/for/of/after

About/for/of/after with verbs

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Verb + preposition 2 — about / for / of / after

This lesson focuses on common verb + preposition combinations using about, for, of, and after. Some verbs require a specific preposition to connect to their object. Using the wrong preposition (or omitting it) can change or break the meaning.

  • These combinations are sometimes called 'prepositional verbs'.
  • The preposition is essential: 'wait for' ≠ 'wait about'.
  • Many of these verbs appear in business contexts: think about, wait for, approve of, look after.

Table

Common Verb + Preposition combinations with examples

Verb + Preposition Meaning Example
think about consider something We need to think about the budget before the meeting.
hear about receive news or information about something Did you hear about the new hiring policy?
worry about be concerned about something The team worried about the deadline.
wait for stay until something happens or someone arrives Please wait for my approval before sending the email.
look after take care of someone or something Can you look after the client during the visit?
approve of have a positive opinion about something The board approved of the proposed changes.
care for / care about attend to or feel concern for She cares for the accounts. / He cares about the environment.
be afraid of fear something He is afraid of making a public presentation.

Tip

Key rule: Learn verbs with their prepositions

Many verbs require a specific preposition. Memorize the common pairs and notice patterns in context.

  • Memorize: think about, wait for, approve of, look after.
  • When a verb needs a preposition, you cannot replace it with another or remove it without changing the meaning.
  • If you are unsure, check a reliable dictionary entry for the verb.

When writing, use the exact verb + preposition used in examples or official documents.

Example

Examples in context

We need to think about the marketing strategy.

Please wait for the client to confirm the date.

The committee approved of the new proposal.

Can you look after the contractor's paperwork?

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

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

  • Using the wrong preposition (e.g., 'interested for' instead of 'interested in').
  • Omitting the required preposition (e.g., 'wait the client' instead of 'wait for the client').
  • Confusing verbs that look similar but take different prepositions (e.g., 'care for' vs 'care about').
  • Wrong word order: don’t place the preposition before the verb or separate verb and preposition incorrectly.

If unsure, check examples in context or a dictionary; practice with sentences.

Quiz

Choose the sentence with the correct verb + preposition:

Hint: Think about which preposition commonly follows 'interested' when referring to topics.

Quiz

Complete: We decided to wait _____ the client's approval.

Hint: Think about the preposition that commonly follows 'wait' when there is a target or person.

Quiz

Which sentence uses the correct verb + preposition?

Hint: Consider which preposition pairs with 'approve' to express acceptance.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

think about

verb phrase CEFR B1 //θɪŋk əˈbaʊt//

to consider or reflect on something

We should think about expanding to new markets.

GrammarPoint

wait for

verb phrase CEFR A2 //weɪt fɔːr//

to stay until someone or something arrives or happens

Please wait for my confirmation before proceeding.

GrammarPoint

look after

verb phrase CEFR B1 //lʊk ˈæftər//

to take care of someone or something

Can you look after the files while I'm on leave?

GrammarPoint

approve of

verb phrase CEFR B2 //əˈpruːv əv//

to have a positive opinion about something; to accept or sanction

The board approved of the revised budget.

Vocabulary

hear about

verb phrase CEFR A2 //hɪər əˈbaʊt//

to receive information or news regarding something

I heard about the client's resignation this morning.

Vocabulary

worry about

verb phrase CEFR B1 //ˈwʌri əˈbaʊt//

to feel anxious or concerned about something

Managers worry about meeting quarterly targets.

Vocabulary

care for

verb phrase CEFR B1 //keər fɔːr//

to look after or provide attention to someone or something

She cares for the company's client relationships.