Common verb and preposition combinations

In brief

In Brazilian Portuguese, some verbs regularly take a particular preposition before their complement. Learn the verb and preposition together: the English equivalent may use a different preposition.

Form

depender de (depend on); pensar em (think about); conversar com (talk with/to); acreditar em (believe in).

Usage

• Use depender de when something relies on a person or circumstance.
• Use pensar em for a person, plan, or idea on your mind.
• Use conversar com for the person you talk to, and acreditar em for someone or something you believe in.

Examples

• Dependo do ônibus para ir ao trabalho. — I depend on the bus to get to work.
• Estou pensando em mudar de emprego. — I’m thinking about changing jobs.
• Conversei com a médica ontem. — I talked to the doctor yesterday.
• Eu acredito em você. — I believe in you.

Common mistake

❌ Dependo em você.

✅ Dependo de você.

Use de after depender, even though English says ‘depend on’.

Remember

Memorize the preposition with the verb, not as a translation of the English preposition.