Invent is usually used without a following preposition before the object. “Invent by” and “invent in” are uncommon as direct verb-preposition combinations, but by and in can appear in other parts of the sentence.
We normally say invent something. “Invent by” is not a standard pattern after the verb, but by can introduce the inventor in passive sentences. “Invent in” is usually about location or time, not a fixed combination with invent.
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
Use invent directly with the thing that was created.
Use by after invented to say who created something.
Use in for the year, period, or place where something was invented.
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Invent usually takes a direct object without a preposition.
✕ She invented in a new machine. ✓ She invented a new machine.Use by for the creator or method, not as the normal structure after invent.
✕ They invent by new software every year. ✓ They invent new software every year.Use invented by in passive sentences.
✕ Alexander Graham Bell invented by the telephone. ✓ The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell.Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Not as a normal verb-preposition combination. Use invent something, or invented by someone in passive sentences.
Yes, when in refers to a place or time, such as invented in France or invented in 2005.
The standard pattern is invent + object, such as invent a tool or invent a game.
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