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Preposition after verb

Exercise in or exercise by?

Exercise commonly takes in when referring to skill or activity. By usually introduces method or transport and is not a fixed combination with exercise.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct after exercise?

Use exercise in to talk about practising or developing a skill or activity: exercise in patience, exercise in negotiation. Exercise by is not a standard verb-preposition pattern, although by can introduce a method or means in the sentence.

The course gives students practice and exercise in critical thinking.
Meditation can be an exercise in self-control.
She stays fit by exercise every morning.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
exercise in + activity

Talking about practice in a skill or area

Exercise in is used for training, practice, or development in a particular activity or quality.

The workshop was an exercise in teamwork.
Writing essays is good exercise in clear thinking.
2
exercise + body part

Talking about physical training

Exercise is often used directly with an object and no preposition.

She needs to exercise her legs after the injury.
He exercises his shoulders every day.
3
exercise by + method

Using by as an adjunct of method

By can describe how something happens, but it is not selected by the verb exercise.

Many people improve fitness by exercising at home.
The patient recovered by exercising regularly.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
exercise in
The training was an exercise in discipline.
Standard expression for practice or development in a skill or quality.
exercise by
She improved her health by exercising daily.
By introduces the method; it is not a fixed combination after exercise.
exercise with
He exercises with a personal trainer.
With introduces a companion or tool.

Common mistakes

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

Using exercise by as a fixed phrase

Exercise by is usually not an idiomatic verb-preposition combination.

✕ The class was an exercise by patience. ✓ The class was an exercise in patience.

Adding an unnecessary preposition

Exercise can take a direct object without a preposition.

✕ She exercises in her arms daily. ✓ She exercises her arms daily.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The seminar was an exercise ___ problem-solving.
2. He stays healthy by ___ every morning.
3. She exercises ___ legs after work.

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Frequently asked questions

Is exercise in formal English?

Yes. It is common in both formal and informal English when talking about practice or training in a skill.

Can I say exercise by patience?

No. Use exercise in patience instead.

Does exercise always need a preposition?

No. It often takes a direct object, as in exercise your muscles.

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