Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Think of prepositions as 'bridges' that connect a verb to its object; without the right bridge, the sentence collapses.
- Use 'to' for direction or recipients, like 'listen to music' or 'talk to me'.
- Use 'for' for purpose or waiting, like 'wait for the bus' or 'apply for a job'.
- Use 'at' for specific targets or skills, like 'look at the map' or 'laugh at a joke'.
Overview
to, for, at과 같은 전치사들이 특정 동사와 어떻게 결합하는지를 이해하는 것은 필수적입니다. 단순히 암기하는 것이 아니라, 왜 이 동사 뒤에는 이 전치사가 오는지 그 '느낌'과 '논리'를 파악하면 영어가 훨씬 쉬워집니다. 오늘 이 시간에는 한국인 학습자들이 가장 헷갈려 하는 to, for, at을 중심으로, 동사와 전치사의 완벽한 조합을 마스터해 보겠습니다.음악을 듣다라고 할 때 우리는 조사 '을'을 사용하지만, 영어의
listen은 목적어를 바로 취하지 못하고 반드시 to라는 다리를 놓아야 합니다. 그래서 listen to music이 되는 것이죠.to는 '방향과 도달'의 이미지를 가집니다. 화살표가 과녁을 향해 날아가 꽂히는 느낌이죠.for는 '목적과 교환, 혹은 이유'의 이미지를 가집니다. 무언가를 위해 마음이나 에너지를 쏟는 느낌입니다.at은 '하나의 점(Point)'을 찍는 이미지입니다. 넓은 범위가 아니라 정확히 그 지점을 겨냥하거나 응시하는 느낌이죠.
-ing)가 올 수 있습니다. 이 순서는 매우 엄격해서, 전치사와 동사 사이에 다른 단어가 끼어들기 어렵습니다 (부사는 예외일 수 있습니다).I sent an email to my boss. |They are searching for a new office. |Thank you for inviting me. |The manager looked at the report. |She is great at organizing meetings. |wait만 쓰면 «기다리다»이지만, 누군가를 기다릴 때는 반드시 wait for가 되어야 문법적으로 완벽해집니다.to: 방향, 전달, 그리고 귀속to는 한 지점에서 다른 지점으로 이동하는 에너지를 나타냅니다. 소통의 대상이나 결과물이 도달하는 종착점을 가리킬 때 주로 사용합니다.- 의사소통의 대상: 내 말이 상대방에게 '전달'되어야 하므로
to를 씁니다. I need to talk to you about the project.(내 말이 너에게 전달됨)Can you explain this grammar to me?(설명이 나에게 도달함)- *주의*:
speak to,write to,reply to등도 같은 맥락입니다. - 반응과 태도: 외부의 자극이 나에게 왔을 때, 그 방향으로 내 반응을 보낼 때 씁니다.
How did he react to the news?(뉴스가 왔고, 그 방향으로 반응함)She apologized to her colleague.(사과라는 마음이 동료에게 전달됨)- 소속과 귀속: 어떤 물건이나 권리가 특정 지점에 '착' 달라붙어 있는 상태를 나타냅니다.
This laptop belongs to the marketing department.(노트북의 소속이 마케팅팀임)
for: 목적, 이유, 그리고 기다림for는 '가치'나 '목표'를 향한 마음을 나타냅니다. 어떤 행동을 왜 하는지, 누구를 위해 하는지에 초점이 맞춰져 있습니다.- 이유와 감사의 근거: 우리가
Thank you라고 할 때, 그 뒤에 오는 구체적인 이유를for로 연결합니다. I apologize for being late.(늦은 것에 대한 '이유'로 사과함)He was punished for breaking the rules.(규칙 위반이라는 '이유'로 처벌받음)- 목표물 찾기와 기다림: 무언가를 얻기 위해 에너지를 소모하는 과정입니다.
I'm waiting for the delivery app notification.(배달 알림이라는 '목적'을 기다림)Are you looking for a cafe nearby?(카페라는 '목표'를 찾는 중)- 지불과 교환: 돈을 주고 물건을 가져오는 '교환'의 개념입니다.
