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Prepositions after verbs

Intercept by, of, on, with, or at?

Intercept usually takes a direct object without a preposition. Following prepositions often belong to separate details such as method or location.

Quick answer

How is intercept used?

Intercept is normally transitive: intercept a message, intercept a pass. Prepositions such as by, with, or at usually introduce method, tool, or place rather than forming a fixed verb pattern.

Police intercepted the shipment near the border.
The signal was intercepted by satellite.
They intercepted the ball at midfield.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
intercept + object

Stopping or catching something

The verb usually takes a direct object with no preposition.

Agents intercepted the email before delivery.
2
intercept + object + by + method/agent

Showing how interception happened

By introduces the method or agent, not a fixed verb-preposition combination.

The package was intercepted by customs officers.
3
intercept + object + with + tool

Showing the instrument used

With introduces a tool or technology used in the interception.

They intercepted the drone with radar.
4
intercept + object + at + location

Showing where interception happened

At introduces the place of interception.

Officers intercepted the suspect 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
intercept by
The call was intercepted by hackers.
by introduces the agent or method
intercept of
Intercept of is not a standard verb-preposition pattern.
of may appear in noun phrases such as the intercept of a pass
intercept on
They intercepted the signal on a secure channel.
on introduces the channel, not a fixed pattern
intercept with
The aircraft was intercepted with tracking software.
with introduces a tool or means
intercept at
Police intercepted the car at the checkpoint.
at introduces location

Common mistakes

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

Adding unnecessary prepositions after intercept

Intercept usually takes a direct object.

✕ They intercepted on the package. ✓ They intercepted the package.

Treating adjuncts as fixed patterns

By and at often describe method or place, not required complements.

✓ The message was intercepted by security software.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Police intercepted ___ shipment before it crossed the border.
2. The signal was intercepted ___ satellite.
3. They intercepted the runner ___ the finish line.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

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Frequently asked questions

Does intercept need a preposition?

Usually no. It commonly takes a direct object.

Can I use intercept with?

Yes, when with introduces a tool or instrument, such as intercept with radar.

Is intercept on correct?

Only when on introduces separate information such as a platform, channel, or surface.

identify-with-by-in-as, for "ignore by" or "ignore in"? illuminate by, with, at, for or in? "illustrate by" or "illustrate in"? "imagine for", "imagine by" or "imagine in"? imbue with, in, by or onto? immigrate to, from, in, with or into? impair by, for, in, because or throughout? "impart to", "impart in" or "impart by"? "impeach by" or "impeach for"? "impinge on" or "impinge upon"? "implement in" or "implement by"?

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