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Prepositions after verbs

Unearth from or unearth by?

Unearth often combines with from to show where something was discovered. By usually introduces the person or method involved.

Quick answer

How to use unearth with prepositions

Use unearth from to show the source or place of discovery: unearth coins from a site. “Unearth by” is not a standard fixed combination, but by can identify the discoverer or method in passive sentences.

Archaeologists unearthed pottery from the site last year.
The investigation unearthed evidence from company records.
The manuscript was unearthed by researchers in 2024.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
unearth from + place

Showing where something was found

From introduces the source or location of the discovery.

Workers unearthed bones from the riverbank.
2
unearth + information

Discovering hidden facts

Use unearth directly with information, evidence, or objects.

Reporters unearthed new documents during the inquiry.
3
unearth by + person

Identifying the discoverer

By usually appears in passive structures to name who discovered something.

The coins were unearthed by local farmers.
4
unearth through + method

Showing the method of discovery

Through can introduce the process used to discover something.

The fraud was unearthed through an internal audit.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
unearth from
Scientists unearthed fossils from the cave.
Standard use showing the source or place of discovery.
unearth by
The letters were unearthed by historians.
By identifies the discoverer in a passive sentence, not a fixed verb-preposition pair.
unearth + object
They unearthed valuable records.
Direct object pattern meaning discover something hidden.

Common mistakes

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

Using by after active unearth

By normally follows a passive structure.

✕ Researchers unearthed by new evidence the truth. ✓ Researchers unearthed new evidence.

Omitting the source after from

From needs a clear source or location.

✕ They unearthed artifacts from. ✓ They unearthed artifacts from the ruins.

Using unearth for ordinary finding

Unearth suggests discovering something hidden or forgotten.

✕ I unearthed my keys on the table. ✓ I found my keys on the table.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Archaeologists unearthed coins ___ the ancient temple.
2. The files were unearthed ___ investigative journalists.
3. The audit helped ___ hidden expenses.

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Frequently asked questions

Is unearth from correct?

Yes. It is common when you mention the place or source of discovery.

Can I say unearth by?

Usually only in passive structures such as was unearthed by researchers.

What does unearth mean?

It means discover or reveal something hidden, buried, or previously unknown.

uncover, by, uncover, in "underline by" or "underline in"? undermine by, in, at, from or due? 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? 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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