Prepositions after verbs

Recall in, from, with, to, or at?

The verb 'recall' is usually followed directly by an object. Some prepositions can appear after it in specific meanings or structures.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with 'recall'?

'Recall' commonly takes a direct object: 'I recall the conversation.' 'From' can show a source of memory or removal from a place. 'To' appears in the phrase 'recall to mind'. Prepositions such as 'in', 'with', and 'at' usually belong to the rest of the sentence, not a fixed verb pattern.

I recall from experience how difficult it was.
She could not recall to mind his name.
I recall our first meeting clearly.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

recall + object

Remembering something

The most common pattern is 'recall' followed directly by a memory, fact, or event.

I clearly recall that conversation.

She recalled his warning later.

recall from + source

Showing the source of memory

Use 'from' to explain where the memory or information comes from.

I recall from my childhood that winters were colder.

She recalled from the report that costs had increased.

recall to mind

Bringing something back into memory

'Recall to mind' is a formal expression meaning remember or mentally retrieve.

He could not recall to mind the exact date.

The smell recalled to mind her grandmother's kitchen.

recall in + context

Adding context or place

'In' usually introduces a context and is not a fixed complement of 'recall'.

Many people recall in interviews how stressful the event was.

recall at + time

Referring to a moment

'At' may introduce a time or occasion connected with remembering.

I can still recall at that moment how nervous I felt.

See the difference in context

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

Construction

Example

Meaning

recall from

I recall from school that he loved science.

memory connected to a source or period

recall to mind

She tried to recall the details to mind.

formal expression for mentally retrieving information

recall in

Witnesses recalled in court what they had seen.

'In' introduces the setting or context

recall with

She recalled the trip with affection.

'With' usually introduces manner or emotion, not a fixed pattern

recall at

I recall laughing at the joke.

'At' normally belongs to another phrase, not directly to 'recall'

Common mistakes

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

Adding unnecessary prepositions

'Recall' usually takes a direct object.

✕ I recall about the accident. ✓ I recall the accident.

Using 'to' after 'recall' incorrectly

Do not use 'recall to something' for ordinary remembering.

✕ I recalled to the meeting. ✓ I recalled the meeting.

Confusing context with verb pattern

'With' often describes emotion or company rather than combining directly with 'recall'.

✕ I recall with the story. ✓ I recall the story clearly.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. I clearly recall ___ first conversation.

2. She recalls ___ childhood that the town looked different.

3. He could not recall the name ___ mind.

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Frequently asked questions

Does 'recall' usually need a preposition?

No. It normally takes a direct object, such as 'recall the event'.

When do we use 'recall from'?

Use it to show the source or origin of a memory or piece of information.

Is 'recall to mind' common?

It is correct but more formal than simply saying 'recall' or 'remember'.

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