Verb + preposition collocations can be a challenge for English language learners. Distinguishing between phrasal verbs (where the verb + particle create a new, often idiomatic meaning) - see The world of phrasal verbs: A unique challenge in English - and verbs that simply require a specific preposition to connect to their object or complement can be tricky.

As an English language teacher trainer yourself, you'll appreciate how crucial these collocations are for fluency. This list focuses on verb + preposition combinations where the verb generally retains its core meaning, and the preposition serves a grammatical function, linking the verb to the rest of the sentence, rather than forming an idiomatic phrasal verb unit.

Here is a list of 100 common verb + preposition collocations (excluding phrasal verbs), alphabetized by verb:

1. Account for: (explain, be responsible for) - You need to account for your expenses.
2. Accuse (someone) of: He was accused of theft.
3. Adapt to: We need to adapt to the new system.
4. Add to: This will add to our problems.
5. Adjust to: She found it hard to adjust to living alone.
6. Admire (someone) for: I admire you for your courage.
7. Admit to: He admitted to making the mistake.
8. Agree on (a topic/plan): We agreed on the date for the meeting.
9. Agree to (a proposal): She agreed to their terms.
10. Agree with (a person/opinion): I agree with you completely.
11. Aim at/for: They are aiming for a high score.
12. Apologize to (someone) for (something): You should apologize to her for being late.
13. Appeal to: The idea appealed to me.
14. Apply for (a job/position): He applied for the manager position.
15. Approve of: My parents don't approve of my decision.
16. Argue with (someone) about (something): Don't argue with me about this.
17. Arrive at (a specific place, building): We arrived at the station just in time.