Ampersand Lab

Intermediate grammar · Lesson 133 · B1

Verb + preposition 2 about/for/of/after

Talk about but discuss with no preposition; ask for, apply for, wait for, search for, leave for; take care of, care for and care about mean different things; and look for is not look after.

Start the lesson

16Steps · about 29 minutes

In this lesson

verb + aboutA2 screens of questions
verb + forB4 screens of questions
take care of, care for, care aboutC2 screens of questions
look for and look afterD2 screens of questions

Point A of 4

verb + about

talk, read, know about; have a discussion about. But discuss something, with no preposition.

Do something (or nothing) about something means act to improve a situation.

  • We talked about all sorts at the meeting.
  • We had a discussion about what to do.
  • We discussed what to do. (not discussed about)
  • If you're worried about the damp, you should do something about it.

Point A · Exercise 133.2 · part 1 of 2

Put in the right preposition. If none is needed, type a dash (-).

  1. Example

    Let's not set off yet. I'm waiting for the hail to pass.

    AnswerLet's not set off yet. I'm waiting for the hail to pass.

  2. I've applied four universities. I hope one of them takes me.

  3. If you'd hate living in London, why are you applying jobs there?

  4. I'd rather not talk the argument we had. It's over.

  5. I'd rather not discuss the argument we had. It's over.

Point A · Exercise 133.2 · part 2 of 2

Put in the right preposition. If none is needed, type a dash (-).

  1. We had a long discussion the problem, but we didn't decide anything.

  2. My friends are touring Scotland. They're in Inverness now, and tomorrow they leave Skye.

  3. The fence is falling down. We need to do something it.

Point B of 4

verb + for

ask (somebody) for something, but ask somebody the way, the time with no preposition. apply (to a company) for a job. wait for somebody or something (to happen). search (a person, place, bag) for. leave (a place) for another place.

  • I emailed the company asking them for more details about the job.
  • I asked someone the way to the station.
  • That course sounds perfect for you. Why don't you apply for it?
  • Don't wait for me. I'll catch you up.
  • Let's not set off yet. I'm waiting for the hail to pass.
  • I've searched the house for my glasses, but I can't find them.
  • I haven't seen her since she left for work. (not left to work)

Point B · Exercise 133.1 · part 1 of 2

Which is right? Write the correct form.

  1. Example

    We searched the whole park for our dog (searched the whole park our dog / searched the whole park for our dog), but there was no sign of her.

    AnswerWe searched the whole park for our dog, but there was no sign of her.

  2. I've emailed the landlord. Now I'm (waiting for him to answer / waiting him to answer).

  3. At the airport an officer (searched my case / searched for my case) at random.

  4. We'd finished our meal, so I (asked the waiter the bill / asked the waiter for the bill).

  5. I couldn't find the museum, so I went into a shop (to ask directions / to ask for directions).

Point B · Exercise 133.1 · part 2 of 2

Which is right? Write the correct form.

  1. The committee (discussed about the budget / discussed the budget) for three hours.

  2. Everyone complains about the potholes, but the council does (nothing for fixing them / nothing about fixing them).

  3. The ferry sails at noon. When should we leave the campsite (to the port / for the port)?

Point B · Exercise 133.5 · part 1 of 2

Complete the sentences with one of these verbs in the right form + a preposition: apply, ask, do, leave, look, search, talk, wait.

  1. Example

    Coastguards are searching for a missing kayaker off the coast.

    AnswerCoastguards are searching for a missing kayaker off the coast.

  2. The taxi was late. We had to it for twenty minutes.

  3. Amy obviously enjoyed the trip, but she doesn't it much.

  4. Don't me money. I haven't got any.

  5. Ben wants to move to Scotland. He has dozens of jobs there, but no luck yet.

Point B · Exercise 133.5 · part 2 of 2

Complete the sentences with one of these verbs in the right form + a preposition: apply, ask, do, leave, look, search, talk, wait.

  1. If something's wrong, why don't you something it?

  2. Helen's car is ancient, but she it. It's in immaculate condition.

  3. Diane is from Belfast, but now she lives in London. She Belfast London when she was nineteen.

Point C of 4

take care of, care for, care about

take care of = be responsible for, keep safe, look after.

care for somebody = look after them. I don't care for something = I don't like it.

care about = think somebody or something matters. Before what, where, how: care with no about.

  • Stop fussing. I'm quite capable of taking care of myself.
  • I'll take care of the tickets. You don't need to do anything.
  • Grandad is ninety and can't manage stairs. He needs someone to care for him.
  • I don't care for very spicy food.
  • He's completely selfish. He doesn't care about anyone else.
  • Wear whatever you want. I don't care what you wear.

Point C · Exercise 133.3 · part 1 of 2

Put in the right preposition after care. If none is needed, type a dash (-).

  1. Example

    He's completely selfish. He doesn't care about anyone else.

    AnswerHe's completely selfish. He doesn't care about anyone else.

  2. Who will take care the garden while we're away?

  3. He doesn't care his grades. He doesn't care if he fails.

  4. I'm not keen on this jacket. I don't care the colour.

  5. Don't worry about the washing up. I'll take care that.

Point C · Exercise 133.3 · part 2 of 2

Put in the right preposition after care. If none is needed, type a dash (-).

  1. He gave up work to care his elderly mother.

  2. I want the best wedding photographer. I don't care the price.

  3. I want the best wedding photographer. I don't care what it costs.

Point D of 4

look for and look after

look for = search for, try to find. look after = take care of, or keep something safe and in good order.

  • I can't find my glasses. Will you help me look for them?
  • Grandad can't manage on his own any more. Someone has to look after him. (not look for)
  • You can borrow my camera, but please look after it.

Point D · Exercise 133.4 · part 1 of 2

Complete the sentences with look for or look after, in the right form.

  1. Example

    I looked for my phone all morning. It was in my coat pocket the whole time.

    AnswerI looked for my phone all morning. It was in my coat pocket the whole time.

  2. Raj is a flat near the station. He hasn't found anything yet.

  3. Who you when you were ill?

  4. The campsite was full, so we had to another one.

  5. A childminder is somebody who other people's children.

Point D · Exercise 133.4 · part 2 of 2

Complete the sentences with look for or look after, in the right form.

  1. I'm the head teacher. Do you know which office is hers?

Lesson 133 · Result

How you did

Next lesson: Verb + preposition 3 about and ofBack to the course

–Right

Each point

A. verb + about–Not checkedB. verb + for–Not checkedC. take care of, care for, care about–Not checkedD. look for and look after–Not checked

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