Sign In Get Started
Preposition after verb

How to use “enumerate” in English

Enumerate usually takes a direct object without a fixed preposition. Words such as in, under, as, and below often introduce extra information about where or how items are listed.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with “enumerate”?

Enumerate normally means “list” or “state one by one” and is usually followed directly by the thing being listed: enumerate the reasons. Prepositions such as in, under, as, or below are often part of the surrounding sentence, not fixed combinations with the verb.

enumerate the main causes
The items are enumerated under three headings.
The risks are enumerated below.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
enumerate + object

Listing things one by one

Use enumerate directly with the items, reasons, steps, or examples being listed.

enumerate the advantages in your report.
She enumerated several concerns during the meeting.
2
enumerate under + category

Grouping items by heading or section

Under introduces the category or heading where items are listed.

The rules are enumerated under separate sections.
The symptoms were enumerated under two broad categories.
3
enumerate as + role/name

Describing how something is classified

As can describe the status or label given to listed items.

The substances were enumerated as hazardous materials.
The duties are enumerated as part of the contract.
4
enumerate below

Referring to a later list

Below is commonly used when the list appears later in the text.

The documents enumerated below must be submitted today.
Please review the points enumerated below.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
enumerate + object
The guide enumerates the required steps.
Standard use of enumerate without a fixed preposition.
enumerate in + place/text
The errors were enumerated in the appendix.
In introduces the place where the list appears, not a fixed verb pattern.
enumerate by + method
The files were enumerated by date.
By expresses method or classification.
enumerate under + heading
The policies are enumerated under three topics.
Under introduces a category or heading.
enumerate as + category
The items were enumerated as essential supplies.
As describes classification or status.
enumerate below
The reasons enumerated below explain the delay.
Below refers to position in a text.

Common mistakes

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

Using an unnecessary preposition after enumerate

Enumerate usually takes a direct object.

✕ She enumerated about the problems. ✓ She enumerated the problems.

Confusing “in” with the main verb pattern

In often introduces location, not the object of enumerate.

✕ The report enumerated in several risks. ✓ The report enumerated several risks.

Using “below” without a clear reference

Below should refer to material that follows.

✓ The instructions enumerated below must be followed carefully.

Using “as” when simple listing is meant

As should indicate classification, not just listing.

✕ The article enumerated as many examples. ✓ The article enumerated many examples.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The report ___ the main causes of the accident.
2. The requirements are enumerated ___ separate sections.
3. Please read the points enumerated ___ before the meeting.

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 “enumerate in” correct?

It can be correct when in introduces a place or document, as in “enumerated in the report.” It is not usually a fixed verb-preposition combination.

Can I say “enumerate by category”?

Yes. By can describe the method or system used for listing or grouping items.

Is “enumerate below” natural English?

Yes. It is common in formal writing when the list appears later in the text.

earmark-for-by-as-about, at "earn from", "earn by" or "earn in"? "ease into", "ease by" or "ease in"? "eat at", "eat with" or "eat in"? "echo in" or "echo by"? edit by, for, in, to or from? "educate in" or "educate at"? eject from, at, in, into or by? elaborate on, in, upon, by or about? "elect to" or "elect by"? elevate to, in, above, by or as? "eliminate from", "eliminate in" or "eliminate by"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

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

Create a free account