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Prepositions after verbs

beg for, of, in, to or from?

The verb 'beg' uses different prepositions depending on whether you mean request, appeal, or source.

Quick answer

Common patterns with beg

Use 'beg for' when asking strongly for something, 'beg of' in formal requests to a person, and 'beg from' to show the source of money or help. 'Beg to' is common before an infinitive, as in formal expressions like 'I beg to differ'. 'Beg in' is not a standard pattern after 'beg'.

The child begged for another chance
I beg of you to reconsider
They begged from relatives during the crisis
I beg to disagree

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
beg for + thing

Asking strongly for something

Use 'beg for' when someone desperately asks for an object, action, or opportunity.

She begged for mercy
2
beg of + person

Making a formal or emotional appeal

'Beg of' is more formal and often emotional.

We beg of you to stay
3
beg from + person

Showing the source of help or money

Use 'beg from' when identifying the person or group giving help.

He refused to beg from strangers
4
beg to + verb

Using formal expressions

'Beg to' is followed by an infinitive in formal speech or writing.

I beg to inform you of the decision

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
beg for
They begged for food after the storm.
ask strongly for something
beg of
I beg of you to listen.
make a serious appeal to someone
beg from
She never begs from her friends.
receive by asking from a source
beg to
I beg to differ.
used before an infinitive in formal expressions
beg in
'Beg in' is not a standard prepositional pattern after 'beg'.
generally incorrect in this context

Common mistakes

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

Using 'beg in' after the verb

English does not normally use 'beg in' as a fixed pattern.

✕ They begged in money from tourists. ✓ They begged for money from tourists.

Confusing 'beg of' and 'beg for'

'Beg of' introduces the person, while 'beg for' introduces the thing requested.

✕ I beg for you to help. ✓ I beg of you to help.

Forgetting the infinitive after 'beg to'

'Beg to' is followed by a base verb.

✕ I beg to your pardon. ✓ I beg your pardon.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The villagers begged ___ clean water.
2. I beg ___ you to reconsider.
3. She begged ___ explain her side of the story.

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Frequently asked questions

Is 'beg of' formal?

Yes. It sounds more formal or emotional than 'beg for'.

Can I use 'beg from' for money?

Yes. It can describe asking someone for money or support.

What does 'I beg to differ' mean?

It is a polite and formal way to say you disagree.

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