Using Prepositions After Verbs Common Mistakes

Question 1

Which is correct?

Companies in the US spend more money ON research and development
Or
Companies in the US spend more money FOR research and development

Answer 1

ON

Spending time/money ON something

Question 2

The average person spends £100 a month …….. transport

Answer 2

ON

Spending time/money ON something

Question 3

Expenditure ……… education has risen

Answer 3

ON

Spending time/money ON something

Question 4

It’s up to local government to invest money ……. improved leisure facilities

Answer 4

IN

Investing money IN something

Question 5

The protestors want more state investment ……. agriculture

Answer 5

IN

Investing money IN something

Question 6

The project will provide employment ……. young artists and performers

Answer 6

FOR

Provide something FOR someone

Question 7

There has been progress in the provision of facilities ……. the disabled

Answer 7

FOR

Provide something FOR someone

Question 8

We aim to provide the children …….. an opportunity to experience a different culture

Answer 8

WITH

To provide someone WITH something

Question 9

She visits twice a week to help her granddaughter out …….. the housework

Answer 9

WITH

Helping someone (out) WITH something (out is not necessary, but often included)

Question 10

Some students need extra help …… reading and writing

Answer 10

WITH

Helping someone WITH something

Question 11

On average, how much do you spend a month ……. hair products?

Answer 11

ON

Spending time/money on something

Question 12

Which is correct?

1 We have to provide doctors with the resources they need to do their job
Or
2 We have to provide doctors the resources they need to do their job

Answer 12

1

Helping someone WITH something

Question 13

Some companies spend huge sums ……. advertising

Answer 13

ON

Spending time/money ON something

Question 14

The new labels provide customers ……. better information about ingredients

Answer 14

WITH

Provide someone WITH something

Question 15

I have a problem I think you can help me ……….

Answer 15

WITH

Help someone WITH something

Question 16

The party promised to increase investment …… education

Answer 16

IN

Invest money IN something

Question 17

We are pressing for the provision of more special lanes ……. cyclists

Answer 17

FOR

Provision of something FOR someone

Question 18

There are no facilities provided …….. passengers with young children

Answer 18

FOR

Provide something FOR someone

Question 19

Spending …… photographic film has dropped dramatically

Answer 19

ON

Spending time/money ON something

Question 20

There’s a porter in reception to help guests ……. their bags

Answer 20

WITH

To help someone with something

Question 21

It depends ……. the weather, as to whether we have a holiday or not.

Answer 21

ON (depends on something or someone)

Question 22

Which is correct?

1 She needs to avoid making mistakes

2 She needs of avoid making mistakes

Answer 22

2 needs TO do or not TO do something, needs TO have or not TO have something