I paid for the coffee with my card.(커피를 얻기 위한 대가로 지불함)
at: 정밀한 지점, 겨냥, 그리고 감정의 원인at은 아주 작은 점(dot)을 찍는 느낌입니다. 시선이 고정되거나, 특정 지점을 날카롭게 겨냥할 때 사용합니다.- 시선의 고정과 겨냥: 막연히 보는 것이 아니라 특정 지점을 딱 찍어서 볼 때입니다.
Look at the whiteboard, please.(칠판이라는 특정 지점을 보라는 뜻)He pointed at the map to show the location.(지도상의 한 점을 가리킴)- 감정의 즉각적인 원인: 어떤 사건이나 행동을 보고 그 '지점'에서 감정이 확 일어날 때 씁니다.
I was surprised at the sudden rain.(갑작스러운 비라는 지점에서 놀람)They laughed at my joke.(내 농담이라는 지점에서 웃음이 터짐)- 능력의 지점: 어떤 사람이 가진 재능이 어느 '분야(점)'에 특화되어 있는지 나타냅니다.
My brother is really good at playing PC games.(게임이라는 특정 지점에서 능력을 발휘함)
- 잘못된 표현:
We discussed about the problem.(X) - 맞는 표현:
We discussed the problem.(O) - 이유:
discuss는 그 자체로 «~에 대해 논의하다»라는 의미를 가진 타동사입니다.about이 필요 없습니다.marry,enter,reach,contact등도 마찬가지입니다.
listen과 wait에서 전치사를 빼먹는 경우- 잘못된 표현:
I'm listening music.(X) /Wait me.(X) - 맞는 표현:
I'm listening to music.(O) /Wait for me.(O) - 이유: 영어에서
listen과wait은 자동사입니다. 목적어로 바로 연결될 수 없으며, 반드시to나for라는 다리가 필요합니다.
to + 동사원형과 for + -ing의 혼동to + 동사원형: 주어의 의도나 구체적인 행동의 목적을 나타냅니다. (I went to the store to buy milk.)for + -ing: 사물의 일반적인 용도나 기능을 설명할 때 주로 씁니다. (This knife is for cutting bread.)
to는 주로 '전달과 소통'의 긍정적 혹은 중립적 방향성을 띠는 반면, at은 좀 더 '공격적이거나 날카로운' 겨냥의 느낌을 줄 때가 많습니다. 사과할 때도 to 뒤에는 '사람'이 오고, for 뒤에는 '사건'이 온다는 차이점을 명확히 인지하세요.I'll pay the coffee라고 하면 커피값(돈)을 내는 게 아니라 커피라는 물건 자체를 지불 수단으로 쓴다는 엉뚱한 뜻이 될 수 있습니다. 정확히는 I'll pay for the coffee라고 해야 합니다.to(화살표), for(하트/가치), at(점)의 이미지를 머릿속에 그려보세요. 동사의 의미와 전치사의 이미지를 결합해 보면, 왜 smile 뒤에 at이 오는지(미소의 타겟), 왜 wait 뒤에 for가 오는지(기다림의 가치)를 논리적으로 이해할 수 있게 됩니다.arrive at과 arrive in은 어떻게 다른가요?at은 지점의 느낌이 강하다고 했죠? 그래서 arrive at the airport나 arrive at the station처럼 비교적 좁고 구체적인 지점에 도착할 때 씁니다. 반면 in은 공간의 내부라는 느낌이 강해서 arrive in Seoul이나 arrive in Korea처럼 넓은 지역이나 도시, 국가에 도착할 때 사용합니다.to인가요?be kind to me가 맞지만, «나에게 화를 내다»는 be angry with me 혹은 shout at me처럼 상황에 따라 전치사가 달라집니다. 한국어 조사에 1:1로 매칭하기보다는 영어 동사가 가진 '에너지의 성격'을 먼저 파악하는 습관을 들이시는 게 좋습니다.Common Verb + Preposition Pairings
| Verb | Preposition | Typical Object | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Listen
|
to
|
Music, People, Radio
|
Listen to me!
|
|
Wait
|
for
|
Bus, Person, Result
|
I'm waiting for you.
|
|
Look
|
at
|
Photo, Map, Person
|
Look at this.
|
|
Talk
|
to
|
Friend, Boss, Group
|
Talk to your doctor.
|
|
Apply
|
for
|
Job, Visa, Grant
|
Apply for the role.
|
|
Laugh
|
at
|
Joke, Situation
|
Don't laugh at him.
|
|
Belong
|
to
|
Person, Club, Category
|
It belongs to her.
|
|
Ask
|
for
|
Help, Money, Bill
|
Ask for the check.
|
Meanings
A prepositional verb is a combination of a standard verb and a specific preposition that must follow it to link to an object. The preposition is 'dependent' because the verb requires it to function correctly in that context.
