stuff + object + with + material
Filling something
Use with for the material used to fill another object.
We stuffed the cushions with cotton.
stuff with, stuff into, and stuff in
The preposition after stuff changes whether you describe filling, forcing movement, or placing something quickly.
Quick answer
Which preposition is correct after stuff?
Use stuff with to describe filling something, stuff into to show forceful movement into a space, and stuff in as a more informal alternative for putting something inside.
She stuffed the pillow with feathers.
He stuffed the papers into his bag quickly.
I stuffed the receipt in my pocket and left.
They stuffed the turkey with herbs before cooking.
He stuffed the papers into his bag quickly.
I stuffed the receipt in my pocket and left.
They stuffed the turkey with herbs before cooking.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
stuff + object + into + container
Forcing something into a space
Use into when something is pushed or packed into another thing.
She stuffed the clothes into a suitcase in a hurry.
stuff + object + in + place
Putting something inside informally
In is common in informal speech for placing something quickly inside a container or space.
He stuffed the keys in his pocket.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
stuff with
They stuffed the toy with soft foam.
fill something using a material
stuff into
She stuffed the books into her backpack.
push or force something inside
stuff in
He stuffed the letter in a drawer.
put something inside informally
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using with for direction
With describes filling material, not movement into a place.
✕ She stuffed the clothes with the bag. ✓ She stuffed the clothes into the bag.Forgetting the object before with
Stuff with normally needs the thing being filled.
✕ They stuffed with rice. ✓ They stuffed the peppers with rice.Using into for filling material
Into focuses on movement, not the material used.
✕ He stuffed the pillow into feathers. ✓ He stuffed the pillow with feathers.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. She stuffed the envelope ___ old photos.
2. He stuffed the groceries ___ the cupboard.
3. I stuffed the ticket ___ my jacket pocket.
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Frequently asked questions
Is stuff in informal?
Yes. Stuff in is common in spoken and informal English.
Can I use stuff into without force?
Usually into suggests pushing or packing something into a space, often quickly or tightly.
What is the difference between fill and stuff?
Stuff often suggests informal, hurried, or tight filling, while fill is more neutral.
Related preposition guides
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