28 PHRASAL VERBS AND PATTERNS WITH PREPOSITIONS
b
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We can sometimes use of meaning about, but this is rather formal. The Prime Minister spoke of / about prospects for industry. Of can have a different meaning from about. I was thinking about that problem. (= turning it over in my mind) I couldn't think of the man's name. (= it wouldn't come into my mind) We're thinking of/about taking a holiday. (= deciding) What did you think of the hotel? (= your opinion) I heard about your recent success. Congratulations. I've never heard of Woolavington. Where is it? Last night I dreamt about something that happened years ago. I wouldn't dream of criticizing you. (= it wouldn't enter my mind) NOTE I've heard from Max means that Max has written to me or phoned me.
c
We use to before a person. We were talking to our friends.
They complained to the neighbours.
NOTE
a Ring and phone take an object. We do not use to. I had to phone my boss. b We say laugh at, smile at and argue with. The children laughed at the clown. Are you arguing with me? c Shout at suggests anger. The farmer shouted at us angrily. Bruce shouted to his friends across the street.
4
We do not normally use a preposition after these verbs: accompany, answer, approach, control, demand, desire, discuss, enter, expect, influence, lack, marry, obey, reach, remember, request, resemble, seek, suit. Elizabeth Taylor entered the room. NOT She entered into the room. The rebels control the city. NOT They control over the city. NOTE
a But a noun takes a preposition. her entry into the room their control over the city b Compare leave (= depart) and leave for (a destination). The train leaves Exeter at ten fifteen. (= goes from Exeter) The train leaves for Exeter at ten fifteen. (= departs on its journey to Exeter) For has the same meaning in this example. The walkers were heading for/making for the coast. c Compare search and search for. The police searched the whole house. They were searching for/ looking for drugs.
234 Verb + object + preposition Verb
Object
Preposition
Some companies spend a lot of money on advertising. They've invited us to the wedding. Do you regard this building as a masterpiece? In the passive, the preposition comes directly after the verb. A lot of money is spent on advertising. We've been invited to the wedding.