Common Prepositions
Some verbs always work with the same preposition. Understanding the reason makes usage easier.
ON
it is used when your attention is directed at something, when you depend on it, or when you are working toward a result. the action feels focused on a target.
When to use
focus or attention · dependence · working on something · decisions or effects
Common verbs
focus on · depend on · rely on · work on · decide on · insist on · base on
Examples
Focus on your goal.
I depend on my family.
She is working on a project.
I depend on my family.
She is working on a project.
IN
it is used when something exists inside a belief, interest, situation, or state. the action happens within an idea or condition.
When to use
belief · interest · success or failure · situations or states
Common verbs
believe in · trust in · succeed in · fail in · be interested in · participate in
Examples
I believe in God.
She is interested in art.
He succeeded in business.
She is interested in art.
He succeeded in business.
WITH
it is used when people or things act together or share ideas, actions, or feelings. both sides are involved.
When to use
togetherness · sharing · agreement · two-way interaction
Common verbs
share with · talk with · work with · agree with · disagree with · live with
Examples
I shared my secret with her.
He works with his team.
I agree with you.
He works with his team.
I agree with you.
TO
it is used to show direction or movement toward someone or something. the action goes to a receiver.
When to use
direction · receiver · movement to someone
Common verbs
listen to · talk to · explain to · send to · give to · say to · respond to
Examples
I sent the file to her.
Listen to me.
She explained it to us.
Listen to me.
She explained it to us.
FOR
it is used to show purpose, benefit, reason, or waiting. the action is done for someone or a goal.
When to use
benefit · purpose · reason · waiting or paying
Common verbs
do for · buy for · wait for · pay for · apply for · look for
Examples
I did this for you.
I bought a gift for her.
I’m waiting for my turn.
I bought a gift for her.
I’m waiting for my turn.
PRACTICE
apply what you learned by choosing the correct preposition.
Practice 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. She depends her parents.
2. I am interested art.
3. He agreed me.
4. Please listen the teacher.
5. I bought this gift my sister.
6. They are working a project.
7. She believes herself.
8. We waited the bus.
9. He talked his manager.
10. I agree you.
2. I am interested art.
3. He agreed me.
4. Please listen the teacher.
5. I bought this gift my sister.
6. They are working a project.
7. She believes herself.
8. We waited the bus.
9. He talked his manager.
10. I agree you.
Practice 2: Paragraph Fill in the Blanks
Anna believes hard work. She focuses
her goals and works
her team. She listens advice and waits
opportunities. She is interested
learning new skills and prepares
challenges. She depends
experience and talks
her colleagues. In the end, she succeeds
life.