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Prepositions after adjectives

Aggressive with different prepositions

Aggressive is most commonly followed by towards or with when describing behaviour. Other prepositions are used in more specific contexts.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows aggressive?

Use aggressive towards or aggressive with for hostile behaviour toward someone. Use aggressive in for areas of action or strategy. Aggressive about can describe determined behaviour. Aggressive on is uncommon as a direct adjective-preposition pattern.

He became aggressive towards the referee.
The company is aggressive in marketing.
She was aggressive about getting results.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
aggressive towards + person

Describing hostile behaviour

Towards is common when the target of aggression is named.

The dog was aggressive towards strangers.
He sounded aggressive towards his colleague.
2
aggressive with + person

Describing behaviour in interaction

With is also used for behaviour directed at someone.

Don't be aggressive with customers.
She became aggressive with the staff.
3
aggressive in + activity

Talking about methods or strategy

Use aggressive in to describe a forceful approach in a field or activity.

The firm is aggressive in price competition.
They are aggressive in expanding overseas.
4
aggressive about + goal

Showing strong determination

About can describe a forceful or highly determined attitude toward a goal.

The team is aggressive about reducing costs.
She was aggressive about negotiations.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
aggressive towards
He was aggressive towards the other players.
hostile behaviour directed at someone
aggressive with
She became aggressive with the interviewer.
hostile or forceful behaviour in interaction
aggressive in
The company is aggressive in advertising.
forceful strategy in an area of activity
aggressive about
They are aggressive about sales targets.
very determined or forceful about a goal
aggressive on
The minister was aggressive on tax policy during the debate.
on relates to the topic being discussed, not a common fixed pattern

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using aggressive on as a standard pattern

Aggressive on is uncommon directly after the adjective. Use towards, with, in, or about when appropriate.

✕ He was aggressive on his colleague. ✓ He was aggressive towards his colleague.

Confusing aggressive in with aggressive towards

Use in for fields or activities, not people.

✕ She was aggressive in the waiter. ✓ She was aggressive towards the waiter.

Using aggressive about for hostility toward people

About usually refers to goals or issues, not targets of aggression.

✕ He was aggressive about his neighbour. ✓ He was aggressive towards his neighbour.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The manager was aggressive ___ the new employee.
2. The company is aggressive ___ online marketing.
3. She is aggressive ___ achieving her goals.

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Frequently asked questions

Is aggressive towards or aggressive with more common?

Both are standard. Towards focuses more clearly on the target of the behaviour.

Can aggressive have a positive meaning?

Yes. In business or sport, it can mean energetic or highly competitive.

Is aggressive on correct?

It may appear when on introduces a topic, but it is not the usual fixed pattern after aggressive.

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