Direction & Connection (To)
Used when the action is directed toward a person, place, or thing.
“Please explain this to me.”
“He apologized to his boss.”
Purpose & Benefit (For)
Used when the action is done with a specific goal, reason, or recipient in mind.
“I'm looking for my glasses.”
“They are waiting for the train.”
Targeted Action (At)
Used when an action is aimed directly at a specific point or person, often involving sight or sound.
“Don't shout at me!”
“Look at that beautiful sunset.”
Reference Table
| 동사 | 전치사 | 의미/용법 | 예시 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Listen
|
to
|
소리를 향하게 하다
|
I listen to music.
|
|
Talk
|
to
|
~와 소통하다
|
She talks to her dog.
|
|
Apologize
|
to / for
|
~에게 사과하다 / ~에 대해 사과하다
|
He apologized to me for his mistake.
|
|
Wait
|
for
|
~을/를 기다리다
|
We waited for the bus.
|
|
Pay
|
for
|
~에 대한 대가를 지불하다
|
Can you pay for dinner?
|
|
Look
|
at
|
시선을 ~으로 향하다
|
Look at that beautiful sunset.
|
|
Arrive
|
at
|
특정 장소(작거나 중간 규모)에 도착하다
|
They arrived at the hotel.
|
|
Smile
|
at
|
~을/를 향해 미소 짓다
|
She smiled at the baby.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
I would like to apply for the position. (employment)
I'm applying for the job. (employment)
I'm going for that job. (employment)
I'm hitting up that gig. (employment)
동사 연결 전치사
TO (수신자/방향)
- Listen to Listen to music
- Talk to Talk to friends
- Apologize to Apologize to someone
FOR (이유/목적/혜택)
- Wait for Wait for the bus
- Pay for Pay for coffee
- Thank for Thank for help
AT (대상/위치)
- Look at Look at a photo
- Arrive at Arrive at the airport
- Laugh at Laugh at a joke
동사 + 전치사 vs. 타동사
올바른 동사 연결 선택하기
동사가 특정 전치사와 자연스럽게 짝을 이루나요?
동사가 타동사인가요 (직접 목적어를 취하나요)?
전치사가 일반적인 목적/이유(for + 동명사)를 나타내나요, 아니면 특정 방향/수신자(to + 명사)를 나타내나요?
동사 + 전치사 빠른 가이드
TO와 함께 쓰이는 동사
- • Listen to
- • Talk to
- • Apologize to
- • Belong to
- • Agree to
FOR와 함께 쓰이는 동사
- • Wait for
- • Pay for
- • Account for
- • Thank for
- • Ask for
AT와 함께 쓰이는 동사
- • Look at
- • Arrive at
- • Laugh at
- • Smile at
- • Aim at
전치사가 없는 동사 (주의!)
- • Discuss
- • Enter
- • Approach
- • Marry
- • Emphasize
수준별 예문
I listen to music every day.
I listen to music every day.
Look at the board, please.
Look at the board, please.
Wait for me at the station.
Wait for me at the station.
I talk to my mother on Sundays.
I talk to my mother on Sundays.
Are you waiting for the bus?
Are you waiting for the bus?
She is looking for her keys.
She is looking for her keys.
He apologized to me for being late.
He apologized to me for being late.
Don't laugh at my hair!
Don't laugh at my hair!
I need to apply for a new passport.
I need to apply for a new passport.
Who does this book belong to?
Who does this book belong to?
They are shouting at each other again.
They are shouting at each other again.
I'll reply to your email by tomorrow.
I'll reply to your email by tomorrow.
