bolster + noun
Strengthening something directly
Bolster commonly takes a direct object without a preposition.
The policy will bolster confidence in the market.
bolster by, in, after, at or from?
Bolster usually takes direct objects. Some prepositions can appear nearby, but not all are natural combinations with the verb itself.
Quick answer
How bolster works with prepositions
Bolster is normally followed directly by a noun, as in bolster confidence. By can introduce the method used to strengthen something. From may show a source of support in some contexts. In, after, and at are usually separate adjuncts, not fixed combinations with bolster.
The campaign bolstered by public support succeeded.
The company hopes to bolster sales this year.
Her confidence was bolstered by positive feedback.
The team received help from local sponsors.
The company hopes to bolster sales this year.
Her confidence was bolstered by positive feedback.
The team received help from local sponsors.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
bolstered by + support/evidence
Showing the source of support
Use by in passive structures to show what strengthens something.
The claim was bolstered by new evidence.
bolster from + source
Limited use for source or origin
From can appear when support or benefit comes from a source, but it is not a fixed pattern after bolster.
The programme gained extra funding from private donors.
bolster in + area
Location or field, not a fixed combination
In usually introduces an area or context rather than combining directly with bolster.
The reforms helped bolster confidence in the banking sector.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
bolster + noun
The measures bolstered investor confidence.
standard direct-object pattern
bolstered by
The argument was bolstered by recent data.
supported or strengthened by something
bolster in
The company hopes to bolster sales in Europe.
in Europe is a place adjunct, not selected by bolster
bolster after
They hired staff after the merger to bolster production.
after the merger is a time adjunct, not a fixed pattern
bolster at
The charity worked at bolstering community ties.
at is not normally used directly after bolster
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Adding unnecessary prepositions
Bolster usually takes a direct object.
✕ The plan will bolster up confidence. ✓ The plan will bolster confidence.Treating in as a fixed partner
In often belongs to the following noun phrase or context.
✕ The company bolstered in profits. ✓ The company bolstered profits.Using at directly after bolster
At is not a standard preposition directly following bolster.
✕ They bolstered at the economy. ✓ They bolstered the economy.Confusing by and from
By usually introduces the strengthening factor in passive structures.
✕ The proposal was bolstered from strong evidence. ✓ The proposal was bolstered by strong evidence.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The report was ___ new research.
2. The measures will bolster ___ confidence.
3. The company hopes to bolster sales ___ Asia.
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Frequently asked questions
Does bolster usually need a preposition?
No. It most commonly takes a direct object, such as bolster morale or bolster sales.
When is bolstered by used?
It is common in passive sentences to show what provides support or strength.
Is bolster at correct?
Not usually. At is generally not a natural preposition directly after bolster.
Related preposition guides
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