Study materials
After many words the preposition is not chosen by meaning but learned together with the word. Ukrainian logic often misleads here.
It depends on the weather.
Ukrainian says the equivalent of depends from.
This paper discusses the risks.
Ukrainian uses a preposition here, English does not.
This article explains prepositions after nouns and verbs, verbs that take an object with no preposition, and prepositions in fixed phrases.
The preposition in a phrase
A preposition after a noun or verb is part of the phrase, and it is learned together with the word.
| Noun | Verb |
|---|---|
| attention to | depend on |
| interest in | consist of |
| effect on | focus on |
| reason for | result in |
| increase in | comply with |
Collocation is most reliably checked in a collocation dictionary or in examples of use, not in a bilingual dictionary, because that gives the word on its own.
Verbs with no preposition
A few formal verbs take their object directly, with no preposition, though Ukrainian uses one.
| Correct | Wrong | Ukrainian |
|---|---|---|
| discuss the results | discuss about | говорити про |
| emphasise the risks | emphasise on | наголошувати на |
| consider the options | consider about | розглядати |
| approach the problem | approach to | підходити до |
The same goes for describe and mention: describe the method, mention an earlier study. The nouns from them, on the other hand, take a preposition: a discussion of, an emphasis on, an approach to.
The preposition in fixed phrases
Fixed phrases also have their own preposition, and it does not change: in addition to, as a result of, on the other hand, in conclusion. People say In addition to the cost, not In addition of the cost.
Common mistakes
The first mistake is the preposition after attention.
Pay attention on the details. → Pay attention to the details.
Attention to.
The second mistake is the preposition after effect.
The new law had a big effect to small firms. → … a big effect on small firms.
Effect on.
The third mistake is about after discuss.
This paper discusses about the risks. → This paper discusses the risks.
Discuss takes its object directly.
The first and second mistakes show right after the noun. Attention takes to, and effect takes on, although Ukrainian uses other prepositions. The third shows right after discuss, emphasise or consider. The object comes straight after them, with no preposition.