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Prepositions after verbs

symbolize by or in?

Symbolize is usually followed directly by an object or used in passive structures such as symbolized by. The phrase symbolized in is less common and usually refers to location or medium, not the main verb pattern.

Quick answer

Common patterns with symbolize

Use symbolize something for the basic meaning. In passive sentences, symbolized by introduces the thing that represents an idea. Symbolized in usually refers to where the symbolism appears, not a fixed verb-preposition combination.

The dove symbolizes peace.
Peace is symbolized by the dove.
The theme is symbolized in several scenes.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
symbolize + idea/object

Express what something represents

Use symbolize directly with the thing or idea being represented.

The crown symbolizes authority.
Red roses often symbolize love.
2
symbolized by + symbol

Name the symbol in passive sentences

Use symbolized by when the represented idea is the subject and the symbol comes after by.

Wisdom is symbolized by the owl.
Unity was symbolized by a shared flag.
3
symbolize for + person/group

Show meaning for a particular audience

Use for to explain who understands or experiences the symbolism.

The ceremony symbolized hope for many families.
The mountain symbolizes freedom for local people.
4
symbolized in + place/text/artwork

Show where symbolism appears

Symbolized in is possible when in introduces a place, text, image, or artistic work where the symbolism is expressed.

The conflict is symbolized in the final painting.
National identity is symbolized in the monument's design.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
symbolize something
The river symbolizes life.
Standard active pattern meaning represent.
symbolized by
Life is symbolized by the river.
Standard passive pattern naming the symbol.
symbolized in
The idea is symbolized in the novel's final chapter.
Possible when referring to the place or medium where symbolism appears.
symbolize by
Writers sometimes symbolize emotions by using colour.
By introduces the method or means, not a fixed verb-preposition pattern.

Common mistakes

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

Using by after symbolize without a method

Do not add by directly after symbolize unless you mean the method used.

✕ The dove symbolizes by peace. ✓ The dove symbolizes peace.

Confusing active and passive structures

Use symbolized by in passive sentences.

✕ Peace symbolizes by the dove. ✓ Peace is symbolized by the dove.

Using in as the main complement

Symbolized in usually refers to location or medium, not the represented idea itself.

✕ The dove symbolizes in peace. ✓ The dove symbolizes peace.

Omitting the object after symbolize

Symbolize normally needs an object stating what is represented.

✕ The image symbolizes. ✓ The image symbolizes renewal.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The white flag ___ surrender.
2. Freedom is symbolized ___ the open sky.
3. The theme of loss is symbolized ___ the final scene.

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Frequently asked questions

Is symbolize by correct?

Usually symbolize takes a direct object, as in symbolize peace. Symbolize by is mainly used when by introduces a method, such as symbolize emotions by using colour.

When can I use symbolized in?

Use symbolized in when referring to the place, text, scene, or artwork where the symbolism appears.

What is the most common structure with symbolize?

The most common structure is symbolize plus a noun or idea, such as symbolize freedom or symbolize change.

sack, by, sack, for, sack, from "sacrifice for" or "sacrifice to"? sail from, in, for, to or through? "salvage from" or "salvage in"? sanction by, for, in, with or according? satisfy with, by, in, about or after? "saturate with" or "saturate in"? save by, for, from, on or in? "say in", "say about" or "say to"? "scan for", "scan in" or "scan through"? "scar by" or "scar on"? scatter in, across, around, throughout or on?

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