Prepositions after verbs

Praise for or praise by?

Praise for and praise by are both possible, but they do different jobs. For introduces the reason, while by identifies the source of praise.

Quick answer

How praise for and praise by differ

Use praise for before the action or quality that receives approval. Use praise by mainly in passive structures to name who gives the praise.

The teacher praised her for her careful research.
The actor was praised by critics worldwide.
She was praised for her leadership skills.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
praise someone for + action/quality

Giving a reason for praise

For introduces the thing that deserves approval or admiration.

They praised him for his honesty.
The coach praised the team for their discipline.
2
be praised by + person/group

Naming the source of praise

By is mainly used in passive constructions to identify who gave the praise.

The report was praised by independent experts.
She was praised by her manager.
3
praise + object

Using praise without a preposition

Praise can directly take the person or thing receiving approval.

Critics praised the film.
The teacher praised the students.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
praise for
He was praised for his patience.
gives the reason for praise
praise by
The design was praised by reviewers.
names the people giving praise
praise + object
Everyone praised her performance.
directly states who or what receives praise

Common mistakes

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

Using by instead of for for reasons

By does not normally introduce the reason for praise.

✕ She was praised by her kindness. ✓ She was praised for her kindness.

Using for to name the source

For explains why, not who.

✕ The film was praised for critics. ✓ The film was praised by critics.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The scientist was praised ___ her discovery.
2. The book was praised ___ teachers across the country.
3. Everyone praised the team ___ their hard work.

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Frequently asked questions

Can praise by be used in active sentences?

It is uncommon. By is mainly used after passive forms such as was praised by.

Is praise for always followed by a noun?

Usually yes. The noun may describe an action, quality, or achievement.

Can I say praise someone directly?

Yes. Praise commonly takes a direct object, as in praise a student or praise a decision.

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