oxford_guide_to_english_grammar

28 PHRASAL VERBS AND PATTERNS WITH PREPOSITIONS PAGE 310
b
We can sometimes use of meaning about, but this is rather formal.
The Prime Minister spoke of / about prospects for industry.
Of can have a different meaning from about.
I was thinking about that problem. (= turning it over in my mind)
I couldn't think of the man's name. (= it wouldn't come into my mind)
We're thinking of/about taking a holiday. (= deciding)
What did you think of the hotel? (= your opinion)
I heard about your recent success. Congratulations.
I've never heard of Woolavington. Where is it?
Last night I dreamt about something that happened years ago.
I wouldn't dream of criticizing you. (= it wouldn't enter my mind)
NOTE I've heard from Max means that Max has written to me or phoned me.
c
We use to before a person.
We were talking to our friends.
They complained to the neighbours.
NOTE
a Ring and phone take an object. We do not use to.
I had to phone my boss.
b We say laugh at, smile at and argue with.
The children laughed at the clown. Are you arguing with me?
c Shout at suggests anger.
The farmer shouted at us angrily.
Bruce shouted to his friends across the street.
4 We do not normally use a preposition after these verbs: accompany, answer,
approach, control, demand, desire, discuss, enter, expect, influence, lack, marry,
obey, reach, remember, request, resemble, seek, suit.
Elizabeth Taylor entered the room. NOT She entered into the room.
The rebels control the city. NOT They control over the city.
NOTE
a But a noun takes a preposition.
her entry into the room their control over the city
b Compare leave (= depart) and leave for (a destination).
The train leaves Exeter at ten fifteen. (= goes from Exeter)
The train leaves for Exeter at ten fifteen. (= departs on its journey to Exeter)
For has the same meaning in this example.
The walkers were heading for/making for the coast.
c Compare search and search for.
The police searched the whole house. They were searching for/ looking for drugs.
234 Verb + object + preposition
Verb Object Preposition
Some companies spend a lot of money on advertising.
They've invited us to the wedding.
Do you regard this building as a masterpiece?
In the passive, the preposition comes directly after the verb.
A lot of money is spent on advertising.
We've been invited to the wedding.