Verb + preposition 5 - in/into/with/to/on

This lesson explains common verb + preposition combinations using in, into, with, to and on. These pairs change the meaning of a verb and are essential in professional contexts. You will learn typical patterns and how to choose the correct preposition.

• Some verbs require a specific preposition (e.g., participate in, rely on).
• Similar prepositions can change meaning (in vs into; on vs to).
• Practice recognizing the verb and the correct preposition in business sentences.

Focus on the verb: the correct preposition often follows the verb and is not interchangeable.

Many verbs are followed by a specific preposition. Learning the pair as one unit helps avoid mistakes.

• Memorize common pairs (participate in, rely on, collaborate with).
• Use 'into' for movement from outside to inside; use 'in' for location or inclusion.
• 'To' often follows verbs of movement or direction (go to, send to).
• 'On' is common with focus or surface (focus on, depend on).

When unsure, check a dictionary for the verb + preposition collocation.

Learners often confuse similar prepositions or try to substitute one preposition for another. Watch out for these universal errors.

• Using 'in' instead of 'into' when the sentence requires movement (We moved in the office → We moved into the office).
• Replacing fixed collocations with other prepositions (participate on / to / with → correct: participate in).
• Omitting the preposition after verbs that require one (rely ___ her → rely on her).
• Mixing up 'to' and 'on' after verbs (depend to / depend on → correct: depend on).

When uncertain, think about meaning (location vs movement; participation vs direction) before choosing a preposition.