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Prepositions after verbs

Compound by, in, with, of or for?

Compound is used in several ways in science and general English. The most common patterns are compound with and compound by in passive or explanatory structures.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with compound?

Use compound with to describe mixing substances or adding difficulty. Use compound by to explain how a problem became worse. Other prepositions often belong to separate phrases rather than fixed combinations.

The chemist compounded the solution with alcohol.
The crisis was compounded by supply shortages.
Stress can be compounded by lack of sleep.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
compound something with + substance

Mixing substances together

With introduces the ingredient or added substance.

They compounded the medicine with herbal extracts.
The material was compounded with recycled plastic.
2
be compounded by + factor

Showing what made a problem worse

This passive pattern is common in formal English.

The delay was compounded by technical failures.
Her anxiety was compounded by financial pressure.
3
compound in + place/field

Using in separate contextual phrases

In usually introduces location or field rather than forming a fixed verb-preposition combination.

Researchers compounded the chemicals in a secure lab.
Errors can grow when problems are compounded in large systems.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
compound with
The pharmacist compounded the cream with essential oils.
Standard pattern for mixing or combining substances.
compounded by
The problem was compounded by poor planning.
Standard passive structure meaning made worse by.
compound in
The drugs were compounded in a sterile facility.
In usually gives location or context.
compound of
The sample is a compound of carbon and hydrogen.
Of is linked to the noun compound, not usually the verb compound.
compound for
The pharmacy compounded medication for children.
For introduces the recipient or purpose, not a fixed complement.

Common mistakes

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

Using of directly after the verb

Compound of is generally used with the noun compound, not the verb.

✕ They compounded of several ingredients. ✓ They compounded several ingredients together.

Confusing noun and verb uses

Compound as a noun follows different patterns from the verb.

✕ This medicine compounds of herbs. ✓ This medicine is composed of herbs.

Using by in active structures incorrectly

By is most natural in passive forms such as compounded by.

✕ They compounded by extra fees the problem. ✓ Extra fees compounded the problem.

Overusing in as a fixed combination

In usually gives context or place rather than a required preposition.

✕ They compounded in the chemicals. ✓ They compounded the chemicals in the laboratory.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The confusion was compounded ___ unclear instructions.
2. The scientist compounded the formula ___ natural oils.
3. The medication was compounded ___ a sterile laboratory.

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Frequently asked questions

Is compound with correct?

Yes. It is commonly used when substances are mixed or when one factor adds to another.

Can I use compounded by for problems?

Yes. Compounded by is a standard formal expression meaning made worse by.

Is compound of grammatical?

Usually not as a verb pattern. Of is more common after the noun compound or in expressions such as composed of.

calculate, by, calculate, in, calculate, from "call for" or "call on"? "campaign for" or "campaign against"? cancel by, due, at, in or for? capitulate to, in, like, by or after? captivate by, for, with, from or in? "capture by" or "capture in"? "care about" or "care for"? carry with, by, in, to or into? carve into, out, in, on or with? cast in, into, for, by or on? "catch in", "catch by" or "catch on"?

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