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Prepositions after adjectives

Outraged by or outraged at

Both outraged by and outraged at are standard. By often focuses on the cause, while at commonly focuses on the target or situation causing anger.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct after outraged?

Both outraged by and outraged at are natural in modern English. By often introduces the action or behaviour causing outrage. At is common for reactions to events, comments, or situations.

She was outraged by the decision
They felt outraged at his remarks
Residents were outraged by the pollution
I am outraged at the unfair treatment

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
outraged by + action/event

Reacting to a cause

By introduces the thing that causes outrage.

The public was outraged by the report
He seemed outraged by their behaviour
2
outraged at + situation/comment

Reacting to something offensive

At commonly follows reactions to comments, prices, decisions, or situations.

Customers were outraged at the extra fees
She sounded outraged at the accusation
3
outraged over + issue

Emphasising the subject of anger

Over is another common option when discussing disputes or public issues.

Voters were outraged over the tax increase
Parents became outraged over the school cuts

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
outraged by
We were outraged by the photographs.
Focuses on the direct cause of outrage.
outraged at
She was outraged at the suggestion.
Focuses on the situation or target provoking outrage.
outraged over
Citizens were outraged over the delays.
Common with public issues or ongoing disputes.

Common mistakes

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

Using about instead of standard choices

About is less natural after outraged in most contexts.

✕ They were outraged about the news. ✓ They were outraged by the news.

Using with after outraged

With is not the normal preposition here.

✕ She was outraged with the decision. ✓ She was outraged at the decision.

Confusing angry and outraged

Outraged expresses stronger moral anger.

✕ He was slightly outraged by the delay. ✓ He was annoyed by the delay.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Residents were outraged ___ the sudden closure.
2. She was outraged ___ his rude comment.
3. The community became outraged ___ the policy changes.

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Frequently asked questions

Are outraged by and outraged at both correct?

Yes. Both are standard and widely used.

Which is more common with comments or remarks?

Outraged at is especially common with remarks, comments, and suggestions.

Can I use outraged over?

Yes. It is common when discussing public controversies or ongoing issues.

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