#GrammarTrivia: Verb + Preposition (‘About’ and ‘Of’)

This time, I’d like to talk about grammar. In particular, we’ll talk about: Verb + Preposition (‘About’ and ‘Of’).

Some verbs can be followed by either ‘about’ or ‘of.’ Each pairing usually gives different meaning from the other.

‘Dream about’ vs. ‘dream of’
- Dream about. Example:
  - “I dreamt about you last night.” (when I was asleep).
- Dream of being something. Meaning: imagine. Example:
  - “I dream of being rich.”
‘Hear about’ vs. ‘Hear of’
- Hear about. Meaning: be told about something. Example:
  - “Did you hear about the fight club last night?”
- Hear of. Meaning: know that somebody/something exists. Example:
  - “I have never heard of Tom Madley. Who is he?”
‘Remind about’ vs. ‘Remind of’
- Remind somebody about. Meaning: tell somebody not to forget. Example:
  - “I’m glad you remind me about the meeting.”
- Remind somebody of. Meaning: cause somebody to remember. Example:
  - “This house reminds me of my childhood.”
‘Complain about’ vs. ‘Complain of’
- Complain (to somebody) about. Meaning: say that you are not satisfied. Example:
  - “We complained to the manager about the service.
- Complain of a pain, illness, etc. Meaning: say that you have a pain. Example:
  - “George was complaining of a pain in his stomach.”
‘Warn about’ vs. ‘Warn of’
- Warn somebody of/about a danger. Example:
  - “Everybody has been warned of/about the dangers of smoking.”
- Warn somebody about something dangerous, unusual, etc. Example:
  - “Vicky warned us about the traffic.”

Source:

Compiled by @aditriasmara at @EnglishTips4U on Monday, October 13, 2014