Verb + preposition (2) about/for/of/after

Verb + preposition (2) about/for/of/after

A. Verb + about

talk ABOUT .../read ABOUT .../tell somebody ABOUT .../have a discussion ABOUT...

* We talked about a lot of things at the meeting.

but 'discuss something' (no preposition):

* We discussed a lot of things at the meeting. (not 'discussed about')

also: 'do something ABOUT something' (= do something to improve a bad situation):

* If you're worried about the problem, you should do something about it.

B. Care about, care for and take care of

care ABOUT somebody/something (= think that somebody/something is important):

* He's very selfish. He doesn't care about other people.

We say 'care what/where/how' (etc.) (without 'about'):

* You can do what you like. I don't care what you do.

care FOR somebody/something:

i) = like something (usually in questions and negative sentences):

* Would you care for a cup of coffee? (= Would you like ...?)

* I don't care for very hot weather. (= I don't like ...)

ii) = look after somebody:

* Albert is 85 and lives alone. He needs somebody to care for him.

take care OF ... (= look after):

* Have a nice holiday. Take care of yourself! (= look after yourself)

C. Verb + for

ask (somebody) FOR...

* I wrote to the company asking them for more information about the job.

but * I asked her a question./They asked me the way to the station. (no preposition)

apply (TO a person, a company etc.) FOR (a job etc.):

* I think this job would suit you. Why don't you apply for it?

wait FOR .../wait FOR something to happen:

* Don't wait for me. I'll join you later.

* I'm not going out yet. I'm waiting for the rain to stop.

search (a person/a place/a bag etc.) FOR ...:

* I've searched (the house) for my keys but I still can't find them.

leave (a place) FOR (another place):

* I haven't seen her since she left (home) for work this morning. (not 'left to work')

D. Look for and look after

look FOR ... (= search for, try to find):

* I've lost my keys. Can you help me to look for them?

look AFTER ... (= take care of):

* Albert is 85 and lives alone. He needs somebody to look after him. (not 'look for')

* You can borrow this book if you promise to look after it.