Verbs + Prepositions
In English, certain verbs are consistently followed by specific prepositions, and these small words shape meaning and signal relationships between actions and things. This guide groups common verbs by their prepositions and gives brief notes on usage.
Verbs + "to"
Verbs that are followed by to often introduce a recipient, a purpose, or an intended action. Think of giving, sending, or agreeing when you see to.
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| give | send |
| show | tell |
| lend | offer |
| pay | bring |
| pass | promise |
| return | donate |
| hand | teach |
| owe | deliver |
| grant | assign |
| award | recommend |
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Verbs + "for"
For typically introduces a beneficiary, a reason, or a purpose. Verbs that pair with for often relate to doing something on someone's behalf or because of something.
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| do | make |
| buy | save |
| cook | prepare |
| find | get |
| ask | wait |
| thank | set |
| arrange | look |
| pay | plan |
| leave | keep |
| search | call |
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Verbs + "in"
In can signal participation, a manner of input, or a field. Verbs followed by in often relate to joining, investing, or expressing something within a context.
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| believe | participate |
| invest | take |
| engage | assist |
| result | help |
| specialize | train |
| succeed | work |
| confide | compete |
| involve | advise |
| trust | concentrate |
| deal | enter |
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Verbs + "on"
On often introduces a source, a dependency, or a surface, and verbs that take on can relate to relying, focusing, or placing something. It can also signal an event or time when used with certain nouns.
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| depend | rely |
| focus | count |
| bet | insist |
| agree | decide |
| spend | base |
| work | plan |
| concentrate | wait |
| comment | touch |
| improve | act |
| comment | premised |
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Verbs + "at"
At usually points to a target, a specific time, or an audience. Verbs followed by at often describe aiming, directing, or reacting toward someone or something.
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| laugh | shout |
| glance | point |
| stare | aim |
| wink | throw |
| yell | look |
| smile | fire |
| glare | nod |
| wave | bark |
| cry | signal |
| tease | press |
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Verbs + "by"
By frequently introduces the means, an agent, or a method. Verbs that pair with by can show how something is done or who did it, and sometimes mark an instrument or process.
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| travel | send |
| learn | go |
| pay | measure |
| operate | find |
| kill | arrive |
| catch | depart |
| save | pass |
| communicate | ride |
| escape | deliver |
| work | return |
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Verbs + "with"
With signals accompaniment, an instrument, or sometimes an agreement. Verbs followed by with can describe partnering, using a tool, or sharing something.
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| agree | help |
| argue | play |
| fight | share |
| match | work |
| deal | communicate |
| connect | support |
| compete | cooperate |
| negotiate | associate |
| side | unite |
| sympathize | team |
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Verbs + "about"
About introduces a topic, and verbs that take about typically relate to thinking, talking, or worrying regarding something. It's common with discussions, questions, and concerns.
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| talk | think |
| ask | worry |
| tell | learn |
| complain | hear |
| read | decide |
| know | guess |
| dream | discuss |
| worry | remind |
| argue | mention |
| teach | plan |
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Verbs + "for" / "to" / "in" (Special Cases)
Some verbs change meaning depending on whether they are followed by for, to, or in, so it's important to note the preposition carefully. For example, look for means to search, look to can mean to rely on or plan, and look in can mean to visit briefly.
Verbs + "for"
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| look | wait |
| ask | search |
| care | pay |
| hope | prepare |
| thank | plan |
| compete | call |
| apply | save |
| wait | make |
| provide | arrange |
| demand | leave |
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Verbs + "to"
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| look | listen |
| talk | respond |
| belong | confess |
| turn | speak |
| refer | appeal |
| go | explain |
| answer | relate |
| submit | report |
| admit | write |
| resort | warn |
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Verbs + "in"
| English Verb | English Verb |
|---|---|
| look | check |
| bring | join |
| take | invest |
| fit | participate |
| hand | specialize |
| call | engage |
| drop | succeed |
| trade | work |
| help | compete |
| write | train |
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Summary
Prepositions after verbs guide meaning and structure, so learning common verb-preposition pairs helps you sound natural and be understood. Pay attention to small differences between pairs like look for, look to, and look in, and practice using these patterns in context.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025