Types of verb + preposition combinations
There are three main types of prepositional verb, as illustrated by the previous examples.
Type A (look + after)
This combination functions as an idiomatic semantic unit in which the verb + the preposition together have a different meaning from their separate words. ‘Look after’ has nothing to do with looking, nor with the usual meaning of ‘after’ in relation to space or time. Other verbs of this type are exemplified here:
I came across some old photos (find) She takes after her mother (resemble)
How did you come by that job (obtain) I ran into an old friend (met by chance).
Sandy has come into a fortune (inherit) We can’t do without water (must have)
Type B (rely + on)
This is a less idiomatic combination whose meaning is sometimes, though not always, transparent. Verbs in this group – account for (explain), refer to, tamper with (interfere with), deal with – are not used without their specific preposition:
How do you account for the lack of interest in the European elections?
Someone has been tampering with the scanner.
Type C (apply + for, approve+ of)
The verb + preposition represents a special use, usually with a distinctive meaning, of a verb which otherwise can function without the preposition (for example, keep to the plan). Other verbs include look (at), believe (in), count (on), hear (of), wait (for), hope (for), arrange (for), swear (by):
look at the sky glance at the clock
laugh at the joke bank on winning the race
wait for the bus hope for a rise in salary
