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Prepositions after verbs

Rummage with different prepositions

Rummage through is the most common pattern for searching. Other prepositions add location or purpose.

Quick answer

Which prepositions go with rummage?

Use rummage through for searching inside a group of things. Use rummage in for the place searched and rummage for for the thing wanted. Around can describe movement in an area.

She rummaged through the drawer.
He rummaged for his keys.
They rummaged in the attic.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
rummage through + container or collection

Searching through many items

Through is the standard choice when examining contents.

I rummaged through old papers.
2
rummage for + object

Showing what someone wants to find

For introduces the desired item.

She rummaged for a flashlight.
3
rummage in + place

Naming the place searched

In identifies the location where the search happens.

He rummaged in his backpack.
4
rummage around + area

Describing unsystematic searching

Around suggests moving from place to place while searching.

The children rummaged around the garage.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
rummage through
She rummaged through the cupboard.
search among contents
rummage in
He rummaged in his coat pocket.
search inside a place
rummage for
They rummaged for spare batteries.
search to find something
rummage among
She rummaged among the clothes.
search within a group of items
rummage around
He rummaged around the office.
search in different places casually

Common mistakes

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

Using rummage for a container

For introduces the target item, not the place searched.

✕ She rummaged for the drawer. ✓ She rummaged through the drawer.

Confusing through and in

Through focuses on the contents; in focuses on location.

✕ He rummaged in old papers. ✓ He rummaged through old papers.

Overusing around with a specific container

Through is usually better for a defined set of contents.

✓ She rummaged through her handbag.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He rummaged ___ the box for old photos.
2. She rummaged ___ her keys in the dark.
3. The child rummaged ___ the kitchen drawers.

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Frequently asked questions

Is rummage through the most common pattern?

Yes. It is the standard choice for searching among many items.

Can I say rummage among?

Yes. It is natural when searching within a group of objects or people.

What is the difference between rummage in and rummage through?

In focuses on the place, while through focuses on examining contents.

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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