Mastering English Verbs, Interjections, and Conjunctions

Common Verbs and Their Prepositions

Verbs Used with 'For'

• He apologised for being late. (You can also apologise to someone).
• I applied for the job, but I didn’t get it.
• How do you ask for a coffee in Polish?
• She spent many years caring for her aged parents.

Verbs Used with 'From'

• This spray should protect you from mosquitoes.
• Has he recovered from his illness yet?
• He won an award because he saved someone from drowning.

Verbs Used with 'In'

• She believes in ghosts.
• Our company specialises in computer software.
• You have to work hard if you want to succeed in life.

Verbs Used with 'Of'

• I don’t approve of your language, young man.
• Our dog died of old age.
• This shampoo smells of bananas.

Verbs Used with 'On'

• The film is based on the novel by Boris Pasternak.
• If you make so much noise, I can’t concentrate on my work.
• Come on! We’re relying on you!
• We don’t agree on anything, but we’re good friends.

Verbs Used with 'To'

• Can I introduce you to my wife?
• Please refer to the notes at the end for more information.
• Nobody responded to my complaint.

Verbs Used with 'With'

• I agree with everything you’ve said.
• My secretary will provide you with more information if you need it.

Understanding Interjections in English

An interjection is one of the eight major parts of speech, along with verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and conjunctions. Some grammarians believe that interjections are the least important part of speech. This is because interjections are not generally required in order for the meaning of a sentence to become clear. An interjection is a word solely designed to convey emotion; it expresses meaning or feeling.

• Yowza! That is a fine-looking car.
• Hurray! It is a snow day and school is cancelled.
• It is so exciting, my goodness, I just can’t believe it.
• Joe was late to school and yikes, the teacher was mad.
• Oh! I can’t believe how nice you look.
• Well, gee, that sure is a kind thing to say.
• Boo! I scared you.

Using Conjunctions to Connect Ideas

A conjunction is a part of speech that is used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. Conjunctions are considered to be invariable grammar particles, and they may or may not stand between items they conjoin.

• I tried to hit the nail but hit my thumb instead.
• I have two goldfish and a cat.
• I’d like a bike for commuting to work.
• You can have peach ice cream or a brownie sundae.
• Neither the black dress nor the gray one looks right on me.
• My dad always worked hard so we could afford the things we wanted.

Coordinating Conjunctions and FANBOYS

Coordinating conjunctions always go between the words or phrases that they are connecting. You can remember them using the acronym FANBOYS:

• F = for
• A = and
• N = nor
• B = but
• O = or
• Y = yet
• S = so

Examples:

• I will be late to the party, for I am working until seven.
• Tom likes to read and write.
• Sally does not like the mountains, nor does she like the ocean.
• I wanted to ride my bike, but the tire was flat.
• Fred wants peas or carrots for supper.
• I love chocolate, yet I do not eat chocolate ice cream.
• She was late to work, so her boss made her stay after five.