+327.+ In our first lesson on prepositions, we had a list of verbs and
the correct preposition to use with these verbs. There are a few words
which we use very commonly in which the meaning is slightly different
according to the preposition which we use in connection with the verb.
Foreigners especially who are learning the English language have great
difficulty with the prepositions. Here are a few of these common words:
+Adapt.+ With _adapt_ we can use either the preposition _to_ or _for_.
For example; we adapt ourselves _to_ circumstances, that is, we
accommodate or conform ourselves; but a thing can be adapted _for_ a
certain purpose.
+Agree.+ We can use the prepositions _with_ and _to_ with the verb
_agree_, but with different meanings. For example, we say, We agree
_with_ you about a certain matter; and, We agree _to_ the proposal which
you make.
+Ask.+ We ask a favor _of_ a person. We ask a friend _for_ a favor. We
ask _about_ some one or thing that we wish to hear about.
+Charge.+ There are several prepositions we can use with the verb
_charge_. Your grocer charges you _for_ the things that you buy. If you
run an account you are charged _with_ a certain amount. These things are
charged _to_ you; but in war the enemy charges _upon_ you.
+Compare.+ One thing is compared _with_ another in quality, but it is
compared _to_ another when we are using the comparison for an
illustration.
+Complain.+ We make complaint _to_ the manager _of_ the things we do not
like.
+Comply.+ We comply _with_ the request of another, but he does a thing
_in_ compliance _with_ that request. Do not use the preposition _to_
with compliance.
+Correspond.+ With correspond, we use either the preposition _with_ or
_to_. For example, I may correspond _with_ you, meaning that I
communicate with you by letter, but one thing corresponds _to_ another,
meaning that it is like the other.
+Disgust.+ We are disgusted _with_ our friends sometimes _at_ the things
which they do. We are disgusted _with_ people and _at_ things.
+Reconcile.+ With reconcile, we use either the preposition _with_ or
_to_. For example, I may become reconciled _with_ you; that is, I am
restored to friendship or favor after an estrangement. But we reconcile
one thing _to_ another; that is, we harmonize one thing with another.
+Taste.+ We have a taste _for_ music, art or literature, but we enjoy
the taste _of_ good things to eat. When taste refers to one of the five
senses, use the preposition _of_, but when you use it to mean
intellectual relish or enjoyment, use the preposition _for_.