The success of the project depends on everyone's contribution.
The success of the project depends on everyone's contribution.
She pointed at the man in the crowd.
She pointed at the man in the crowd.
I must apologize for the inconvenience caused.
I must apologize for the inconvenience caused.
He's always complaining about the weather.
He's always complaining about the weather.
We need to cater for all dietary requirements.
We need to cater for all dietary requirements.
The witness glanced at the suspect briefly.
The witness glanced at the suspect briefly.
I can't account for the missing funds.
I can't account for the missing funds.
She alluded to the problem without naming it.
She alluded to the problem without naming it.
The findings pertain to the earlier study conducted in 1994.
The findings pertain to the earlier study conducted in 1994.
He has a tendency to gloat at his rivals' failures.
He has a tendency to gloat at his rivals' failures.
The committee will deliberate on the proposals tomorrow.
The committee will deliberate on the proposals tomorrow.
I won't acquiesce to such unreasonable demands.
I won't acquiesce to such unreasonable demands.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners often say 'I hear to music' or 'I listen the noise'.
Learners mix up searching for something with just seeing it.
Learners wonder if 'with' is better than 'to'.
자주 하는 실수
I listen music.
I listen to music.
Look the photo.
Look at the photo.
Wait me.
Wait for me.
I talk him.
I talk to him.
I'm looking my keys.
I'm looking for my keys.
He laughed to me.
He laughed at me.
Ask to help.
Ask for help.
Explain me the rule.
Explain the rule to me.
It depends of you.
It depends on you.
I applied to the job.
I applied for the job.
I'll write you soon.
I'll write to you soon.
문장 패턴
I am waiting for ___.
She apologized to ___ for ___.
Who does this ___ belong to?
I need to apply for ___ at ___.
Real World Usage
Wait for me! I'm 5 mins away.
I would like to apply for the Senior Developer role.
I'd like to apologize for the delay in your order.
Look at this amazing sunset I saw today!
You need to talk to a specialist about your back pain.
We are waiting for the tour guide to arrive.
Please listen to the instructions before starting the test.
I'm looking for a dress in a size medium.
문맥 속에서 배우기
함정 단어 조심
학습자 사전 활용
뉘앙스에 귀 기울이기
말하기 연습
Smart Tips
Stop! Add a 'to'. It's always 'Explain TO me'.
Try using 'to'. Talk to, write to, speak to, reply to, apologize to.
Always use 'for'. Look for, search for, ask for.
Think of a target. Look at, laugh at, shout at, point at.
발음
Weak forms
In natural speech, 'to' and 'for' are usually unstressed and pronounced with a schwa /ə/.
Linking
When a verb ends in a consonant and the preposition starts with a vowel (like 'at'), they link together.
Prepositional Stress
What are you looking AT? ↗
In questions, the preposition at the end often receives a slight stress and rising intonation.
암기하기
기억법
TO is for the ear and mouth (listen/talk), FOR is for the search and wait, AT is for the eyes and aim (look/point).
시각적 연상
Imagine a bridge made of the letters T-O connecting a mouth to an ear. Imagine a magnifying glass (looking FOR) and a target (looking AT).
Rhyme
When you listen, use a 'to'. When you wait, 'for' will do. If you look, use an 'at'. It's as simple as that!
Story
I was waiting FOR my friend at the park. I was looking AT the birds when I decided to listen TO some music. Suddenly, I had to look FOR my phone because it fell!
Word Web
챌린지
Write 3 sentences about your morning using 'wait for', 'listen to', and 'look at'.
문화 노트
British speakers almost always say 'write to someone,' while Americans often omit the 'to' and say 'write someone.'
Using 'ask for' is essential for politeness. Simply saying 'I want the bill' is considered rude; 'I asked for the bill' is much better.
In many English-speaking cultures, 'shouting at' or 'pointing at' someone is considered aggressive or rude.
Most prepositional verbs in English come from Old English, where case endings (like in German) used to show the relationship between words. As English lost its case endings, prepositions became the 'glue' to replace them.
대화 시작하기
What kind of music do you like to listen to?
What are you looking for in a new job?
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
If you could apologize to anyone from your past, who would it be?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
I listened ___ the new album all day yesterday.
