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Prepositions after verbs

communicate: which preposition to use

The verb 'communicate' can combine with several prepositions. The choice depends on whether you mean interaction, audience, language, method, or channel.

Quick answer

Common patterns with 'communicate'

Use 'communicate with' for interaction between people and 'communicate to' for delivering information to an audience. Use 'communicate in' for language or style, 'by' for method, and 'through' for a channel or intermediary.

We regularly communicate with our clients.
The results were communicated to all staff.
They prefer to communicate in Spanish.
The message was communicated through an interpreter.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
communicate with + person/group

Interacting with someone

Use 'with' for two-way communication or contact.

She rarely communicates with former colleagues.
Doctors must communicate with patients clearly.
2
communicate to + audience

Delivering information

Use 'to' when information is sent or expressed to someone.

The decision was communicated to investors yesterday.
He struggled to communicate to the audience.
3
communicate in + language/style

Choosing a language or form

Use 'in' for the language, code, or style used in communication.

The guide can communicate in three languages.
They communicated in simple terms.
4
communicate by + method

Showing the method of communication

Use 'by' with means such as email, phone, or radio.

We usually communicate by email.
The pilots communicated by radio.
5
communicate through + channel/person

Using an intermediary or channel

Use 'through' for communication that passes via another person, system, or medium.

The request was communicated through legal representatives.
Children often communicate through play.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
communicate with
I communicate with my team every day.
two-way interaction or contact
communicate to
The manager communicated the changes to staff.
deliver information to someone
communicate in
She communicates in clear English.
shows language or style
communicate by
They communicated by video call.
shows the method used
communicate through
The message was communicated through an assistant.
shows a channel or intermediary

Common mistakes

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

Using 'communicate to' for conversation

Use 'communicate with' for mutual interaction.

✕ I communicate to my classmates every day. ✓ I communicate with my classmates every day.

Leaving out the object after 'communicate to'

'Communicate to' normally needs a receiver.

✕ The company communicated to yesterday. ✓ The company communicated the update to employees yesterday.

Using 'in' for people

Use 'in' for language or style, not for the person receiving the message.

✕ She communicated in the clients. ✓ She communicated with the clients.

Confusing 'by' and 'through'

Use 'by' for methods and 'through' for intermediaries or channels.

✕ We communicated through email. ✓ We communicated by email.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The teacher communicated ___ the parents after the meeting.
2. The instructions were communicated ___ all employees.
3. The emergency teams communicated ___ radio.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'communicate with' and 'communicate to'?

'Communicate with' suggests interaction, while 'communicate to' focuses on sending information to someone.

Can I say 'communicate through email'?

In standard English, 'communicate by email' is more natural when talking about the method.

When do we use 'communicate in'?

Use it for languages, styles, or forms of expression, such as 'communicate in French' or 'communicate in simple language'.

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