Common Mistake: Dependent Prepositions (For, Of, To)

Dependent prepositions are words that must follow specific verbs and adjectives in English, and getting them wrong is one of the most common learner mistakes. This lesson covers five frequently confused examples. The verb wait requires for, so I'm waiting for you is correct, not I'm waiting you. The phrase depends on always uses on, making it depends on the weather correct instead of depends of the weather. When describing marriage, English uses to, so she's married to a doctor is correct, not married with a doctor. The verb apologize requires to, meaning he apologized to me is correct, never he apologized me. Finally, the phrase reminds me uses of, so this reminds me of you is correct instead of reminds me about you. These prepositions don't follow logical rules from other languages, which is exactly why they're worth memorizing individually. Practicing these fixed expressions will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes English learners make.