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Prepositions after verbs

accomplish by or accomplish in?

Accomplish usually takes a direct object. By often introduces the method, while in commonly refers to time.

Quick answer

How to use accomplish with by and in

Use accomplish something for the main structure. Use by to show the method used to achieve something, and use in to show the time needed. The verb itself does not strongly select either preposition.

They accomplished the task by working together
She accomplished the project in two weeks
accomplish a goal

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
accomplish + object

Stating what is achieved

Accomplish is most commonly followed directly by the thing achieved.

accomplish the mission
2
accomplish + object + by + method

Showing how something was achieved

Use by with an action or method that made the achievement possible.

The team accomplished the redesign by simplifying the workflow
3
accomplish + object + in + time

Showing how long achievement took

Use in with a period of time.

We accomplished the repairs in one afternoon

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
accomplish by
They accomplished the upgrade by automating the process.
By introduces the method or means.
accomplish in
She accomplished the training in six months.
In introduces a time period.
accomplish something
He accomplished his goal.
Direct object structure without a preposition.

Common mistakes

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

Using by directly after accomplish without an object

Accomplish normally needs an object before by.

✕ They accomplished by working late. ✓ They accomplished the task by working late.

Using in for method

In usually refers to time, not the method used.

✕ She accomplished the project in careful planning. ✓ She accomplished the project by careful planning.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. They accomplished the migration ___ using new software.
2. We accomplished the audit ___ three days.
3. Choose the most natural sentence.

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Frequently asked questions

Can accomplish be used without a preposition?

Yes. Accomplish usually takes a direct object, such as accomplish a task or accomplish a goal.

Does accomplish by mean the same as accomplish through?

They are similar. Both can introduce a method, although by is more direct and common.

Is accomplish in always about time?

Usually, yes. In commonly introduces the amount of time needed to complete something.

abandon, by, abandon, in "abduct by", "abduct in" or "abduct from"? abide by, in, with, to or on? "abolish in" or "abolish by"? "abound in" or "abound with"? "absorb by", "absorb into" or "absorb in"? "accelerate by", "accelerate to" or "accelerate in"? accentuate by, with, in or under? accept by, in, as, for or into? "accommodate in", "accommodate for" or "accommodate to"? "accord to" or "accord with"? accredit by, to, with, in or as?

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