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Verb + preposition

haunt with different prepositions

Haunt is usually used directly with an object or in the passive form haunted by.

Quick answer

Common uses of haunt

The most natural pattern is be haunted by something, especially memories or fears. Haunt as is possible when describing a role. Haunt to, haunt for, and haunt on are not standard combinations.

She was haunted by guilt
The actor haunted the old theatre
He is remembered as a haunting presence

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
haunted by + thing

Describe persistent memories or fears

This passive pattern is very common.

He was haunted by the accident for years
2
haunt + place

Appear regularly in a place

The verb can describe ghosts or frequent visitors.

Writers haunt the café late at night
3
haunt as + role

Describe a figurative identity

As introduces a role or image.

The character haunts the story as a warning

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
haunted by
She is haunted by childhood memories.
troubled constantly by something
haunt as
The figure haunts the novel as a symbol of fear.
appear in the role of
haunt to
Haunt to is not a standard English pattern.
nonstandard
haunt on
Haunt on is not idiomatic in current English.
nonstandard

Common mistakes

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

Using incorrect prepositions

Haunt normally takes a direct object or appears in haunted by.

✕ He was haunted on regret. ✓ He was haunted by regret.

Adding unnecessary to

Haunt does not normally use to before an object.

✕ Ghosts haunt to the castle. ✓ Ghosts haunt the castle.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She was haunted ___ memories of the war.
2. Tourists often haunt the small bookstore ___ a quiet retreat.
3. Ghost stories say the spirit haunts the mansion ___ night.

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Frequently asked questions

Can haunt be used without a preposition?

Yes. You can haunt a place or a person's thoughts directly.

Is haunted by always negative?

Usually yes. It often refers to painful memories, fear, or guilt.

Is haunt on correct English?

No. It is not a normal modern English construction.

hack-into-by-at-to, in "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?

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