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Prepositions after verbs

Reek of, with, in, on, or to

Reek is most commonly followed by of to describe a strong smell or a strong negative quality.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows reek

The standard pattern is reek of. Other prepositions such as with, in, on, and to are usually separate adjuncts or are nonstandard after reek.

The kitchen reeked of smoke.
His excuse reeked of dishonesty.
The room reeked of paint all afternoon.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
reek of + smell

Describing a strong unpleasant smell

Use reek of for a strong smell, usually unpleasant.

The bag reeked of fish.
The hallway reeked of bleach.
2
reek of + negative quality

Describing a strong negative impression

Reek of can also describe something that strongly suggests a bad quality.

The deal reeked of corruption.
Her comments reeked of arrogance.
3
reek in + place

Adding location information

In can introduce a place adjunct, not the complement selected by reek.

The air reeked in the basement after the flood.
Smoke reeked in the corridor for hours.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
reek of
The jacket reeks of petrol.
standard pattern for smells or negative qualities
reek with
The room was filled with smoke.
with is not a standard complement after reek; use a different structure
reek in
A foul smell reeked in the cellar.
in can indicate location, not the object of reek
reek on
The smell lingered on his clothes.
on is not normally used directly after reek
reek to
The smell spread to the next room.
to is not a normal complement after reek

Common mistakes

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

Using with after reek

Reek normally takes of, not with.

✕ The room reeked with smoke. ✓ The room reeked of smoke.

Using on as the main complement

On is not idiomatic directly after reek.

✕ His clothes reeked on perfume. ✓ His clothes reeked of perfume.

Confusing location with complement

In can describe where the smell was present, but the smell itself still follows of.

✕ The basement reeked in mould. ✓ The basement reeked of mould.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The old carpet reeked ___ dampness.
2. The smell reeked ___ the basement after the leak.
3. His explanation reeked ___ dishonesty.

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Frequently asked questions

Is reek of always negative?

Usually yes, although it can occasionally be used humorously or for emphasis.

Can reek describe ideas as well as smells?

Yes. Reek of can describe corruption, hypocrisy, arrogance, and similar qualities.

Is reek with correct?

It is generally nonstandard after reek. Use reek of instead.

radiate-from-into-around-to, with "raise in" or "raise by"? rake in, through, across, at or over? rally in, around, to, behind or on? "rape by" or "rape in"? ratify by, in, on, according or as? ravage by, from, on, through or with? rave about, at, from, to or before? reach for, by, at, to or into? react to, with, in, by or like? read about, in, on, through or for? "realize in", "realize at" or "realize by"?

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