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Prepositions after verbs

Demolish by vs demolish in

Demolish usually takes a direct object. By and in often add method, time, or place information rather than forming fixed verb-preposition patterns.

Quick answer

Does demolish need a preposition?

Demolish is normally used directly with an object, such as demolish a building. Phrases with by or in usually describe method, location, or time.

They plan to demolish the old bridge.
The wall was demolished by controlled explosives.
Several houses were demolished in the storm.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
demolish + building/object

Destroying structures

Demolish usually takes a direct object without a preposition.

The city will demolish the abandoned warehouse.
Crews demolished the unsafe staircase.
2
demolished by + method/agent

Showing cause or method

By can introduce the agent or method in passive sentences.

The structure was demolished by a specialist team.
The wall was demolished by heavy machinery.
3
demolished in + place/event

Adding location or context

In often introduces a place, event, or period connected to the demolition.

Many homes were demolished in the earthquake.
The theatre was demolished in 2018.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
demolish + object
They demolished the stadium.
standard active use of the verb
demolished by
The tower was demolished by engineers.
by introduces the agent or method
demolished in
Several buildings were demolished in the city centre.
in introduces location or time
demolish by
They demolished the wall by using cranes.
by using cranes expresses method, not a fixed verb-preposition pattern

Common mistakes

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

Adding an unnecessary preposition

Demolish usually connects directly to its object.

✕ They demolished down the building. ✓ They demolished the building.

Treating demolish in as a fixed combination

In usually gives location or time information.

✕ They demolished in the factory. ✓ They demolished the factory.

Using by without a clear method

By should introduce an agent or means.

✕ The bridge was demolished by yesterday. ✓ The bridge was demolished yesterday.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The company plans to ___ the old office block.
2. The building was demolished ___ controlled explosions.
3. Several homes were demolished ___ the flood.

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Frequently asked questions

Is demolish by a fixed expression?

No. By usually introduces the method or agent after demolish.

Can I say demolish in 2020?

Yes. In can introduce a year or time period, such as demolished in 2020.

What objects can follow demolish?

Demolish commonly takes buildings, walls, bridges, and similar structures.

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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