1.11.1 Grammar: verbs that take prepositions
In this grammar unit we will discuss verbs that take prepositions. In one way, they are really easy: you just need to remember that some verbs in Spanish need a preposition. Not because of a meaning change, not because of some other grammatical rule, these verbs just need a preposition. However, the hard part is that you need to memorize these verbs. Some of the English language translations also take a preposition, but not always, and it’s not always the same preposition as in Spanish. However, you will sound much more fluent and your writing will be that much better when you learn to incorporate these verbs into your spoken and written Spanish! This is not an exhaustive list but rather some of the more commonly used verbs that take prepositions.
Verbs with “A”
| acostumbrarse a |
to become accustomed to |
| aprender a |
to learn to |
| comenzar a |
to begin to |
| dedicarse a |
to dedicate oneself/devote oneself to |
| empezar a |
to begin to |
| invitar a |
to invite |
| volver a |
to return to |
Verbs with “CON”
| contar con |
to count on |
| soñar con |
to dream of |
Verbs with “DE”
| acabar de |
to just have done something |
| acordarse de |
to remember (to) |
| depender de |
to depend on |
| dejar de |
to stop |
| olvidarse de |
to forget to |
| tratar de |
to try to |
Verbs with “EN”
| consistir en |
to consist of |
| insistir en |
to insist |
| pensar en |
to think about |
| tardar en |
to delay |
