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Prepositions after verbs

Wield by or wield in?

The verb 'wield' normally takes a direct object, not a fixed preposition. Phrases with 'by' or 'in' usually add extra information rather than complete the verb.

Quick answer

How to use 'wield'

Use 'wield' with a direct object such as power, influence, or a weapon. 'Wield by' is not a standard combination. 'Wield in' may appear when 'in' introduces a place or situation, not as part of the verb itself.

She can wield influence across the industry.
The knight wielded a sword with confidence.
The tool was wielded by experienced workers.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
wield + object

Using wield with power, influence, or tools

The most common structure is 'wield' followed directly by a noun.

They wield enormous power in local politics.
2
wield + weapon/tool

Using wield for physical objects

Use 'wield' for handling weapons or tools skillfully.

She wielded a hammer all afternoon.
3
wield in + place/context

Adding a location or situation

'In' can introduce the setting where something is wielded. It is not a fixed combination with the verb.

He wielded influence in academic circles.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
wield by
The company was led by a manager who wielded authority.
'By' usually introduces the agent in a passive structure, not a standard combination after 'wield'.
wield in
She wielded considerable influence in the committee.
'In' introduces the context where the influence exists.
wield + object
The general wielded power effectively.
Standard and natural use of the verb.

Common mistakes

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

Adding an unnecessary preposition

'Wield' usually takes a direct object without a preposition.

✕ He wielded by his experience. ✓ He wielded his experience effectively.

Confusing passive structure with verb pattern

'By' often belongs to a passive clause, not to 'wield' itself.

✕ She wielded by the team. ✓ She was respected by the team.

Using 'in' as if required

'In' only adds context or location.

✕ He wielded in authority. ✓ He wielded authority.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She can ___ enormous influence in the company.
2. The sword was wielded ___ a trained fighter.
3. He wielded power ___ local government.

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Frequently asked questions

Is 'wield by' correct?

Not usually. 'By' normally appears in passive structures such as 'was wielded by'.

Can I say 'wield in'?

Yes, when 'in' introduces a place or context, such as 'wield influence in politics'.

What does 'wield' usually take?

It usually takes a direct object like power, authority, influence, or a weapon.

wade, through, wade, into wait for, in, on, at or till? wake up, from, in, at or by? walk into, in, to, through or on? wander through, around, into, in or from? "want for", "want from" or "want in"? "warn of" or "warn against"? "wash with", "wash in" or "wash over"? "waste on" or "waste in"? watch for, in, on, from or with? "wave at" or "wave to"? "weaken by", "weaken to" or "weaken of"?

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