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Prepositions after verbs

Hack into

Hack into is the standard expression for gaining illegal or unauthorised access to a computer system or account. Other prepositions after hack usually have different meanings.

Quick answer

Which preposition goes with hack?

Use hack into for computer access: hack into a network, hack into an account. Hack at has a separate meaning connected with repeated cutting or attacking. Hack in can appear as a place adjunct, not as the selected preposition for computer access.

Someone tried to hack into the company database.
She managed to hack into his email account.
The workers hacked at the frozen ground all morning.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
hack into + system/account

Talking about illegal access

Use hack into to describe entering a computer system, account, or device without permission.

Criminals tried to hack into the payment system.
He claimed he could hack into any phone.
2
hack at + object

Talking about repeated cutting or attacking

Hack at describes repeated rough cutting, hitting, or criticism.

They hacked at the thick branches.
Commentators kept hacking at the policy.
3
hack in + place

Using in as a place adjunct

In can introduce a place or context, but it is not the normal partner in the expression hack into a system.

He was arrested for hacking in several countries.
They investigated hacking in the finance sector.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
hack into
The attacker hacked into the server.
Standard expression for gaining unauthorised access.
hack by
They solved the problem by hacking the code.
By introduces method, not an object after hack.
hack at
The soldier hacked at the door with an axe.
Repeated cutting, attacking, or criticism.
hack to
They hacked the path to the river.
To can show direction or result, not computer access.
hack in
Police investigated hacking in local schools.
In works as a separate place or context adjunct, not as the main pattern for access.

Common mistakes

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

Using hack in for computer access

For unauthorised access, use hack into.

✕ They hacked in the network. ✓ They hacked into the network.

Using hack at for online access

Hack at usually means repeated cutting or attacking.

✕ She hacked at his account. ✓ She hacked into his account.

Confusing by with the verb pattern

By normally introduces a method, not the target system.

✕ He hacked by the database. ✓ He hacked into the database.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The group attempted to ___ the bank's servers.
2. Workers spent hours ___ the ice with shovels.
3. Police are investigating hacking ___ government agencies.

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Frequently asked questions

Is hack into always negative?

It usually refers to illegal or unauthorised access, although it can appear in discussions of security testing.

Can I say hack in a computer?

No. The standard expression is hack into a computer.

What does hack at mean?

Hack at means to cut, strike, attack, or criticise repeatedly.

"haggle with" or "haggle for"? "hail from" or "hail as"? hamper by, due, in, for or throughout? "handle by" or "handle in"? hang in, from, over, around or onto? "happen to" or "happen in"? harass by, in, at, for or with? "harm by" or "harm to"? harvest from, in, for, at or by? hasten to, by, from, after or into? hate on, for, by, about or in? haul in, before, by, into or over?

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