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Prepositions after verbs

Formulate by or formulate in?

Formulate is usually followed by a direct object. By and in are possible nearby, but they normally introduce method or language rather than being fixed prepositions after the verb.

Quick answer

How to use formulate

We usually say formulate something: formulate a plan, formulate a theory, formulate a response. The verb does not normally take a fixed preposition. By can introduce the method used to formulate something, and in can introduce the language, style, or form used.

The team formulated a new strategy for the launch.
The policy was formulated by a committee of experts.
She formulated the idea in simple language.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
formulate + object

Creating or expressing something

Use formulate directly with a noun for plans, ideas, theories, questions, or responses.

Researchers formulated a hypothesis after the survey.
He formulated an answer within seconds.
2
formulate by + method

Showing how something is created

By can introduce a method, process, or agent connected to formulation.

The model was formulated by combining several datasets.
The rules were formulated by senior advisers.
3
formulate in + language/style

Showing the form or language used

In can introduce the language, wording, or format used to express an idea.

The instructions were formulated in clear terms.
She formulated the request in polite language.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
formulate something
They formulated a detailed proposal.
Standard structure for creating or expressing an idea.
formulate by + method/agent
The procedure was formulated by an independent panel.
By introduces the agent or method, not a fixed verb-preposition pair.
formulate in + language/form
He formulated the argument in legal terms.
In introduces the form, style, or language used.
formulate by something
They formulated the plan by trial and error.
Natural when by describes the process used.
formulate in something
She formulated the theory in writing.
Natural when in refers to medium or form, not as a required preposition.

Common mistakes

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

Using by as a required preposition

Formulate does not normally need by after it.

✕ They formulated by a new policy. ✓ They formulated a new policy.

Using in without a clear meaning

In should describe language, form, or context.

✕ We formulated in a solution. ✓ We formulated a solution.

Omitting the object

Formulate usually needs an object.

✕ The committee formulated. ✓ The committee formulated a recommendation.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The scientists ___ a new theory.
2. The report was formulated ___ a team of analysts.
3. She formulated the instructions ___ simple English.

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Frequently asked questions

Is formulate by a fixed expression?

No. By usually introduces the method or agent connected to the action.

Can I say formulate in English?

Yes, when in refers to language, wording, style, or form, such as formulated in simple English.

What nouns commonly follow formulate?

Common objects include plan, policy, theory, response, strategy, and question.

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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