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Prepositions with nouns

Prepositions used with "fate"

Different prepositions with "fate" express different ideas, such as destiny, cause, or attitude toward events.

Quick answer

Common combinations with "fate"

Use "the fate of" for what happens to someone or something. "By fate" appears in literary or dramatic contexts. "To fate" is uncommon except with verbs such as "leave to fate." "In fate" is not a usual combination for destiny. "With fate" appears in expressions about struggling or dealing with destiny.

Nobody knew the fate of the missing ship.
They believed they had met by fate.
He decided to leave the result to fate.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
fate of + noun

Talking about someone's future or outcome

This is the most common structure with "fate."

The report revealed the fate of the passengers.
2
by fate

Describing destiny as a cause

This phrase is literary or dramatic.

The two families were connected by fate.
3
leave it to fate

Allowing destiny to decide

Use this expression when no deliberate choice is made.

We could not control the weather, so we left it to fate.
4
struggle with fate

Describing conflict with destiny

Use "with" after verbs about conflict or dealing with circumstances.

The hero spends the novel struggling with fate.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
fate of
The fate of the village remained uncertain.
the outcome affecting someone or something
by fate
They were brought together by fate.
because of destiny; literary style
to fate
She left the final decision to fate.
allowing destiny or chance to decide
in fate
Many cultures believe in fate.
"In fate" alone is uncommon; use "believe in fate" instead
with fate
He made peace with fate.
dealing or emotionally relating to destiny

Common mistakes

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

Using "in fate" as a general collocation

"In fate" is not normally used alone with the meaning of destiny.

✕ Everything happens in fate. ✓ Everything happens because of fate.

Overusing literary "by fate"

"By fate" sounds dramatic or poetic in everyday English.

✓ They met by chance.

Confusing "fate of" and "fate for"

Use "fate of" for the outcome affecting someone or something.

✕ The fate for the company is unclear. ✓ The fate of the company is unclear.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Nobody knew the fate ___ the expedition.
2. They believed they had met ___ fate.
3. We decided to leave the result ___ fate.

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Frequently asked questions

Is "by fate" common in everyday English?

It is understandable but somewhat literary or dramatic.

Can I say "believe in fate"?

Yes. This is a very common and natural expression.

What does "fate of" mean?

It refers to what eventually happens to someone or something.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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