Dependent prepositions

5.1 Verb + Preposition

A Sample sentences

Ш We agree with you entirely on the need for additional commitment.

Ш The whole future of this operation depends on a highly skilled workforce.

Ш We look forward to hearing the details of your forthcoming visit.

Ш We have already paid for the services of a tax consultant.

B Form

Prepositional verb phrases take two forms:

1 verb + preposition + prepositional object

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay.

2 verb + preposition + V_ing

They succeeded in boosting pre-tax profits.

Note: Where a preposition is followed by a verb, the verb form is always V_ing.

C Uses

A list of the more common prepositional verbs:

agree to sth	conform to sth	look for smb/sth
agree with sth	consent to sth	look forward to sth
allow for sth	consist of sth	pay smb for sth
amount to sth	depend on sth	refer to sth
apologise for sth	hear about sth	rely on smb/sth
apply for sth	hear from smb	succeed in sth
approve of smb/sth	hope for sth	wait for smb/sth
attend to smb/sth	insist on sth	think of sth (= consider)
complain to smb about smb/sth	look at smb/sth	think about sth (=concentrate on)

Note

We do not use a preposition after these verbs:

answer	discuss	reach
ask^1	enter	suit
call/phone/ring	meet^2	tell

ask¹

Excuse me. I'd like to ask you a question, please.

cf. I'd like to ask you for some more information. (you = indirect object; ask for' = prepositional verb)

meet²

We are to meet a delegation from China. (BrE)

We are to meet with a delegation from China. (AmE)

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