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Prepositions after verbs

How to use prepositions with repeal

Repeal usually takes a direct object such as a law, rule, or ban.

Quick answer

Do repeal by or repeal in form fixed combinations?

Repeal normally takes a direct object: repeal a law. Repeal by and repeal in are not standard fixed combinations after the verb. By can introduce the method or authority, and in can introduce a place, document, or year.

The government plans to repeal the regulation
The law was repealed by parliament
Several restrictions were repealed in 2024

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
repeal + law/rule

Cancelling a legal rule

Repeal is commonly followed directly by the law or regulation.

Congress voted to repeal the tax
2
repealed by + authority

Naming who repealed something

By introduces the authority or body responsible.

The measure was repealed by the court
3
repealed in + year/document

Adding time or context

In introduces the year, place, or legal document.

The policy was repealed in the new constitution
4
motion to repeal + object

Using repeal as part of a noun phrase

Repeal can appear in legal and political expressions.

The committee discussed a motion to repeal the ban

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
repeal by
The rule was repealed by the legislature.
by introduces the authority in passive sentences
repeal in
The ban was repealed in 2019.
in introduces time or context
repeal + object
They want to repeal the law.
standard active structure
repeal of
The repeal of the policy caused debate.
noun form with of

Common mistakes

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

Using repeal by in active voice

Repeal usually takes a direct object in active sentences.

✕ They repealed by the law. ✓ They repealed the law.

Using repeal in as a fixed pattern

In usually adds time or context information only.

✕ The senate repealed in the rule. ✓ The senate repealed the rule.

Confusing repeal with replace

Repeal means officially cancel a law.

✓ The government repealed the outdated regulation.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The assembly voted to ___ the restriction.
2. The law was repealed ___ parliament.
3. Several taxes were repealed ___ 2022.

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Frequently asked questions

Is repeal by a normal verb-preposition combination?

No. By usually appears in passive sentences to name the authority responsible.

Can repeal in be correct?

Yes, when in introduces a year, place, or document.

Does repeal need a direct object?

Usually yes. Common objects are law, regulation, ban, or policy.

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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