Spot usually takes a direct object without a preposition. In and by are generally used to add location information, not as fixed verb patterns.
Usually, neither. The verb spot normally takes a direct object, as in spot a mistake or spot a friend. In and by can describe where someone or something is seen.
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
Spot is commonly followed directly by the person or thing seen.
In introduces the surrounding place or area.
By means near or beside a place.
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Spot usually takes a direct object.
✕ I spotted at the bird. ✓ I spotted the bird.In introduces location, not the object of the verb.
✕ She spotted in the man. ✓ She spotted the man.By should introduce a nearby place or object.
✕ He spotted by the wallet. ✓ He spotted the wallet by the chair.Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
No. In usually introduces location after the object.
Only when by introduces a nearby place, such as by the river or by the door.
The standard structure is spot plus a direct object.
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