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Preposition after verb

Mediate by vs mediate between

Mediate between is the standard phrase for helping two sides reach agreement. By is not normally used directly after mediate in this meaning.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct after mediate?

Use mediate between when referring to two sides, groups, or people in conflict. Mediate by is not a standard combination for this meaning, although by can introduce the method used in a separate phrase.

She agreed to mediate between the two companies.
The diplomat mediated between the rival groups.
The dispute was resolved after talks mediated by a senior judge.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
mediate between + parties

Help opposing sides reach agreement

Mediate between is the standard structure for conflict resolution.

The lawyer tried to mediate between the neighbours.
International officials mediated between the two governments.
2
mediate in + dispute

Become involved as a mediator

Mediate in can describe participation in a conflict or negotiation.

The union agreed to mediate in the labour dispute.
She was invited to mediate in the negotiations.
3
mediated by + agent

Describe who performed the mediation

By can introduce the person or group carrying out mediation in a passive structure.

The talks were mediated by an independent expert.
A settlement was mediated by the regional council.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
mediate between
They mediated between the two departments.
help two sides reach agreement
mediate by
The agreement was mediated by a retired judge.
By introduces the agent in a passive clause, not a fixed verb-preposition pattern
mediate in
She mediated in the salary dispute.
take part as a mediator in a situation
mediate for
He agreed to mediate for the family.
act on behalf of or in support of someone

Common mistakes

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

Using mediate by as the main active pattern

Use mediate between for the people or groups involved in the conflict.

✕ She mediated by the two teams. ✓ She mediated between the two teams.

Confusing active and passive structures

By usually follows a passive form such as was mediated by.

✕ They mediated by a lawyer. ✓ The talks were mediated by a lawyer.

Leaving out the parties after mediate between

Mediate between normally names the sides involved.

✕ He mediated between. ✓ He mediated between the shareholders and management.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The ambassador mediated ___ the two countries.
2. The negotiations were mediated ___ a UN official.
3. She agreed to mediate ___ the dispute.

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Frequently asked questions

Is mediate by correct?

Not as the main active pattern for conflict resolution. Use mediate between. By is natural in passive structures such as mediated by a judge.

Can I say mediate in a dispute?

Yes. Mediate in is used when referring to involvement in a dispute or negotiation.

What comes after mediate between?

Usually two people, groups, or sides in disagreement.

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