What Are Dependent Prepositions?
A dependent preposition is a preposition that always follows a specific verb. You cannot change or remove it without making the sentence wrong. For example, we say 'good at' not 'good in' or 'good for'. These combinations must be learned together as fixed phrases. This lesson covers verbs starting with letters G through Z.
Why Learn These Phrases?
Dependent prepositions are common in everyday English. Using the correct preposition helps you sound natural and communicate clearly. Native speakers always use these fixed combinations, so learning them is essential for speaking and writing correctly at the A2 level and beyond.
How to Study Dependent Prepositions
The best way to learn dependent prepositions is to study them in groups and use them in sentences. Say the phrase out loud several times. Write example sentences. Notice that some verbs can take different prepositions with different meanings. Always check a dictionary or grammar guide when you learn a new verb.
Verb + Preposition List (G–Z)
| Verb | Preposition | Example | Meaning Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| get | over | She finally got over her cold. | Recover from something |
| get | rid of | He got rid of old clothes. | Remove or discard |
| glance | at | She glanced at her watch. | Take a quick look at |
| glare | at | He glared at the rude driver. | Stare angrily at |
| graduate | from | She graduated from university. | Complete a course of study |
| guard | against | Guard against infection. | Protect oneself from |
| happen | to | What happened to him? | Occur to someone/something |
| hear | about / of | Have you heard about the news? | Receive information regarding |
| hear | from | I haven't heard from her. | Receive contact/communication from |
| help | with | Can you help me with this? | Assist someone in doing something |
| hint | at | She hinted at a surprise. | Suggest indirectly |
| hope | for | We hoped for good weather. | Wish that something will happen |
| insist | on | He insisted on paying. | Demand firmly |
| invest | in | They invested in stocks. | Put money/effort into |
| joke | about | Don't joke about serious things. | Make light of a topic |
| know | about | Do you know about this rule? | Be aware of / informed about |
| laugh | at | They laughed at the joke. | Find something amusing (or mock) |
| learn | about / from | We learn from our mistakes. | Gain knowledge through experience |
| listen | to | Listen to the teacher. | Pay attention to sound/speech |
| look | at | Look at the picture. | Direct one's gaze toward |
Formula
✔ Positive
Subject
+
verb
+
dependent preposition
+
object
She is good at mathematics.
✖ Negative
Subject
+
is not
+
adjective
+
dependent preposition
+
object
He is not interested in sports.
? Question
Are
+
you
+
worried
+
about
+
the exam?
Are you worried about the exam?
Examples
He is very good at speaking French.
Skills and abilities · Adjective + preposition
I insist on paying for dinner tonight.
Demanding something · Verb + preposition
My parents are worried about my exam results.
Feelings and concerns · Adjective + preposition
This job involves working with computers.
Job responsibilities · Verb + preposition
I'm looking forward to the weekend.
Anticipation · Phrasal verb + preposition
The teacher warned us about the difficult test.
Giving information · Verb + preposition
When to use it
Describing Skills
Use dependent prepositions to talk about what you are good or bad at. This is useful in interviews, conversations about hobbies, and school discussions.
"I'm terrible at cooking, but I'm very good at playing the guitar."
Expressing Feelings
Talk about emotions and worries using adjectives with dependent prepositions. Use these in conversations and written communication about your concerns.
"I'm worried about my exam results and excited about the summer holidays."
Work and Responsibilities
Describe job duties and work requirements using verbs like 'involve' and 'insist on'. These phrases are important in professional and educational contexts.
"This project involves working with a team and insisting on high quality."
Future Plans
Express anticipation and future plans using 'looking forward to' and similar phrases. Common in social situations and personal conversations.
"I'm looking forward to seeing my friends this weekend."
Signal words
good at
bad at
interested in
worried about
involved in
insist on
warn about
looking forward to
guilty of
jealous of
grateful for
focus on
hesitate about
hear about
hope for
succeed in
suffer from
think about
work with
worry about
yearn for
zoom in on
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
She is good in English.
✓
Correct
She is good at English.
Use 'good at', not 'good in'. This is a fixed combination for skills.
✕
Wrong
I insist in paying myself.
✓
Correct
I insist on paying myself.
'Insist on' is the correct dependent preposition, not 'insist in'.
✕
Wrong
We are looking forward for the holiday.
✓
Correct
We are looking forward to the holiday.
Use 'looking forward to', not 'looking forward for'.
✕
Wrong
He warned me of the danger.
✓
Correct
He warned me about the danger.
'Warn about' is more common for general warnings; 'warn of' is less frequent at A2 level.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- A dependent preposition is a fixed preposition that always follows a specific verb and cannot be changed.
- Learn dependent prepositions as complete phrases with their verbs, not as separate grammar rules.
- You cannot substitute different prepositions for dependent prepositions without making the sentence grammatically incorrect.
- Common verb-preposition combinations like 'good at' and 'interested in' must be memorized together.
- Using correct dependent prepositions helps you sound natural and communicate clearly like a native speaker.