ELPS

Pattern

There exists a group of verbs which are naturally followed by a preposition. Those prepositions are called dependent prepositions. One of such common dependent prepositions is the on preposition. This article is about verb + on pattern in which the on preposition stands as a dependent preposition.

Verbs followed by the on preposition

The most common verbs followed by the on preposition are ( pronouns in brackets complement the expression ): .

base (something) on (something)

build on (something)

comment on (something)

concentrate on (something)

decide on (something)

depend on (something)

dwell on (something)

elaborate on (something)

insist on (something)

rely on (something)

work on (something)

Examples

This hypothesis is based on untrustworthy data.

Ann has based her sales career on extensive knowledge of marketing techniques.

Tom likes to comment on sports cars.

This month we are concentrating on how to improve our business.

I have not decided on a dessert yet.

My decision to accept the job will depend on conditions of employment.

Do not dwell on the past!

The idea seems to be good, but you need to elaborate on details of it.

A majority of our employees are insisting on a pay rise now.

You cannot rely on a twenty years old car.

We have been working on this project for two years.