Earmark for is the main standard pattern. Earmark as is also used for classification or intended role. The combinations earmark by, earmark about, and earmark at are generally not standard verb-preposition patterns.
Use earmark for when reserving something for a purpose: funds earmarked for schools. Use earmark as when identifying someone or something for a role or category. By, about, and at are not standard fixed combinations with earmark.
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
Use for to show the intended purpose, recipient, or project.
Use as when selecting or identifying someone for a particular role.
By can appear separately to show a deadline, not as part of a fixed combination with earmark.
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.
At is not normally used directly after earmark.
✕ They earmarked money at repairs. ✓ They earmarked money for repairs.Use for to show the intended use.
✕ The grant was earmarked about education. ✓ The grant was earmarked for education.Use for for purpose and as for role or classification.
✕ She was earmarked for the next director. ✓ She was earmarked as the next director.Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
As a verb, earmark means reserve, designate, or identify for a particular purpose.
Yes. It is the standard pattern when talking about reserved resources or plans.
Yes. Someone can be earmarked as a future leader or candidate.
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