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Preposition after verb

Adorn with, by, in, according or among?

Adorn is most commonly followed by with to show decoration. Other prepositions may appear in special contexts, but some combinations are nonstandard.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows adorn?

Use adorn with to describe what decorates something: adorned with flowers. By may appear in passive structures. In and among can introduce location or context. According does not combine naturally with adorn.

The hall was adorned with candles.
The entrance was adorned by marble columns.
The walls were richly adorned in gold.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
adorn with + decoration

Showing what decorates something

With is the standard preposition after adorn.

The table was adorned with flowers.
She wore a dress adorned with beads.
2
adorned by + thing

Using passive style with by

By can name the feature that decorates something, especially in formal writing.

The gate was adorned by carvings.
The ceiling was adorned by painted scenes.
3
adorn in + material/colour

Describing style or covering

In sometimes introduces a material, colour, or style surrounding the object.

The room was adorned in silver and blue.
The dancers were adorned in bright fabrics.
4
adorned among + group

Showing position within a group

Among is not a fixed partner of adorn but can introduce surrounding context.

The statue stood adorned among the trees.
The chapel appeared adorned among ancient buildings.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
adorn with
The altar was adorned with roses.
Standard way to name decorations.
adorn by
The bridge was adorned by lanterns.
Possible in passive style, though with is more common.
adorn in
The room was adorned in gold.
Shows material, colour, or style around the object.
adorn according
The hall was adorned according the plan.
Nonstandard combination. Use according to separately from adorn.
adorn among
The monument stood adorned among gardens.
Among introduces surrounding context, not a fixed preposition after adorn.

Common mistakes

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

Using according after adorn

According does not combine directly with adorn.

✕ The room was adorned according the theme. ✓ The room was adorned to match the theme.

Forgetting with in common descriptions

With is the normal choice for decorations.

✕ The cake was adorned flowers. ✓ The cake was adorned with flowers.

Confusing by and with

With is usually more natural than by for decoration.

✕ The arch was adorned by ribbons. ✓ The arch was adorned with ribbons.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The hall was adorned ___ lights.
2. The ceiling was adorned ___ painted angels.
3. The actors were adorned ___ gold and red.

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Frequently asked questions

What preposition usually follows adorn?

With is the most common and standard choice.

Is adorn according correct?

No. According does not combine directly with adorn.

Can adorn be used with among?

Only when among introduces surrounding context, not as a fixed phrase.

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"? "accomplish by" or "accomplish in"? "accord to" or "accord with"?

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