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Prepositions after verbs

molest with prepositions

Molest is usually used directly with an object or in the passive with by. Other prepositions are generally separate adjuncts.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with molest?

Molest normally takes a direct object: molest a child. In passive clauses, by introduces the offender: molested by a stranger. In, at, on, and under usually add place or condition information rather than forming fixed combinations.

The victim was molested by a neighbour.
He was accused of molesting children online.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
molest + object

Naming the person affected

Molest commonly takes a direct object without a preposition.

The man was charged with molesting a minor.
2
molested by + person

Using the passive voice

By introduces the offender in passive constructions.

She said she had been molested by a coach.
3
molest in + place

Adding location information

In can describe where the act happened, not a fixed verb pattern.

The crime occurred after she was molested in a taxi.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
molested by
He was molested by an older student.
Standard passive construction naming the offender.
molest in
The child was molested in a hotel room.
In gives location information.
molest at
She reported being molested at school.
At refers to the place.
molest on
The assault happened on a bus.
On introduces the surface or transport context.
molest under
The attacks happened under threats of violence.
Under describes circumstances, not a fixed combination.

Common mistakes

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

Adding an unnecessary preposition

Molest usually takes a direct object.

✕ He molested at the child. ✓ He molested the child.

Using by in active voice

By belongs mainly in passive structures.

✕ They molested by several victims. ✓ Several victims said they were molested.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The suspect was arrested for ___ a teenager.
2. She said she had been molested ___ a relative.
3. The incident happened ___ a train.

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Frequently asked questions

Does molest need a preposition?

Usually no. The verb normally takes a direct object.

When do we use by with molest?

Use by in passive constructions such as molested by someone.

Can in or at follow molest?

Yes, but they usually describe place or context rather than forming fixed verb patterns.

magnify, by, magnify, in "maintain by" or "maintain in"? make by, in, for, of or to? "manage by" or "manage to"? manifest in, by, as, into or on? manipulate by, in, for, with or into? mar by, with, at, for or as? march in, to, on, into or through? "mark by" or "mark with"? "market in" or "market to"? "marry to" or "marry in"? masquerade as, under, at or Like?

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