Verb + On: 16 Common Verb Combinations with On

Last updated on July 11, 2024 by Isabella Claire

In this reference, you will explore the various combinations with the preposition “On” and their importance in the English language. These combinations are often used in daily conversations, and understanding them can help you communicate more effectively.

You will learn about common verbs paired with “On”, each of which creates a unique meaning. For example, “depend on” means to rely on someone or something. This knowledge will be reinforced with example sentences and practice exercises to help you master these combinations.

Verb Combinations with On

Verb Combinations with On
Verb Combinations with On – Created by 7ESL

List of Combinations with On

  • Agree on
  • Base on
  • Be on
  • Blame on
  • Comment on
  • Concentrate on
  • Congratulate on
  • Count on
  • Depend on
  • Elaborate on
  • Impose on
  • Insist on
  • Play on
  • Pride on
  • Rely on
  • Work on

Combinations with On with Example Sentences

Agree on

“Agree on” means to reach a mutual understanding or to come to a consensus on something.

  • They couldn’t agree on a restaurant for dinner, so they ended up eating at home.

Base on

“Base on” means to use something as a foundation or starting point for something else.

  • The report was based on extensive research and analysis.

Be on

“Be on” means to be present or available for a particular purpose or event.

  • Will the band be on tour this summer?

Blame on

“Blame on” means to hold responsible or accountable for something.

  • The accident was blamed on the driver’s reckless behavior.

Comment on

“Comment on” means to express an opinion or remark about something.

  • The politician refused to comment on the allegations against him.

Concentrate on

“Concentrate on” means to focus one’s attention or efforts on a particular task or goal.

  • You cannot concentrate on driving when you are distracted by loud music.

Congratulate on

“Congratulate on” means to express happiness and admiration for someone for their achievements or success.

  • I congratulate my friend on winning the award.

Count on

“Count on” means to rely on or trust someone or something to do what is expected or needed.

  • Should we count on the technology to solve all our problems?

Depend on

“Depend on” means to rely on or be influenced by something or someone.

  • The growth of the plant depends on the amount of sunlight and water it receives.

Elaborate on

“Elaborate on” means to provide more details or information about something.

  • Can you elaborate on the benefits of using this product?

Impose on

“Impose on” means to force someone to do something or to cause an inconvenience to someone.

  • The government imposed a new tax on luxury goods to generate revenue.

Insist on

“Insist on” means to demand or require something firmly or persistently.

  • The doctor insisted on a follow-up appointment to monitor the patient’s progress.

Play on

“Play on” means to use something to one’s advantage or to exploit a situation.

  • The marketer plays on the consumer’s desire to sell products.

Pride on

“Pride on” means to take pleasure or satisfaction in one’s achievements or qualities.

  • The artist prided herself on her originality and creativity in her work.

Rely on

“Rely on” means to depend on or trust someone or something to do what is expected or needed.

  • You cannot rely on luck to always be on your side.

Work on

“Work on” means to put effort and time into improving or making progress on something.

  • You cannot work on something if you do not have a clear goal or purpose.

Verb Combinations with On | Practice and Exercises

Fill in the blank

  1. They finally ___________ the terms of the contract after a long negotiation.

Answer: Agree on

  1. The decision was ___________ the results of the market research.

Answer: Based on

  1. He’s ___________ a business trip and won’t be back until next week.

Answer: Be on

  1. She always ___________ others for her mistakes and never takes responsibility.

Answer: Blame on

  1. He made a ___________ the quality of the food at the restaurant.

Answer: Comment on

  1. She needs to ___________ studying for her upcoming exams.

Answer: Concentrate on

  1. They ___________ their friend on his recent promotion at work.

Answer: Congratulate on

  1. He can always ___________ his best friend for support and advice.

Answer: Count on

  1. The success of the project ___________ the team’s ability to work together.

Answer: Depend on

  1. He needs to ___________ his ideas and provide more details.

Answer: Elaborate on

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