There are many different verb and preposition combinations. They can be difficult to remember, but here are a few basic ones to work on.
at
look / have a look / stare / glance + at…
l Why are you looking at me like that?
l He glanced over at the other student’s test.
laugh / smile + at…
l Everyone will laugh at you if you were that pink shirt.
to
speak / talk + to…
l Who was that guy you were talking to?
l I need to speak to her right away.
listen + to…
l He never listens to his mother.
Both
Sometimes verbs can be used with at or to, but the meaning is different.
shout at someone…
l My teacher was very angry that I didn’t finish my homework and began to shout at me.
* We use this when we are angry.
Shout to someone…
l Karen shouted to me from the other side of the road.
* We use this to explain that someone can hear you.
Try a few of these questions for practice. (Put in at or to)
1. Look ______ the flowers. They are so pretty.
2. She never listens ______ her supervisor because her Dad is the CEO.
3. She shouted _____ me so I could hear her.
4. All the guys were staring ____ the new girl in class.
5. How dare you speak _____ me like that!
6. She shouted ______ me when I didn’t offer to pay.
Answers:
1. at
2. to
3. to
4. at
5. to
6. at |