Find and fix the mistake:
We discussed about the weekend plans.
Translate into English: 'Ella llegó al aeropuerto a tiempo.'
Answer starts with: ["S...
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /4
연습 문제
8 exercisesI am listening ___ the news on the radio.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
She apologized me for the mistake.
Who are you waiting?
1. Belong, 2. Laugh, 3. Apply
The verb 'explain' can be followed directly by a person (e.g., 'Explain me').
A: What are you looking ___? B: That strange bird over there!
Pick the odd one out.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesHe's very good ___ solving complex puzzles.
She entered into the meeting late.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Tenemos que pagar la cena.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the verbs with the correct preposition:
Could you account ___ the missing funds?
She's concentrating for her studies.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Ella se despidió de sus amigos.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match each verb with its matching preposition:
She's saving money ___ a new laptop.
Score: /13
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
In English, 'listen' is an intransitive verb in this context, meaning it cannot take a direct object. It needs the preposition `to` to act as a bridge to the noun.
Use `look for` when you are searching for something you cannot see. Use `look at` when you are directing your eyes toward something you can see.
Both are correct. `Talk to` is more common and neutral. `Talk with` often implies a longer, two-way discussion and is more common in American English.
Yes! In modern, natural English, it is perfectly acceptable and actually preferred to end sentences with prepositions in questions and informal speech.
We use `for` for the thing we want to get (the goal) and `to` for the direction (the place or person receiving the application).
Usually, yes. `Shout at` implies anger or aggression. If you are just shouting because someone is far away, use `shout to`.
Yes, but `await` is very formal and does NOT take a preposition. You 'wait for' a letter, but you 'await' a letter.
No, you must use `to`. 'It belongs to me' is the only correct form to show possession with this verb.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
esperar / escuchar / mirar
English requires a prepositional 'bridge' where Spanish uses a direct object.
attendre / écouter / regarder
French learners often omit 'for' and 'at' in English.
warten auf / hören auf
The logic of which preposition to use differs significantly between the two languages.
〜を待つ (o matsu) / 〜を聞く (o kiku)
Japanese uses post-positional particles rather than pre-positional bridges.
استمع إلى (istama'a ila)
Some prepositions align perfectly, while others are completely different.
听 (tīng) / 等 (děng)
Chinese lacks the 'verb + preposition' requirement for these common actions.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
관련 동영상
10:05 Arrival (2016): First 10 Minutes | Opening Scene
16:50 Making Of OPPENHEIMER (2023) - Best Of Behind The Scenes & Set Visit With Christopher Nolan | UPI
14:25 Alex Honnold Breaks Down Iconic Rock Climbing Scenes | GQ Sports
영어회화 필수 전치사 to for at 완벽정리! | 영어회화 | 영어공부 | 영어독학
라이브 아카데미
헷갈리는 to, for, at 전치사 사용법! 원어민처럼 쓰려면 이것만 기억하세요! (영어회화)
올리버쌤
Related Grammar Rules
구동사 'Face up to' (현실을 직시하다)
Overview 이 구동사는 회피에서 인정으로의 심리적 변화에 관한 것입니다. 특히 어렵거나 불쾌하거나 때로는 약간 당혹스러운 일...
시간 전치사: in, on, at 완벽 가이드
Overview 오후 5시에 도착하겠다는 문자를 보낼 때 `in` 5 PM이라고 썼다가 당황한 이모티콘을 받은 적 있나요? 영어에서 작은...
구동사: Take off (벗다 & 이륙하다)
### Overview 영어 학습을 하다 보면 가장 먼저 마주치는 벽 중 하나가 바로 '구동사(Phrasal Verbs)'입니다. 한국어는 '벗다',...
잠깐만! 'Hold on' 사용하기
### Overview 영어를 배우는 한국인 학습자들에게 `hold on`은 단순히 '기다리다'라는 의미 이상의 뉘앙스를 가진 아주 매력적...
차려입기: 정장 및 의상 (Dress up)
### Overview 영어를 배우다 보면 단순히 '옷을 입다'라는 행위를 넘어서, 그 행위 뒤에 숨겨진 '의도'나 '목적'을 표현해야 할...
