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
1Why are you looking ............... me like that?
Wrong!
Use "at" after "look" when someone directs their eyes toward a person or thing.
2I would like you to listen ............... this story.
Wrong!
Use "to" after "listen" before the thing you hear intentionally.
3Let's talk ............... your plans.
Wrong!
Use "about" after "talk" before the subject of a conversation.
4Let's ............... your plans.
Wrong!
Use "discuss" with a direct object and no preposition.
5She arrived ............... the station last night.
Wrong!
Use "at" after "arrive" before a specific place such as a station.
6I enjoy ............... cards.
Wrong!
Use "playing" because "enjoy" is followed by a gerund.
7I suggest ............... an attorney.
Wrong!
Use "that you consult" because "suggest" can be followed by a that-clause.
8The police believe ............... to be dangerous.
Wrong!
Use "him" because the pronoun is the object of "believe".
9I would like you to explain your decision ...............
Wrong!
Use "to us" after the thing explained when you name the listener.
10Can you suggest a good cardiologist ...............?
Wrong!
Use "to me" after the thing suggested when you name the receiver.
11Please describe your new job ...............
Wrong!
Use "to us" after the thing described when you name the listener.
12He fell ............... the ladder.
Wrong!
Use "off" because "fall off" means to drop from something by accident.
Answers
- Why are you looking at me like that?
- I would like you to listen to this story.
- Let’s talk about your plans.
- Let’s discuss your plans.
- She arrived at the station last night.
- I enjoy playing cards.
- I suggest that you consult an attorney.
- The police believe him to be dangerous.
- I would like you to explain your decision to us.
- Can you suggest a good cardiologist to me?
- Please describe your new job to us.
- He fell off the ladder.