Dependent Prepositions helps you communicate about accurate collocation in common and formal expressions. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can use the prepositions required by common adjectives, verbs and nouns.
- Recognise and build the form: lexical item + fixed preposition.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Dependent Prepositions for accurate collocation in common and formal expressions. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
She is interested in environmental science.
The adjective 'interested' is followed by 'in'.
This decision depends on the final cost.
The verb 'depend' is followed by 'on'.
He apologized for being late.
Use 'apologize for' before the reason or action.
lexical item + fixed prepositionKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- The adjective 'interested' is followed by 'in'.
- The verb 'depend' is followed by 'on'.
- Use 'apologize for' before the reason or action.
- The adjective 'responsible' is followed by 'for'.
- The verb 'refer' is followed by 'to'.
Common mistakes
Not:She is interested on environmental science.
Use:She is interested in environmental science.
The adjective 'interested' is followed by 'in'.
Not:This decision depends of the final cost.
Use:This decision depends on the final cost.
The verb 'depend' is followed by 'on'.
Not:He apologized of being late.
Use:He apologized for being late.
Use 'apologize for' before the reason or action.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
We are responsible ____ checking the figures.
for
The adjective 'responsible' is followed by 'for'.
The report refers ____ three earlier studies.
to
The verb 'refer' is followed by 'to'.
There has been an increase ____ demand.
in
The noun 'increase' takes 'in' before the thing that increases.