Parts of Speech & Usage

Verbs with no preposition (discuss, marry, enter, lack)

1 min read

Some English verbs are often used incorrectly with a preposition (like about, with, or to). In many languages, a preposition is required — but in English, these verbs take a direct object with no preposition.

1. Discuss (NOT “discuss about”)

Use discuss directly with the topic.

We need to discuss the problem.
They discussed the plan yesterday.
❌ discuss about the problem

2. Marry (NOT “marry with”)

Use marry directly with the person.

She married him last year.
They want to marry each other.
❌ marry with someone

Note: “get married to” is correct, but that’s a different structure.

She got married to him.

3. Enter (NOT “enter to / into”)

Use enter directly with the place.

He entered the room.
She entered the building.
❌ enter into the room (unless used figuratively)

4. Lack (NOT “lack of” as a verb)

Use lack directly with the thing that is missing.

The team lacks experience.
He lacks confidence.
❌ lacks of experience

Note: “lack of” is correct when used as a noun:

There is a lack of communication.

Key idea

These verbs take a direct object.
No preposition is needed after them.

💡 Tip

If the verb already connects directly to the object → don’t add a preposition.
Common mistake: adding “about,” “with,” or “to” when they are not needed.

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Parts of Speech & Usage

Verbs with no preposition (discuss, marry, enter, lack)

1 min read

1. Discuss (NOT “discuss about”)

Use discuss directly with the topic.

We need to discuss the problem.
They discussed the plan yesterday.
❌ discuss about the problem

2. Marry (NOT “marry with”)

Use marry directly with the person.

She married him last year.
They want to marry each other.
❌ marry with someone

Note: “get married to” is correct, but that’s a different structure.

She got married to him.

3. Enter (NOT “enter to / into”)

Use enter directly with the place.

He entered the room.
She entered the building.
❌ enter into the room (unless used figuratively)

4. Lack (NOT “lack of” as a verb)

Use lack directly with the thing that is missing.

The team lacks experience.
He lacks confidence.
❌ lacks of experience

Note: “lack of” is correct when used as a noun:

There is a lack of communication.

Key idea

These verbs take a direct object.
No preposition is needed after them.

💡 Tip

If the verb already connects directly to the object → don’t add a preposition.
Common mistake: adding “about,” “with,” or “to” when they are not needed.

Test your knowledge 📝

Question 1 sur 10Score: 0/10

We need to ___ the issue before making a decision.

Discover the app: Shaky English

Join 100,000 people who are improving their English skills on the Shaky English app

Other similar rules

A bit of theory

Is 'data' singular or plural?

Common confusions

Whether vs. If

Agreement rules

Omission of Auxiliary Verbs in Questions/Negatives (e.g. He not go)

Agreement rules

Tag Questions (You’re French, aren’t you?)

Common confusions

I.e. vs. E.g.

Conjugation

Some vs. Any

Agreement rules

Incomplete Comparisons

Conjugation