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10 Verb Preposition Collocations Every B2 Student Should Know

Verb-preposition collocations are fixed phrases where certain verbs always pair with specific prepositions. Getting them wrong can make your English sound unnatural and may cost you points in exams like IELTS or Cambridge FCE/CAE. Here are 10 essential collocations every B2 student should master.

1. Listen to

We listen to music, the radio, or someone speaking. Never "listen at" or "listen on" in these contexts.

2. Depend on

Success depends on your effort. Use "depend on" for reliance.

3. Think about

When considering something, we think about it. "Think of" is used for having an idea.

4. Wait for

We wait for a person, bus, or result. "Wait on" is used for serving (e.g. in a restaurant).

5. Look at

We look at something to examine it. "Look for" means to search.

6. Agree with

We agree with a person or opinion. "Agree on" is used for a point we both accept.

7. Deal with

To deal with a problem means to handle or manage it.

8. Belong to

This book belongs to me. Use "belong to" for ownership.

9. Rely on

You can rely on your teacher for support. Similar to "depend on."

10. Apologise for

We apologise for something we did wrong. The preposition is always "for."


Practice makes perfect. At donehome.work, we offer CEFR-aligned verb collocation practice for A2–B2 levels. Sign up to practice and help your students master these essential combinations.

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