What are dependent prepositions?
A dependent preposition is a preposition that always follows a specific verb. You cannot change it or remove it without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example, we say "agree with" not "agree to." The verb and preposition work together as a unit. Learning these combinations is important because native speakers always use them this way.
Why do we need dependent prepositions?
Different languages and different verbs use different prepositions. There is no grammar rule that explains why we use one preposition instead of another—you must memorize them. This lesson covers verbs that start with letters A through F. Each verb has its own dependent preposition, and using the correct one helps you sound natural and be clearly understood.
How to learn dependent prepositions
The best way to learn dependent prepositions is to see them in real sentences and practice them together with the verb. When you study a new verb, also learn its preposition. Make a list and review it regularly. In this lesson, you will see common verbs (A–F) and their correct prepositions with clear examples.
Verb + Preposition List (A–F)
| Verb | Preposition | Followed by | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| accuse | of | person + of + noun/gerund | She accused him of lying. | Always takes an object (person) before of |
| adapt | to | noun/gerund | He adapted to living abroad. | Refers to adjusting to new conditions |
| add | to | noun | Add milk to the mixture. | Indicates inclusion into something |
| agree | with / on / to | person (with); topic (on); plan (to) | I agree with you. We agreed on a date. She agreed to the terms. | Choice of preposition changes the meaning slightly |
| aim | at / for | noun/gerund (at); noun (for) | Aim at improving skills. Aim for the top. | At = target action; for = target goal |
| apologise | for / to | noun/gerund (for); person (to) | He apologised for being late. She apologised to him. | Both often used together: apologise to sb for sth |
| apply | for / to | noun (for = thing sought); noun (to = organisation) | Apply for a job. Apply to the university. | Often combined: apply to [place] for [thing] |
| approve | of | noun/gerund | I don't approve of smoking. | Expresses opinion/attitude toward something |
| argue | with / about / for / against | person (with); topic (about); position (for/against) | Argue with a friend about money. | Multiple prepositions used in different contexts |
| arrive | at / in | noun (place) | Arrive at the station. Arrive in Paris. | At = specific point; in = city/country. Never arrive to |
| ask | for / about | noun (for = request); noun/gerund (about = enquire) | Ask for help. Ask about the schedule. | Ask for = want something; ask about = seek info |
| base | on | noun | The film is based on a novel. | Usually passive: be based on |
| believe | in | noun/gerund | She believes in working hard. | Expresses faith or principle; differs from believe that |
| blame | for | person + for + noun/gerund | They blamed him for the mistake. | Always takes an object (person) before for |
| boast | about / of | noun/gerund | He boasts about his achievements. She boasted of her success. | About is more common in modern English; of is formal |
| bring | about / to | noun (about = cause); person/state (to = lead to) | This policy brought about change. Bring him to a decision. | Bring about = cause to happen; bring to = cause to reach |
Formula
✔ Positive
Subject
+
verb
+
preposition
+
object
I agree with you.
✖ Negative
Subject
+
do not
+
verb
+
preposition
+
object
I do not agree with you.
? Question
Do
+
Subject
+
verb
+
preposition
+
object
Do you agree with me?
Examples
I agree with your opinion.
Common expression · Verb + preposition
She apologized for being late to the meeting.
Formal usage · Showing regret
Can you ask for help if you need it?
Everyday usage · Making a request
He applied for a job at the bank.
Professional context · Job hunting
They belong to a sports club in the city.
Everyday usage · Showing membership
I focus on my studies during exam time.
Academic usage · Paying attention
When to use it
Job applications
When talking about applying for positions or jobs, use "apply for." This is essential for professional situations.
"I applied for the manager position last week."
Expressing opinions
Use "agree with" or "disagree with" when discussing what you think about someone's idea or opinion.
"I disagree with that decision."
Making requests
Use "ask for" when you need something from someone. This is very common in everyday English.
"Can you ask for permission to leave early?"
Saying sorry
When you make a mistake, use "apologize for" to show that you are sorry about something specific.
"She apologized for the mistake in the report."
Signal words
agree with
apologize for
apply for
ask for
belong to
focus on
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
I agree to your opinion.
✓
Correct
I agree with your opinion.
"Agree" always needs "with," not "to." "Agree to" means something different.
✕
Wrong
She apologized about being late.
✓
Correct
She apologized for being late.
"Apologize" needs "for," not "about." The preposition "for" shows what you are sorry about.
✕
Wrong
He asked the job at the company.
✓
Correct
He applied for the job at the company.
When you want a position, use "apply for," not "ask." "Ask" needs a different preposition.
✕
Wrong
They belong in a club.
✓
Correct
They belong to a club.
"Belong" always uses "to" to show membership or possession, not "in."
✕
Wrong
I focus at my studies.
✓
Correct
I focus on my studies.
"Focus" needs "on" to show what you are concentrating on, not "at."
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- A dependent preposition always follows a specific verb and cannot be changed without altering meaning.
- You must learn verb-preposition combinations as fixed units because there is no grammar rule explaining them.
- Native speakers always use the same preposition with the same verb; never substitute a different one.
- Different verbs require different prepositions, so "agree with" is correct but "agree to" is wrong.
- Memorize dependent prepositions through practice and examples since they must be learned individually, not logically.