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Preposition after verb

torture with common prepositions

Torture is usually followed directly by an object. Different prepositions add meanings such as method, purpose, or place.

Quick answer

How is torture used with prepositions?

Use torture + object for the basic meaning. Torture with and torture by can describe methods or instruments. Torture for can describe purpose. Torture in often introduces place. Torture to is uncommon after the verb and usually sounds unnatural.

The prisoners were tortured with electric shocks.
He was tortured by guilt for years.
The regime tortured political opponents secretly.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
torture + object

Inflicting severe pain

The verb usually takes a direct object.

The group tortured civilians during the conflict.
2
torture with + instrument

Showing the method or instrument

With introduces the tool or means used.

They tortured him with loud noise.
3
torture by + method or cause

Describing means or emotional suffering

By can introduce a method or figurative cause.

She was tortured by uncertainty.
4
torture for + purpose

Explaining the reason

For can state a purpose such as punishment or information.

The captives were tortured for information.
5
torture + object + in + place

Adding location

In usually introduces the place where the action happens.

They tortured prisoners in secret cells.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
torture by
He was tortured by fear.
By introduces a cause or means, often figurative.
torture in
Prisoners were tortured in the basement.
In introduces location.
torture to
They tortured him to force a confession.
To introduces purpose in an infinitive clause, not a fixed verb-preposition pattern.
torture for
The victim was tortured for information.
For introduces purpose or motive.
torture with
They tortured prisoners with chemicals.
With introduces an instrument or method.

Common mistakes

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

Using to as a direct partner

Torture to is not normally a fixed combination.

✕ They tortured to information. ✓ They tortured him for information.

Forgetting the object

Torture normally needs an object.

✕ They tortured with electric shocks. ✓ They tortured the prisoners with electric shocks.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The victim was tortured ___ information.
2. They tortured prisoners ___ electric shocks.
3. He was tortured ___ fear and regret.

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Frequently asked questions

Is torture with correct?

Yes. It commonly introduces the instrument or method used.

Can torture be followed by for?

Yes. For often introduces purpose, such as torture for information.

Is torture to standard English?

Not as a fixed verb-preposition pattern. To is usually part of an infinitive clause such as to force a confession.

tackle by, in, for, with or on? tack-on-onto-to-across, as "tag with" or "tag in"? tailor to, for, from, toward or towards? "taint by" or "taint with"? "take into", "take in" or "take to"? "talk about" or "talk to"? tally with, in, for, up or at? "tap into" or "tap on"? target at, by, for, to or in? tarnish by, in, with, after or as? "taste like", "taste of" or "taste in"?

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