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Dependent Prepositions

Dependent prepositions are words like 'in', 'on', 'at' that are used after certain verbs to show location or relationship, and they have specific formation patterns and usage rules.

B2Prepositions

What are dependent prepositions?

Dependent prepositions are words that are used after certain verbs to show location or relationship.

  • Verbs like 'depend', 'believe', 'wait' are followed by on to show the relationship between the verb and the object.
  • Verbs like 'look', 'listen', 'smile' are followed by at to show the direction of the action.
  • Verbs like 'participate', 'enter' are followed by in to show the involvement or inclusion.

When to use dependent prepositions

  • We use dependent prepositions to describe the relationship between the verb and the object, like 'I depend on my parents for financial support.
  • We use dependent prepositions to describe locations, like 'The book is on the table.
  • We use dependent prepositions to describe actions, like 'She is looking at the picture.

Examples of dependent prepositions

  • I believe in the importance of education.
  • She looks at the picture with great interest.
  • They wait for the bus to arrive.
  • He depends on his parents for financial support.
  • The company participates in the annual charity event.

Common mistakes with dependent prepositions

  • Wrong: I look the picture. Correct: I look at the picture.
  • Wrong: The company participate the event. Correct: The company participates in the event.
  • Wrong: He depend his parents. Correct: He depends on his parents.

Tip for learning dependent prepositions

One way to remember dependent prepositions is to learn the verb and preposition combinations together, like 'depend on', 'believe in', 'wait for'.

Quick check
Which preposition is correctly used with the verb 'specialize'?

Where this matters in your exam

Dependent prepositions are important in IELTS Writing Task 2 to show the ability to use prepositions accurately in sentences, and in IELTS Speaking to describe locations and relationships.

  • Writing Task 2

    Using dependent prepositions correctly is important to get a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2.