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Prepositions after verbs

Delete from or delete by?

Use delete from to show where something is removed. Delete by is not a standard fixed pattern, though by may introduce a method or agent.

Quick answer

Which preposition is used with delete?

Use delete from for lists, files, databases, and devices: delete a name from the list. Delete by is not normally used as a verb-preposition pattern.

Please delete the file from the server.
Her account was deleted from the database.
Messages can be deleted by administrators.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
delete + object + from + place

Removing something from a location

Use from to state where the item is removed from.

He deleted several photos from his phone.
2
delete + object

Removing something directly

Delete can take a direct object without a preposition.

I accidentally deleted the document.
3
deleted by + agent

Naming who performed the deletion

In passive voice, by introduces the person or system responsible.

The comment was deleted by a moderator.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
delete from + source
She deleted the entry from the spreadsheet.
Standard pattern for removal.
delete by + agent
The file was deleted by mistake.
By introduces cause or agent, not a fixed pattern after delete.
delete with + tool
You can delete the text with this command.
With introduces the tool or method.

Common mistakes

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

Using by instead of from

Use from to show where something is removed.

✕ Delete the name by the list. ✓ Delete the name from the list.

Omitting from when the source matters

Add from before the location or collection.

✕ She deleted the file the folder. ✓ She deleted the file from the folder.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Please delete these records ___ the system.
2. The account was deleted ___ an administrator.
3. I accidentally deleted ___ email.

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Frequently asked questions

Is delete from the standard pattern?

Yes. It is used to show the place or collection something is removed from.

Can delete be used without a preposition?

Yes. You can simply say delete the file or delete the message.

Why does by appear after deleted sometimes?

It usually introduces the agent or cause in passive constructions.

dabble, in, dabble, with "damage to" or "damage by"? dance to, with, on, in or for? "dangle from" or "dangle in"? dare to, for, on, as or at? dash to, into, out, from or on? daydream about, for, in, of or on? "debate in", "debate on" or "debate with"? deceive by, in, into, on or about? "decide on", "decide to" or "decide by"? declare in, by, on, to or as? decline in, by, from, to or for?

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