harass + person
Showing the target of harassment
Harass usually takes a direct object without a preposition.
Online trolls harassed the actor for weeks.
harass with different prepositions
Harass is usually a direct transitive verb, but some prepositions appear in specific contexts.
Quick answer
Which prepositions work with harass?
Harass is normally followed directly by an object: harass someone. Harass with is common for the method used. Harass for can show a reason. By, in, and at are usually separate adjuncts rather than fixed combinations with harass.
They harassed local residents.
He was harassed with constant messages.
The reporter was harassed for asking questions.
She was harassed at work.
He was harassed with constant messages.
The reporter was harassed for asking questions.
She was harassed at work.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
harass with + thing
Showing the method or tool
Use with to describe what is used to harass someone.
They harassed him with repeated phone calls.
harass for + reason
Showing the motive
For can introduce the reason someone is targeted.
Workers were harassed for reporting safety problems.
harass at + place
Adding location information
At is not selected by harass itself; it simply adds place information.
She was harassed at the station.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
harass by
He was harassed by strangers online.
By introduces the agent in a passive clause, not a fixed verb-preposition pattern.
harass in
They were harassed in public.
In adds location or situation information.
harass at
Staff were harassed at work.
At shows location or context.
harass for
She was harassed for her opinions.
Shows the reason for harassment.
harass with
They harassed him with threats.
Shows the means or method used.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Adding an unnecessary preposition before the object
Harass normally takes a direct object.
✕ They harassed at the tourists. ✓ They harassed the tourists.Using by as a direct complement
By usually introduces the agent in passive voice.
✕ They harassed by insults the player. ✓ They harassed the player with insults.Confusing location with verb pattern
At and in often describe where harassment happened, not a special construction.
✕ Harass at someone is illegal. ✓ Harassing someone at work is illegal.Using with for the victim
With introduces the method, not the person affected.
✕ They harassed with the new employee. ✓ They harassed the new employee.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The customer was harassed ___ threatening emails.
2. The journalist was harassed ___ asking difficult questions.
3. Several workers reported being harassed ___ the office.
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Frequently asked questions
Is harass usually followed by a preposition?
No. Harass normally takes a direct object, as in harass employees.
Can I say harassed with messages?
Yes. Harass with is common when describing the means used.
What is the difference between harassed for and harassed because of?
Both can show reason. Harassed for is shorter and more direct.
Related preposition guides
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