intelligible to + person/group
Being understandable
To introduces the people who can understand.
The report is intelligible to non-specialists.
Intelligible to, in, by, with or for?
Intelligible to is the standard expression for something that can be understood by someone.
Quick answer
How do you use intelligible?
Use intelligible to for people or groups who can understand something. Other prepositions are uncommon or belong to separate sentence structures.
The instructions were intelligible to new users.
His explanation became intelligible to the audience.
His explanation became intelligible to the audience.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
intelligible in + language/style
Understandable in a form
In can introduce the language or medium used.
The manual is intelligible in plain English.
intelligible for + audience
Occasional audience-focused use
For is sometimes used, but to is more standard.
The lecture was intelligible for beginners.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
intelligible to
The symbols are intelligible to experts.
standard pattern for understandable content
intelligible in
The concept is intelligible in simple terms.
understandable in a particular form
intelligible by
This pattern is uncommon.
by is not normally the complement after intelligible
intelligible with
The chart becomes intelligible with examples.
with introduces a helpful addition
intelligible for
The guide is intelligible for children.
possible but less standard than to
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using by after intelligible
By is not the normal preposition for the person who understands.
✕ The text is intelligible by students. ✓ The text is intelligible to students.Overusing for instead of to
To is usually preferred for audiences or readers.
✕ The speech was intelligible for everyone. ✓ The speech was intelligible to everyone.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The message was intelligible ___ most readers.
2. The topic became intelligible ___ simple language.
3. Which phrase is the most standard?
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Frequently asked questions
What preposition usually follows intelligible?
Intelligible to is the standard pattern.
Can intelligible be followed by in?
Yes, especially when referring to language, style, or form.
Is intelligible by correct?
It is generally not used as the normal complement pattern.
Related preposition guides
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