Curse someone or curse something are the most common patterns. Curse on appears mainly in noun phrases such as a curse on the house. By usually introduces the authority or words used when swearing.
As a verb, curse usually takes a direct object: curse the enemy. In expressions like a curse on this place, on belongs to the noun curse, not the verb. By can appear after curse when it means ‘swear by’ or when naming the authority invoked.
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
Curse commonly takes a direct object with no preposition.
On is common after the noun curse in dramatic or literary expressions.
By can introduce the authority or force connected with a curse, especially in literary style.
At can describe the target of shouted insults or angry words.
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
After the verb, English usually uses a direct object instead of on.
✕ She cursed on her neighbour. ✓ She cursed her neighbour.A curse on is a noun expression, not the usual verb structure.
✕ They cursed on the town. ✓ They placed a curse on the town.By should identify who or what caused the curse.
✕ He was cursed by. ✓ He was cursed by an old priest.Curse at usually means shout angrily, not place a magical curse.
✕ The witch cursed at the prince. ✓ The witch cursed the prince.Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Yes, mainly in noun expressions such as a curse on this house.
Yes, when by introduces who caused the curse: cursed by a witch.
The verb most often takes a direct object, as in curse your enemies or curse bad luck.
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