Prepositions after verbs

Stamp on, stamp with or stamp in?

Stamp with is common for adding a mark or design. Stamp on usually means to step heavily on something. Stamp in is used for pressing something firmly into memory or a surface.

Quick answer

How to use stamp with prepositions

Use stamp with for the tool, mark, or design added to something. Use stamp on when someone steps heavily on an object. Use stamp in for fixing an idea or mark firmly.

They stamped the passport with a visa.
The child stamped on the box.
The lesson was stamped in his memory.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
stamp + object + with + mark/tool

Adding a mark or design

With introduces the mark, ink, seal, or tool used.

She stamped the envelope with a red seal.
The factory stamped the metal with serial numbers.
2
stamp on + object

Stepping heavily on something

On is used for physical force with the feet.

He stamped on the brake pedal.
The crowd stamped on fallen signs.
3
stamp in + memory/surface

Fixing something firmly

In suggests deep or lasting impact.

The image was stamped in her mind.
The pattern was stamped in the clay.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
stamp with
They stamped the document with an official seal.
Add a mark, design, or sign.
stamp on
She stamped on the insect.
Step forcefully on something.
stamp in
The event was stamped in his memory.
Fix deeply in memory or material.
stamp at
The horse stamped at the ground.
At can appear with repeated striking movements.

Common mistakes

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

Using on for a printed mark

Use with when adding a seal or mark.

✕ They stamped the form on blue ink. ✓ They stamped the form with blue ink.

Confusing stamp in and stamp on

In suggests deep impression; on suggests physical contact from above.

✕ The lesson was stamped on his memory. ✓ The lesson was stamped in his memory.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The clerk stamped the certificate ___ an official seal.
2. He accidentally stamped ___ my foot.
3. The experience was stamped ___ her mind.

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Frequently asked questions

Can stamp on mean criticize strongly?

Yes. In some contexts, stamp on can mean suppress or crush something forcefully.

Is stamp with used for tools?

Yes. You can stamp a document with a seal or with ink.

Can I say stamped in the metal?

Yes. It describes a design or text pressed into a surface.

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