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Prepositions after verbs

Require for or require by?

Require usually takes a direct object. For and by can appear in related structures, but they are not interchangeable complements after the verb.

Quick answer

How to use require with prepositions

Use require + object in most cases. Require for is uncommon and usually appears in passive or formal structures such as be required for. Require by is generally nonstandard; use be required by when naming a rule, law, or authority.

This job requires technical training.
A passport is required for entry.
Safety checks are required by law.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
require + object

State a necessity

Require normally takes a direct object without a preposition.

The project requires careful planning.
2
be required for + purpose

Explain a purpose or situation

For introduces the activity or purpose connected to the requirement.

Identification is required for registration.
3
be required by + authority/rule

Name the source of the requirement

By introduces the law, policy, or authority creating the requirement.

Helmets are required by company policy.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
require + object
The task requires patience.
Standard active structure.
be required for + purpose
Training is required for the role.
Explains why something is necessary.
be required by + authority
Taxes are required by law.
Names the authority or rule.
require by
The form requires by law a signature.
Nonstandard in active structures.

Common mistakes

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

Adding for after active require

Require usually takes a direct object.

✕ The course requires for experience. ✓ The course requires experience.

Using require by in active voice

Use the passive form be required by.

✕ The law requires by employers training. ✓ Training is required by employers.

Confusing purpose and authority

For gives a purpose; by names a source or authority.

✕ Passports are required by travel. ✓ Passports are required for travel.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The position ___ excellent communication skills.
2. A visa is ___ international students.
3. Protective gear is ___ safety regulations.

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Frequently asked questions

Is require for correct?

It is uncommon after the active verb require, but standard in passive forms such as be required for.

Can I say require by?

Usually no. Use be required by in passive constructions.

What is the most common pattern?

Require + direct object is the standard active structure.

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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