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Prepositions after verbs

How to use prepositions with repeat

Repeat usually takes a direct object without a preposition. Some prepositions can appear after repeat in specific contexts, but they often express time, method, or manner rather than forming a fixed verb pattern.

Quick answer

Which prepositions go with repeat?

Repeat is most commonly used without a preposition: repeat a question, repeat the joke. Repeat after someone is also common. Prepositions such as in, for, with, at, and by usually add extra information rather than forming fixed combinations.

repeat the instructions
repeat after me
She repeated the phrase in a whisper

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
repeat + object

Saying something again

Use repeat directly with the thing that is said or done again.

repeat the sentence
He had to repeat the answer twice
2
repeat after + person

Copying another speaker

Use after to show the person whose words are copied.

repeat after the teacher
The children repeated after him
3
repeat with + noun

Adding manner or emotion

With can describe the way something is repeated.

She repeated the warning with concern
He repeated the joke with a smile
4
repeat in + language/style

Changing form or medium

In can describe the language, tone, or style used.

Could you repeat that in English?
She repeated the message in a louder voice

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
repeat + object
Please repeat the number.
say or do something again
repeat after + person
Repeat after me.
copy another speaker's words
repeat with + manner
He repeated the request with patience.
describe the manner of repeating
repeat in + language/style
Can you repeat it in French?
describe the form or language used
repeat for
She repeated the instructions for the new staff.
for introduces the listener or purpose, not a fixed verb pattern
repeat at/by
He repeated the slogan at every meeting.
at and by usually introduce time, place, or method rather than a standard pattern

Common mistakes

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

Using a preposition before the object

Repeat normally takes a direct object.

✕ repeat about the story ✓ repeat the story

Confusing repeat after with repeat to

Repeat after means copy someone's words.

✕ repeat to me ✓ repeat after me

Using by as the main pattern

By usually expresses method or authorship, not the object of repeat.

✕ repeat by the sentence ✓ repeat the sentence

Adding unnecessary for

For can introduce a listener but not the repeated content.

✕ repeat for the answer ✓ repeat the answer

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Please ___ the last sentence.
2. The students repeated ___ the instructor.
3. Could you repeat that ___ Spanish?

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Frequently asked questions

Is repeat with correct?

Yes. With can describe manner or emotion, as in repeat with confidence.

Can I say repeat in English?

Yes. In can describe the language or style used: repeat it in English.

Does repeat need a preposition?

Usually no. The most common structure is repeat plus a direct object.

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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