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Prepositions after verbs

Undermine by, in, at, from or due?

Undermine usually takes a direct object. Some prepositions can add cause or context, but they are not all standard after the verb.

Quick answer

How to use undermine

Use undermine with a direct object: undermine confidence, undermine authority. By commonly introduces the means. In may describe a context. At is uncommon after undermine, and due is not used directly after the verb.

undermine public trust
The policy undermined growth by increasing costs
Confidence was undermined in the banking sector

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
undermine + object

Weakening something

Undermine usually takes a direct object without a preposition.

undermine morale
undermine the agreement
2
undermine + object + by + action

Showing the means of damage

By introduces the action or factor that causes harm.

They undermined their credibility by hiding the figures
The changes undermined efficiency by adding delays
3
undermine + object + in + context

Showing the area affected

In can introduce a field, organisation, or context where the damage occurs.

The scandal undermined confidence in the company
Cuts undermined standards in public services

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
undermine + object
Rumours undermined his authority.
Standard pattern for weakening something.
undermine by + action
They undermined trust by spreading false claims.
By introduces the damaging action.
undermine in + context
The errors undermined confidence in the system.
In introduces the affected area or context.
undermine at
The remarks undermined at the meeting.
Not a standard pattern. Use an object or add a clearer structure.
undermine due
The project failed due to budget cuts.
Due to is a separate expression of cause, not a preposition used directly after undermine.

Common mistakes

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

Using undermine without an object

Undermine normally needs something that is weakened.

✕ The rumours undermined at management. ✓ The rumours undermined management.

Using due directly after undermine

Use due to in a separate clause or use by for the cause.

✕ Sales were undermined due poor planning. ✓ Sales were undermined due to poor planning.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The campaign undermined public confidence ___ spreading false information.
2. The crisis undermined trust ___ the institution.
3. Choose the correct sentence.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say undermine by?

Yes. By often introduces the action that weakens something.

Is undermine at correct?

Not usually. English normally uses undermine with a direct object instead.

How is due to used with undermine?

Due to is used in a separate expression of cause, not as a direct complement after undermine.

uncover, by, uncover, in "underline by" or "underline in"? underpin by, for, with, of or other? underscore by, in, with, between or during? understand by, in, about, as or from? "undertake by" or "undertake in"? undo by, in, against, during or From? "unearth from" or "unearth by"? unfold in, before, on, at or for? "unite in" or "unite with"? "unleash on" or "unleash by"? unsubscribe from, to, at or with?

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