It is not always easy to know which preposition to use after a particular noun, verb or adjective. Here are some of the most common combinations.
Accuse somebody of something
She accused me of breaking the flower-vase.
Afraid of
I am afraid of the dark.
Agree with a person, opinion or policy
I couldn’t agree with him.
Fatty foods don’t agree with me.
He left the firm because he couldn’t agree with their marketing policy.
Agree about a subject of discussion
We agree about most things.
Agree on a matter for decision.
We still haven’t agreed on a date.
Agree to a suggestion
I will agree to your suggestion if you lower the price.
Angry with / at a person for doing something
She was angry with / at me for using her car without her permission.
Angry about something / angry at something
What are you so angry about?
Anxious about (= worried about)
I am getting anxious about your safety.
Anxious for (= eager to have)
We are anxious for an end to this misunderstanding.
Anxious to (= eager, wanting)
She is anxious to leave. (= She is eager to leave.)
Apologize to somebody for something
We must apologize to him.
I must apologize for interrupting you.
Arrive at / in
What time does the plane arrive at New York?
When did you arrive in Canada?
Divide into
He divided the cake into eight parts.
Dream of (= think of, imagine)
He always dreams of becoming a famous writer.
Dressed in
She came dressed in white.
Drive into
Susie drove into a tree again yesterday.
Enter into an agreement, a discussion etc.
We have just entered into an agreement with them.
Enter is used without a preposition when it means ‘enter a place’.
The conversation stopped as we entered the temple.
Explain something to somebody
Could you please explain this to me?
Fight with / struggle with / quarrel with / argue with
Their children are very badly brought up – they are constantly fighting with each other.
