anticipate + event
Expecting something before it happens
Anticipate is commonly followed directly by a noun or clause.
They anticipated delays during the storm.
Anticipate by or anticipate in?
Anticipate usually takes a direct object without a preposition. Anticipate by can appear when by introduces a method. Anticipate in is not a standard pattern after anticipate.
Quick answer
Using anticipate correctly
Use anticipate directly with the expected event or action. Anticipate by is possible when by explains how someone prepares or reacts. Anticipate in is generally not idiomatic as a fixed combination.
We anticipated heavy traffic.
The company anticipated the problem by increasing staff early.
She anticipated a difficult meeting.
The company anticipated the problem by increasing staff early.
She anticipated a difficult meeting.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
anticipate + -ing form
Expecting an action
Use anticipate with an -ing form for expected actions or situations.
We anticipated meeting resistance.
anticipate by + action
Showing how someone prepares in advance
By can introduce the method used to prepare for an expected situation.
The team anticipated demand by ordering extra supplies.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
anticipate
I anticipated a long discussion.
Standard use without a preposition.
anticipate by
They anticipated shortages by storing extra fuel.
By introduces the action taken in advance.
anticipate in
Incorrect: We anticipated in delays.
Anticipate is not normally followed by in.
anticipate that
She anticipated that prices would rise.
Used before a clause.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Adding an unnecessary preposition
Anticipate usually does not need a preposition before the expected event.
✕ We anticipated for problems. ✓ We anticipated problems.Using anticipate in
In is not a standard preposition directly after anticipate.
✕ They anticipated in changes. ✓ They anticipated changes.Confusing anticipate with participate
These verbs have different meanings and patterns.
✕ She anticipated in the meeting. ✓ She participated in the meeting.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. We anticipated ___ delays on the highway.
2. The company anticipated shortages ___ ordering supplies early.
3. She anticipated ___ the project would take longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Do we use a preposition after anticipate?
Usually no. Anticipate normally takes a direct object.
Is anticipate by correct?
Yes, when by introduces the method of preparation or prevention.
Can I say anticipate in?
Not as a normal verb-preposition pattern. Use anticipate directly with the object instead.
Related preposition guides
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