2. Change in meaning with Preposition Part 1

In ‘agree with’ and ‘agree to’, the use of prepositions ‘with’ and ‘to’ are dictated by both the general meaning of the verb ‘agree’ and the type of connection it makes with the noun/ pronoun/ gerund following the preposition. ‘To’ is not a preposition in the example: wanted to know. ‘to know’ is an infinitive ‘to + verb’ and object of the verb ‘want’. As we know prepositions are not followed by ‘verb’. ‘give in’ is a phrasal verb where ‘in’ is not a preposition. Together ‘give+in’ has a meaning which is different from the meaning of ‘give’. Thus ‘give’ and ‘give in’ are two separate verbs with different meanings. ‘give in’ means ‘to accept after initial resistance’. ‘give’ is not followed by direct preposition but ‘give in’ can be followed by preposition ‘to’. ‘Management gave in to the workers’ demand.’ Similarly ‘fall out’ is a phrasal verb which can be followed by preposition ‘with’ or ‘over’. ‘wait for’ is not a phrasal verb but a prepositional verb just like ‘listen to’. The original meaning of the root verb doesn’t change with the preposition. Certain verbs collocate with particular preposition. No further preposition is allowed to follow. ‘look forward to’ is a phrasal prepositional verb since it must follow rule of preposition. We say ‘look forward to meeting you’ and not ‘look forward to meet you’. ---------- Aim for (strive for an outcome): The party is aiming for (bagging) the vote share of disgruntled farmers.