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Prepositions after verbs

bequeath to, by, for, as or from?

Bequeath usually takes a direct object plus to for the recipient. Other prepositions appear in legal or descriptive contexts.

Quick answer

How is bequeath used?

Use bequeath something to someone for leaving money or property in a will. Bequeath by may appear in passive legal wording, while bequeath from is not standard.

She bequeathed her estate to her nephew.
The painting was bequeathed to the museum.
He bequeathed his library to the college.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
bequeath + object + to + person

Leaving property in a will

This is the standard pattern for transferring property after death.

She bequeathed the house to her daughter.
He bequeathed his savings to charity.
2
bequeath + object

Naming what is left

Bequeath can take a direct object before the recipient is mentioned.

They bequeathed several rare books.
She bequeathed a large collection of art.
3
bequeathed by + person

Passive legal wording

By introduces the person who left the property in passive sentences.

The land was bequeathed by his grandfather.
The funds were bequeathed by a former student.
4
bequeath for + purpose

Stating a purpose

For can introduce the intended use of the gift, not the recipient.

She bequeathed money for medical research.
He bequeathed funds for the restoration project.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
bequeath to
He bequeathed his farm to his son.
standard way to name the recipient
bequeath by
The estate was bequeathed by an aunt.
by marks the giver in passive sentences
bequeath for
She bequeathed money for education.
for introduces a purpose
bequeath from
The museum received paintings from her estate.
from is not normally used directly after bequeath

Common mistakes

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

Using from after bequeath

Bequeath does not normally take from as its direct preposition.

✕ He bequeathed from his uncle. ✓ He inherited money from his uncle.

Using as for the recipient

Use to, not as, before the person receiving the property.

✕ She bequeathed the ring as her niece. ✓ She bequeathed the ring to her niece.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She bequeathed the collection ___ the museum.
2. The property was bequeathed ___ a wealthy businessman.
3. He bequeathed money ___ medical research.

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Frequently asked questions

Is bequeath only for money?

No. It can refer to money, property, art, books, or other possessions.

Can I use bequeath without to?

Yes, if you mention only the thing being left and not the recipient.

Is bequeath common in everyday speech?

It is mainly used in formal, legal, or historical contexts.

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