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Prepositions after verbs

Overturn by or overturn in?

Overturn usually takes a direct object. By is common in passive sentences, while in introduces place, time, or circumstances.

Quick answer

Quick answer

Use overturn a decision or be overturned by a court. Use in for location, time, or context.

overturn the verdict
The ruling was overturned by the appeals court.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
overturn + decision or object

What is reversed or tipped over?

Overturn commonly takes a direct object.

overturn the ban
overturn the cart
2
be overturned by + authority or force

Who caused the change?

By introduces the agent in passive sentences.

The conviction was overturned by the judge.
The boat was overturned by strong waves.
3
overturn + object + in + context

Where or when did it happen?

In adds contextual information rather than a fixed complement.

overturn the law in court
overturn the decision in 2024

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
overturn by
The ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court.
By names the authority or force responsible.
overturn in
The policy was overturned in a later review.
In introduces context or situation.
overturn + object
The company hopes to overturn the decision.
Standard active pattern.

Common mistakes

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

Adding an unnecessary preposition

Overturn usually takes a direct object.

✕ They overturned against the rule. ✓ They overturned the rule.

Using by in active voice

By is mainly used in passive structures.

✕ The court overturned by the decision. ✓ The court overturned the decision.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The sentence was overturned ___ a higher court.
2. They hope to overturn ___ regulation.
3. The decision was overturned ___ court.

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Frequently asked questions

Can overturn describe physical movement?

Yes. It can mean to tip something over, such as a vehicle or container.

Is overturn common in legal English?

Yes. Courts often overturn rulings, verdicts, or convictions.

Does overturn need a preposition?

Usually no. It generally takes a direct object.

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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