Here the preposition belongs to a particular word pattern, rather than simply showing a place. Learning the whole phrase helps you choose it when speaking or writing.

The idea

Learn interested in, good at, proud of, depend on and listen to as combinations. After the preposition, an action uses an -ing form: good at solving. With apologise, to names the person and for introduces the reason.

Examples

  • Mina is interested in repairing old clocks.
  • Omar is good at solving puzzles.
  • We are proud of our little garden.
  • The departure time depends on the weather.
  • Please listen to the full message.
  • I apologised to Lea for arriving late.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not translate each preposition directly from your language. A word can take different prepositions for different meanings: good at describes skill, while good for describes benefit. Learn the meaning and pattern together.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. Mina is interested ___ repairing old clocks. (in / at)

    Show answer or example answer

    in

    Use interested in for this interest. The following action takes the form repairing after the preposition.

  2. Choose the correct option. Omar is good at ___ puzzles. (solving / solve)

    Show answer or example answer

    solving

    After the preposition at, use the -ing form solving. The pattern describes Omar's skill.

  3. Choose the correct option. The departure time depends ___ the weather. (on / of)

    Show answer or example answer

    on

    The combination is depend on: the weather affects the departure time. Of does not fit this verb pattern.

Use it today

Write one sentence about an interest, one about a skill and one about something you are proud of. Circle each word–preposition combination. Add an apology naming both the person and the reason.