Some verbs take a preposition before the object. These prepositions are called dependent prepositions and are usually followed by a noun or ing form. There are several such verb + preposition combinations.Some verbs take a preposition before the object.
These prepositions are called dependent prepositions and are usually followed by a noun or ing form. There are several such verb + preposition combinations.This grammar exercise tests your understanding of common verb + preposition combinations.
1Do you believe ............... ghosts?
Wrong!
After "believe" in this meaning, use "in".
2She spent years caring ............... her sick husband.
Wrong!
To look after someone, use "for" after "caring".
3This spray will protect you ............... most insects.
Wrong!
After "protect you", use "from" before the danger or problem.
4He has yet to recover ............... his illness.
Wrong!
After "recover", use "from" before an illness or problem.
5He won the national bravery award for saving his friend ............... drowning.
Wrong!
After "saving his friend", use "from" before the danger.
6He worked hard to succeed ............... life.
Wrong!
After "succeed", use "in" before the area of success.
7I don't approve ............... your conduct, young man.
Wrong!
After "approve", use "of" before the thing accepted as right.
8He suffers ............... asthma.
Wrong!
After "suffers", use "from" before an illness or condition.
9That shampoo smells ............... jasmine.
Wrong!
To describe a scent, use "of" after "smells".
10Please don't make a noise. I want to concentrate ............... my studies.
Wrong!
After "concentrate", use "on" before the thing receiving attention.
11My husband and I can't agree ............... anything, but we love each other.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
For topics of agreement, both "on" and "about" are natural here.
12Please refer ............... the glossary for more information.
Wrong!
After "refer", use "to" before the source of information.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- Do you believe in ghosts?
- She spent years caring for her sick husband.
- This spray will protect you from most insects.
- He has yet to recover from his illness.
- He won the national bravery award for saving his friend from drowning.
- He worked hard to succeed in life.
- I don’t approve of your conduct, young man.
- He suffers from asthma.
- That shampoo smells of jasmine.
- Please don’t make a noise. I want to concentrate on my studies.
- My husband and I can’t agree on / about anything, but we love each other.
- Please refer to the glossary for more information.

