| A |
Verb + about
talk / read / know ABOUT ... , tell somebody ABOUT ...
- We talked about a lot of things at the meeting.
have a discussion ABOUT something, but discuss something (no preposition)
- We had a discussion about what we should do.
- We discussed a lot of things at the meeting. (not discussed about)
do something ABOUT something = do something to improve a bad situation
- If you're worried about the problem, you should do something about it.
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| B |
Verb + for
ask (somebody) FOR ...
- I sent an email to the company asking them for more information about the job.
but 'I asked him the way to ... ', 'She asked me my name' (no preposition)
apply (TO a person, a company etc.) FOR a job etc.
- I think you'd be good at this job. Why don't you apply for it?
wait FOR ...
- Don't wait for me. I'll join you later.
- I'm not going out yet. I'm waiting for the rain to stop.
search (a person / a place / a bag etc.) FOR ...
- I've searched the house for my keys, but I still can't find them.
leave (a place) FOR another place
- I haven't seen her since she left (home) for the office this morning. (not left to the office)
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| C |
Care about, care for and take care of
care ABOUT somebody/something = think that somebody/something is important
- He's very selfish. He doesn't care about other people.
We say 'care what/where/how ... ' etc. (without about):
- You can do what you like. I don't care what you do.
care FOR somebody/something
(1) = like something (usually negative sentences)
- I don't care for very hot weather. (= I don't like ... )
(2) = look after somebody
- Alan is 85 and lives alone. He needs somebody to care for him.
take care OF ... = look after, keep safe, take responsibility for
- Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself.
- I'll take care of the travel arrangements. You don't need to do anything.
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| D |
Look for and look after
Look FOR ... = search for, try to find
- I've lost my keys. Can you help me to look for them?
look AFTER ... = take care of, keep safe or in good condition
- Alan is 85 and lives alone. He needs somebody to look after him. (not look for)
- You can borrow t his book, but you must promise to look after it.
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