Lesson 3: Verbs with Prepositions
Collocations (Introduction) (B1)
Why do we say "listen to music" but not "listen at music"? It's because "listen to" is a strong collocation. Collocations are words that naturally go together in English. Learning these pairs, especially verbs with their partner prepositions, will make your English sound much more natural.
Key Vocabulary
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Collocation
Two or more words that are often used together in a way that sounds correct.
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Verb
A word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence.
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Preposition
A word governing (and usually preceding) a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word. (e.g., on, at, in, for, with).
Common Verb + Preposition Collocations
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listen to
To pay attention to a sound.
Example: "I like to listen to podcasts." -
look at
To direct your eyes towards something.
Example: "Please look at the whiteboard." -
agree with
To have the same opinion as someone.
Example: "I agree with your idea." -
believe in
To feel certain that someone or something exists or is true.
Example: "Do you believe in ghosts?" -
depend on
To rely on or need help and support from someone.
Example: "Children depend on their parents." -
wait for
To stay in one place, expecting someone or something.
Example: "I will wait for you at the cafe."
Usage Note: Fixed Pairs
Think of these collocations as fixed pairs. Changing the preposition will usually make the sentence sound strange or incorrect. For example, "I am waiting on the bus" is not correct; it must be "I am waiting for the bus."
In Conversation
Srey and Bora are planning a weekend trip.
Srey: Bora, can you look at this map? I think we should go to Kep this weekend.
Bora: Hmm, I don't know. I agree with you that we should go somewhere, but our plan will depend on the weather.
Srey: I know, but I believe in being optimistic! Let's just go.
Bora: Okay, you're right. I'll go pack. Can you wait for me here? I'll be quick.
Srey: No problem. I'll just listen to some music while I wait.
Check Your Understanding
- Fill in the blank: "I need to wait ______ my friend to arrive."
- a) at
- b) for
- c) on
Answer: b) for
- Which sentence is correct?
- a) I agree to your point.
- b) I agree on your point.
- c) I agree with your point.
Answer: c) I agree with your point.
- What do you do when you want to hear a podcast?
- a) Listen to it.
- b) Listen at it.
- c) Listen in it.
Answer: a) Listen to it.
Your Mission
- My Sentences: Write one sentence for each of the six collocations in the Word Bank.
- Find Collocations: Read an English news article online or listen to an English song. Try to find two examples of verb + preposition collocations.
- Speak: Your mission is to use one of these collocations in a conversation today. For example, ask a friend, "What music do you like to listen to?"