Preposition after verb

Exemplify by or exemplify in?

Exemplify is commonly followed by by when you explain something through an example or action. Exemplify in is usually not a fixed verb pattern; in often introduces a separate place, field, or context.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct after exemplify?

Use exemplify by to show how something is demonstrated through an example, method, or action. Exemplify in is not normally a standard complement of the verb, although in may introduce a separate context such as a place or area.

The teacher exemplified the rule by using a real case.
Her work exemplifies excellence by combining clarity with precision.
The problem was exemplified in several departments.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
exemplify + idea

Showing a quality or principle

Use exemplify directly before the thing that represents a quality, idea, or behaviour.

Her leadership exemplifies professionalism.
The painting exemplifies modern design.
2
exemplify + object + by + method

Explaining something through an example or action

Use by to introduce the method, example, or action that demonstrates the point.

The coach exemplified discipline by arriving early every day.
The guide exemplified the process by showing a live demonstration.
3
exemplify in + place/field

Adding a separate context with in

In can introduce a location, area, or field where something happens. It is not usually selected by exemplify itself.

These trends are exemplified in urban schools.
The issue is exemplified in recent reports.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
exemplify by
She exemplified the technique by drawing a diagram.
Standard pattern for showing how something is demonstrated.
exemplify in
The contrast is exemplified in several case studies.
Possible when in introduces the context or location, not as a fixed verb-preposition combination.
exemplify with
The lecturer exemplified the theory with a simple experiment.
Another natural way to introduce an example or illustration.

Common mistakes

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

Using in as if it were the main verb pattern

In usually introduces a context, not the method of exemplifying.

✕ She exemplified the rule in a chart. ✓ She exemplified the rule by using a chart.

Forgetting the direct object

Exemplify usually needs the thing being demonstrated.

✕ The article exemplified by several examples. ✓ The article exemplified the argument by using several examples.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The professor exemplified the concept ___ using a practical example.
2. The pattern is exemplified ___ recent market data.
3. She exemplified good teamwork ___ helping new staff members.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say exemplify by doing something?

Yes. This is a common structure when an action demonstrates a point or quality.

Is exemplify in incorrect?

Not always. It is natural when in introduces a place, field, text, or context, but it is not usually the verb's fixed preposition.

Can exemplify be used without a preposition?

Yes. Exemplify often takes a direct object alone, such as exemplify courage or exemplify good practice.

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