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Prepositions after verbs

How to use nag with prepositions

Nag at is common for repeatedly criticizing someone. Nag for and nag about are also possible in specific contexts.

Quick answer

Common uses of nag

Use nag at someone for repeated criticism. Use nag for when repeatedly asking for something. Use nag about for a repeated complaint or topic.

She nagged at her brother all day.
The children nagged for ice cream.
He nagged about the schedule.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
nag at + person

Repeated criticism

At is used when someone repeatedly annoys or criticizes another person.

My coach nagged at me to practise more.
2
nag for + thing

Repeated requests

For introduces the thing someone keeps asking for.

The kids nagged for a new game.
3
nag about + topic

Complaining repeatedly

About introduces the issue being discussed repeatedly.

She nagged about household chores.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
nag at
He nagged at his team constantly.
repeatedly criticize or pressure someone
nag for
They nagged for more time.
keep asking for something
nag about
She nagged about the mess.
complain repeatedly about a topic
nag to
Nag to is not a standard pattern.
use nag at someone instead

Common mistakes

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

Using nag to

English normally uses nag at someone, not nag to someone.

✕ She nagged to her son. ✓ She nagged at her son.

Confusing for and about

For is for requests; about is for complaints.

✕ The child nagged about a toy. ✓ The child nagged for a toy.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He kept nagging ___ his employees.
2. The children nagged ___ candy.
3. She always nags ___ small problems.

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Frequently asked questions

Is nag at informal?

It is common in everyday English and often has a negative tone.

Can nag be used without a preposition?

Yes. You can nag someone directly, as in She nagged me all week.

What is the difference between nag for and ask for?

Nag for suggests repeated or annoying requests, while ask for is neutral.

"narrate by", "narrate from" or "narrate on"? "navigate to" or "navigate through"? necessitate by, at, after, because or due? negate by, because, from, in or with? "neglect by" or "neglect in"? negotiate with, for, in, on or by? nestle in, on, between, among or within? nibble on, at, around, as or by? nod in, to, at, with or along? "nominate for" or "nominate by"? "note in", "note for" or "note by"? notice in, by, about, on or to?

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