Dependent Prepositions in English

Dependent prepositions, those little words that follow certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns, are vital in English grammar. They might convey subtle changes in meaning, and are indispensable for clear and effective communication. Understanding and mastering dependent prepositions is crucial for language learners aiming for fluency and accuracy.

Why are they important? Firstly, they provide context and specificity. For instance, "interested" alone conveys a general feeling, but "interested in" specifies what the interest is directed towards. Secondly, they can completely alter the meaning of a sentence. Consider "afraid of" versus "afraid for" – the preposition changes the entire interpretation. You might be afraid of something, in that it scares you, but generally you are afraid for a person, afraid for their safety or wellbeing. It means you care about this person and worry for them. 

Lastly, they contribute to natural-sounding speech and writing, helping learners sound more native or fluent.

Learning Strategies

So, how can learners tackle the challenge of mastering dependent prepositions? Here are a few effective strategies:

1. Contextual Learning: Expose yourself to authentic English materials such as books, articles, movies, and conversations. Pay close attention to how dependent prepositions are used in different contexts.
2. Practice with Exercises: Work on exercises specifically targeting dependent prepositions. Cambridge Exam preparation materials often include such exercises tailored to different proficiency levels.
3. Create Your Own Examples: Actively engage with the language by creating your own sentences using dependent prepositions. This reinforces understanding and helps internalize usage patterns.
4. Use Mnemonics: Create mnemonic devices or visual aids to remember which prepositions are commonly used with certain words. Associating them with memorable images or phrases can make them easier to recall.
5. Seek Feedback: Practice speaking and writing with a tutor or language partner who can provide feedback on your usage of dependent prepositions. Constructive criticism helps identify areas for improvement.

As you progress in English, you will always encounter these prepositions after verbs, nouns and adjectives. There generally is no real rule as to why you use certain prepositions after certain words. Therefore, make sure you keep reading and listening, make sure you keep noticing them and make sure to keep practising. 

Now try our Sporcle quiz on conditionals: