Sign In Get Started
Prepositions after verbs

Contradict by, in, to or with?

Contradict normally takes a direct object. Prepositions such as by and with usually introduce method or evidence rather than fixed verb patterns.

Quick answer

Natural uses of contradict

Use contradict someone or contradict a statement without a preposition. By and with can introduce means or evidence. Contradict to is nonstandard in modern English.

The data contradicts the report.
He contradicted his earlier statement.
The witness contradicted the claim with new evidence.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
contradict + person/statement

Direct disagreement

Contradict usually takes a direct object.

She did not want to contradict her manager.
2
contradict with + evidence

Adding contrasting evidence

With introduces the thing used to show contradiction.

The scientist contradicted the theory with fresh data.
3
contradict by + action

Showing contradiction through action

By introduces manner or means rather than a fixed complement.

He contradicted himself by changing the numbers.
4
contradict in + context

Adjunct use with in

In usually introduces place or context.

The accounts contradict each other in several sections.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
contradict by
She contradicted herself by laughing.
by introduces manner or action
contradict in
The two reports contradict each other in tone.
in introduces an area or aspect
contradict to
This contradicts the evidence.
contradict to is nonstandard; use contradict or be contrary to
contradict with
He contradicted the statement with facts.
with introduces supporting evidence

Common mistakes

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

Using contradict to

Contradict normally does not take to.

✕ The results contradict to the theory. ✓ The results contradict the theory.

Adding unnecessary prepositions

Contradict usually takes a direct object.

✕ She contradicted with him. ✓ She contradicted him.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The new figures contradict ___ earlier estimates.
2. He contradicted the report ___ new evidence.
3. She contradicted herself ___ changing her story.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Is contradict to ever acceptable?

It is generally considered nonstandard in modern English.

Can contradict be reflexive?

Yes. People can contradict themselves.

What is the difference between contradict and disagree?

Contradict often refers to direct inconsistency between statements or facts.

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"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account