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Prepositions after verbs

Oppose with to, by, in, for, or on

Oppose is usually a transitive verb without a following preposition. Some combinations belong to other structures, especially opposed to.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with oppose?

Oppose is normally followed directly by an object: oppose the plan. Oppose to is usually incorrect after the verb oppose, but opposed to is common as an adjective. Oppose by can describe method, while in, for, and on are usually separate adjuncts rather than fixed verb patterns.

They oppose the proposal
She is opposed to the changes
The group opposed the law by organizing protests
He opposed the idea in public meetings

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
oppose + object

Expressing disagreement or resistance

Oppose is usually used directly with a noun or noun phrase.

Many residents oppose the new highway
She strongly opposed the decision
2
be opposed to + noun/verb

Using the adjective opposed

Opposed to is an adjective pattern meaning against something.

They are opposed to higher taxes
I am opposed to closing the library
3
oppose by + action

Showing the method of opposition

Oppose by can introduce the action used to resist something.

Workers opposed the cuts by going on strike
The campaign opposed the rule by filing a lawsuit

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
oppose
We oppose the proposal.
standard verb pattern with a direct object
oppose to
They oppose to the plan.
nonstandard after the verb oppose; use oppose the plan or be opposed to the plan
oppose by
The group opposed the changes by protesting.
shows the method of resistance
oppose in
She opposed the measure in court.
in introduces a place or context, not a fixed pattern
oppose for
They opposed the bill for economic reasons.
for introduces a reason, not a fixed pattern
oppose on
The policy was opposed on legal grounds.
on introduces the basis of opposition

Common mistakes

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

Using oppose to as a verb pattern

Oppose normally takes a direct object without to.

✕ I oppose to the new rule. ✓ I oppose the new rule.

Confusing oppose and opposed to

Opposed to is an adjective phrase, not the main verb oppose.

✕ She opposed to the decision. ✓ She was opposed to the decision.

Adding unnecessary prepositions

Do not insert a preposition before the object of oppose.

✕ They opposed against the plan. ✓ They opposed the plan.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Many voters oppose ___ tax increase.
2. She is opposed ___ cutting education funding.
3. The group opposed the policy ___ filing complaints.

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Frequently asked questions

Is oppose to correct?

Usually no. Use oppose something or be opposed to something.

Can oppose be followed by by?

Yes, when by introduces the action or method used to resist something.

What is the difference between oppose and opposed to?

Oppose is a verb, while opposed to is an adjective phrase meaning against something.

oblige-to-by-with-in, for obscure by, for, from, in or to? observe in, by, on, with or for? "obsess about" or "obsess over"? "obtain from" or "obtain by"? occupy by, with, in, for or at? occur in, to, at, on or during? offend by, at, in, against or with? "offer by" or "offer to"? offset by, from, with, for or against? "omit from" or "omit by"? "open in" or "open to"?

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