assist a wound
demonstrate a medical history
dress reflexes
test an exercise
take with showering
Using the right combination (collocation) of words demonstrates you have good knowledge of natural English expressions. Your patients and colleagues will also find you easier to understand.
Using the correct preposition can make the difference between the meaning you intended and a meaning which is quite different, and possibly inappropriate.
The same preposition can have a very different meaning when attached to a different word e.g.
Please come in [here ‘in’ means movement from outside the room into the room]
Come back in 2 weeks (here ‘in’ means time. Return after two weeks have past]
Combining a different preposition with the same verb or noun can also create a very different meaning e.g.
You should take up an exercise class [here the combination of ‘take up’ means start]
I realise this is a lot of information to take in [here the combination of ‘take in’ means process or understand].
Sometimes, as in the image example, the preposition is incorrect with the noun, verb or adjective it’s combined with.
Miles was admitted to hospital 3 days ago.
There are some rules to learn about use of prepositions especially for time and place but many other combinations need to be learnt, remembered and then used.
Take your mind off it and complete this sentence:
If I’ve had a difficult day at work, ……… always makes me feel better.
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