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Prepositions after verbs

Fool by vs fool into

Fool into is the standard pattern when someone is persuaded or tricked into an action. Fool by is usually not used as a direct verb pattern.

Quick answer

Which is correct: fool by or fool into?

Fool someone into doing something is the standard structure. Fool by is not normally used in this way, although by can introduce the method in passive sentences such as be fooled by a fake email.

They fooled him into signing the contract.
She was fooled by the advertisement.
The scammer fooled customers into sharing passwords.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
fool someone into + action

Trick someone into doing something

Use fool into with an action or result caused by deception.

He fooled me into believing the story.
They fooled investors into buying worthless shares.
2
be fooled by + thing

Describe the source of deception

Use fooled by to name the thing or person that caused the deception.

Don't be fooled by appearances.
Many people were fooled by the fake website.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
fool into
She fooled him into paying twice.
trick someone so they do something
fool by
They were fooled by the disguise.
describe the source or method of deception, usually in passive structures
fool someone by + method
He fooled the audience by changing the cards quickly.
show how the trick was done

Common mistakes

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

Using fool by for persuasion

Use fool into when someone is tricked into an action.

✕ She fooled me by signing the form. ✓ She fooled me into signing the form.

Missing the action after fool into

Fool into is usually followed by a noun or -ing form.

✕ They fooled him into. ✓ They fooled him into investing.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The website fooled users ___ entering personal details.
2. Many shoppers were fooled ___ the low prices.
3. He fooled the class ___ using a hidden speaker.

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Frequently asked questions

Is fool into always followed by a verb?

Usually it is followed by an -ing form such as fool someone into buying something.

Can I say fooled by?

Yes. Fooled by is common in passive sentences.

What is the difference between fool by and fool into?

Fool into focuses on the action caused by deception. Fooled by focuses on the source or method of deception.

face, with, face, by facilitate by, in, with, for or through? "fade into", "fade to" or "fade from"? fail in, at, to, on or for? "fall into" or "fall in"? falter in, after, for, on or under? fantasize about, on, of or over? fare in, against, to, as or on? "fascinate by" or "fascinate with"? "fasten to", "fasten on" or "fasten with"? favor by, in, for, from or of? favour by, in, for, over or of?

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