trick someone into + -ing form
Causing someone to do something
This is the standard structure for deception leading to an action.
The scammer tricked her into sharing her password.
trick into vs trick by
Trick into is the standard structure for causing someone to do something through deception. Trick by usually introduces the method used to deceive.
Quick answer
Which construction is correct?
Use trick someone into doing something for the result of the deception. Use by to explain the method, not as the main pattern after trick.
They tricked him into signing the contract.
She tricked them by using a fake name.
She tricked them by using a fake name.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
trick someone by + method
Explaining how the deception worked
By introduces the method or means of tricking.
He tricked us by hiding the evidence.
trick someone out of + thing
Causing someone to lose something
Use trick out of for money, property, or opportunities lost through deception.
They tricked him out of his savings.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
trick into
She tricked me into agreeing.
Cause someone to do something through deception.
trick by
They tricked customers by changing the labels.
Describe the method used to deceive.
trick out of
He was tricked out of his inheritance.
Cause someone to lose something by deception.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using trick by as the main verb pattern
By usually explains the method, not the result.
✕ They tricked him by sign the form. ✓ They tricked him into signing the form.Forgetting the -ing form after into
Into is followed by a gerund.
✕ She tricked me into buy the ticket. ✓ She tricked me into buying the ticket.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The fraudster tricked investors ___ sending money.
2. She tricked the guards ___ pretending to be a nurse.
3. They tricked him out of his car. What was lost?
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Frequently asked questions
Can trick into be used with objects?
Yes. You can trick someone into a decision, purchase, or action.
Is trick by incorrect?
No. It is correct when by introduces the method used.
What follows into after trick?
Usually a verb ending in -ing, such as signing or paying.
Related preposition guides
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