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Prepositions after verbs

Fulfil in or fulfil by?

Fulfil commonly takes a direct object. By can introduce the method used to fulfil something, while in is usually part of a separate location or context phrase.

Quick answer

Which preposition is used with fulfil?

Use fulfil by when explaining how a duty, requirement, or promise is achieved. Fulfil in is not a standard fixed combination, though in may introduce a place or context after the verb.

They fulfilled the order by hiring extra staff.
She fulfilled her promise by returning the money.
He fulfilled his role in difficult conditions.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
fulfil + object

Using fulfil directly

Fulfil usually takes a direct object such as duty, promise, or requirement.

She fulfilled her obligations on time.
The course fulfils the requirements for certification.
2
fulfil + object + by + method

Explaining how something is achieved

By introduces the action or method used to fulfil something.

The company fulfilled the contract by delivering early.
He fulfilled his duties by working overtime.
3
fulfil + object + in + context

Adding place or situation information

In can introduce the context where fulfilment happens, not a fixed complement.

She fulfilled her responsibilities in a difficult environment.
The team fulfilled its mission in record time.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
fulfil by
They fulfilled the request by sending a replacement.
Standard when by introduces the method.
fulfil in
He fulfilled his duties in difficult circumstances.
In introduces context or place, not a fixed complement after fulfil.
fulfil + object
She fulfilled her promise.
Most common core structure with no preposition.

Common mistakes

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

Using fulfil in as a fixed pattern

In usually adds context rather than completing the verb meaning.

✕ They fulfilled in the target. ✓ They fulfilled the target.

Omitting the object

Fulfil normally needs an object.

✕ She fulfilled by working late. ✓ She fulfilled her duties by working late.

Confusing by and in

By explains method; in explains context or place.

✕ He fulfilled the task in using new software. ✓ He fulfilled the task by using new software.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The team fulfilled the contract ___ delivering the goods early.
2. She fulfilled her responsibilities ___ difficult conditions.
3. The charity fulfilled ___ mission successfully.

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Frequently asked questions

Does fulfil usually need a preposition?

No. Fulfil commonly takes a direct object directly.

When is fulfil by used?

Use it when explaining the method used to meet a duty, promise, or requirement.

Is fulfil in correct?

Only when in introduces a separate context or place phrase, not as a fixed complement after fulfil.

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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