Verbs followed by a preposition or particle A1

By David Wood | December 19, 2016

Group A – verbs with a dependent preposition
These verbs have dependent prepositions which do not add to the verb, but are grammatically necessary:

  • She suffers from headaches.

Groups B and C – verbs + a particle

A particle

  • looks like a preposition but is actually part of a verb
  • cannot move in ways that prepositions can

Group B
The verb and particle together have a new meaning which cannot be guessed from their two separate meanings:

  • I need to work out how much tax I should have paid. (work out = calculate / discover)

Group C
The verb keeps its meaning, but the particle adds to it, or modifies it.

  • The university sends out prospectuses to schools and colleges.(out = to different people, or publicly)

Can you identify which of the 3 groups the verbs below come from?

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1. [Multiple choice]

Parents are happy for their children to play out.

(out = out of doors, in the fresh air, in public areas.)

Answers for Quiz [1].

  • 1. A
  • 2. B
  • 3. C (correct)

2. [Multiple choice]

He’s dealing with a customer at the moment.

Answers for Quiz [2].

  • 1. A (correct)
  • 2. B
  • 3. C

3. [Multiple choice]

She’s at the station, seeing her daughter off.

(To see someone off – to accompany someone leaving for some other destination)

Answers for Quiz [3].

  • 1. A
  • 2. B (correct)
  • 3. C

4. [Multiple choice]

If I don’t understand this grammar point soon, I’m going to give up.

(To give up – to stop doing something, or trying to do it.)

Answers for Quiz [4].

  • 1. A
  • 2. B (correct)
  • 3. C

5. [Multiple choice]

Quick, come and look out of this window!

Answers for Quiz [5].

  • 1. A (correct)
  • 2. B
  • 3. C

6. [Multiple choice]

Schools are encouraging pupils to join in extra-curricular activities.

(to join in = to participate in, to take part in)

Answers for Quiz [6].

  • 1. A
  • 2. B
  • 3. C (correct)

7. [Multiple choice]

Our new travelcards are aimed at the under-25s.

Answers for Quiz [7].

  • 1. A (correct)
  • 2. B
  • 3. C

8. [Multiple choice]

Members of the opposition parties are brave to speak out.

(to speak out = to express one’s opinions publicly and frankly)

Answers for Quiz [8].

  • 1. A
  • 2. B
  • 3. C (correct)

9. [Multiple choice]

She’s looking at tonight’s TV programme.

Answers for Quiz [9].

  • 1. A (correct)
  • 2. B
  • 3. C
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