Unit 134: Verb + preposition 3 about and of

Several common verbs change their meaning depending on whether about, of or from follows them. This unit covers hear, think, dream, complain and remind.

Go to the exercises

A hear about, hear of, hear from

The verb is the same in all three. The preposition carries the meaning.

Pattern	Meaning
hear about something	be told about it, receive the news
hear of somebody/something	know that it exists
hear from somebody	be in contact with them (a call, a letter, a message)

If you have never heard of a person, you do not know who they are. If you have not heard from them, you know exactly who they are and they have simply gone quiet.

Did you hear about the fire at the bowling alley?
"Who's Martin Pell?" "No idea. I've never heard of him."
"Have you heard from your sister lately?" "Yes, she rang on Sunday."

B think about and think of

think about something = consider it, turn it over in your mind.

think of something = produce an idea, have it come into your head.

Use think of to ask for or give an opinion: What did you think of ...? I didn't think much of it means you did not like it much.

Sometimes the difference is very small and either is possible, for example when somebody is simply in your thoughts. For a possible future action, think of doing and think about doing are both fine.

I've thought about your offer, and I'm going to say yes.
"Can I borrow your car on Saturday?" "I'll think about it." (not think of it)
Nobody else had an answer, but Sunita thought of one straight away. (not thought about)
I was so nervous that I couldn't think of a single thing to say.
"What did you think of the play?" "I didn't think much of it, to be honest."
I often think of my old friends in Hull. / I often think about my old friends in Hull.
We're thinking of moving to the coast. / We're thinking about moving to the coast.

C dream about and dream of

When you are asleep, you dream about somebody or something.

dream of or dream about being / doing something = imagine it, wish for it.

I wouldn't dream of doing something = I would never do it. It is a firm refusal delivered with impeccable manners.

I dreamt about my old school last night.
Did you ever dream of being a footballer? / Did you ever dream about being a footballer?
"You won't read my messages, will you?" "I wouldn't dream of it."

D complain about and complain of

complain (to somebody) about something = say that you are not satisfied with it.

complain of a pain, an illness and so on = say that you have it.

We complained to the landlord about the damp in the bathroom.
My grandad was complaining of a pain in his knee, so we rang the surgery.

E remind somebody about and remind somebody of

remind somebody about something = tell them not to forget it.

remind somebody of somebody/something = make them remember it, often because the two are alike.

Thanks for reminding me about the dentist. It had gone right out of my head.
The smell of this place reminds me of my nan's kitchen.
That actor reminds me of somebody. Who does he remind you of?

Exercises

134.1 Complete the sentences using hear or heard + a preposition (about, of or from).

I can't believe you've never heard of her. She reads the news on the telly every night.
I can't believe you've never heard of her. She reads the news on the telly every night.
"Did you the flood at the leisure centre?" "No, what happened?"
My cousin used to message me every week, but I haven't him since Easter.
"Have you ever a band called the Stray Kettles?" "No. Who are they?"
Thanks for the postcard from Whitby. It was lovely to you.
"Do you want to my driving test?" "Not now. Tell me over tea."
I come from a tiny village in Shropshire. You've probably never it.

134.2 Complete the sentences using think about or think of. In some sentences both are possible. Use the correct form of think (think, thinking or thought).

I've thought about the flat in Leeds, and I've decided not to take it.
I've thought about the flat in Leeds, and I've decided not to take it.
I never rush big decisions. I like to things for a few days first.
You've gone very quiet. What are you ?
What a simple solution. Why didn't I that?
I don't fancy going to Darren's party. I'll have to an excuse.
I'm getting a dog. Which breed would you recommend?
When the bank offered me a transfer to Glasgow, I didn't say yes straight away. I took a week and it. In the end I accepted.
"I've just watched the series you recommended." "What did you it? Did you enjoy it?"
"Can you lend me your van at the weekend?" "I'm not sure. I'll it."
I don't much the new chippy. The batter tastes like cardboard.
Priya is homesick. She's always her family in Cardiff.
"Should I apply for the evening course?" "I can't any reason why not."

134.3 Put in the correct preposition.

Did you hear about the burst water main on the high street?
Did you hear about the burst water main on the high street?
I'm very happy in this job. I wouldn't dream leaving.
"I had a really odd dream last night." "Did you? What did you dream ?"
This song always reminds me the summer we spent in Tenby.
"The car's broken down and the last bus has gone." "Leave it with me. I'll think something."
The people downstairs complained us our washing machine running at midnight.
Gareth was complaining a sore throat, so he stayed off work.
My brother is obsessed with fishing. He thinks it all day, he dreams it at night, he talks it at every meal, and I'm tired of hearing it.

134.4 Complete the sentences using these verbs in the correct form, together with a preposition.

complaindreamhearremindremindthinkthink

Nobody else came up with the name for the band. I thought of it.
Nobody else came up with the name for the band. I thought of it.
Our Nan is never happy with anything. She's always something.
I can't give you an answer yet. I need some time to your offer.
She isn't a famous author. Not many people have her.
"You wouldn't read my diary, would you?" "Of course not. I wouldn't it."
I'd have missed the parents' evening if you hadn't me it.
See that woman by the bar? Does she you anybody?

Verb + preposition 3 about and of