Different kinds of verbs can be followed by different kinds of words and structures. Sometimes, this is a matter of meaning. Sometimes it is a matter of grammatical rules.
Fill in the blanks
1. Why are you ………………… me like that?
The verb look needs a preposition before its object.
2. I would like you to ..................... this story.
The verb listen needs the preposition to before its object.
3. Let’s ………………. your plans.
The verb talk requires a preposition before its object.
4. Let’s …………………. your plans.
The verb discuss does not take a preposition before its object.
5. She ………………….. the station last night.
Usually a preposition is necessary before an expression of place.
6. I enjoy …………………. cards.
The verb enjoy is followed by a noun or an ing form.
7. I suggest …………………. an attorney.
The verb suggest cannot be followed by a to-infinitive.
8. The police believe ………………… to be dangerous.
A pronoun used as the object should be in its object form.
9. I would like you to explain .......................
The verb explain cannot be used with the structure indirect object + direct object.
10. Can you suggest …………………?
The verb suggest cannot be used with the structure indirect object + direct object.
11. Please describe …………………
The verb describe cannot be used with the structure indirect object + direct object.
12. He fell ………………….
Fell off is an inseparable phrasal verb.
Answers
1. Why are you looking at me like that?
2. I would like you to listen to this story.
3. Let’s talk about your plans.
4. Let’s discuss your plans.
5. She arrived at the station last night.
6. I enjoy playing cards.
7. I suggest that you see an attorney.
8. The police believe him to be dangerous.
9. I would like you to explain your decision to us.
10. Can you suggest a good cardiologist to me?
11. Please describe your new job to us.
12. He fell off the ladder.
