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Prepositions with nouns

Of, in, into, by or with force?

Different prepositions with “force” have different meanings. “With force,” “by force,” “in force,” and “into force” are all standard in specific contexts, while “of force” is uncommon.

Quick answer

Which preposition is used with “force”?

Use “with force” for strong physical action, “by force” for compulsion, “in force” for laws or large numbers present, and “into force” for laws becoming active. “Of force” is rare and usually not natural in modern everyday English.

He pushed the door with force.
They removed the protesters by force.
The new regulation is now in force.
The law comes into force next month.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
with force

Showing strong physical action or intensity

Use “with force” when an action is done powerfully or violently.

She hit the ball with force.
Rain struck the windows with force during the storm.
2
by force

Showing compulsion or coercion

Use “by force” when someone is made to do something against their will.

The soldiers entered the building by force.
He refused to take the land by force.
3
in force

Talking about laws, rules, or large numbers

Use “in force” for rules that are active or for groups appearing in large numbers.

The safety rules remain in force.
Fans arrived in force for the final.
4
into force

Describing laws becoming active

Use “into force” after verbs such as “come” or “bring” for the start of a law or rule.

The agreement comes into force on 1 July.
The government brought the measure into force quickly.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
with force
He closed the lid with force.
Describes the strength or intensity of an action.
by force
The crowd was moved by force.
Shows coercion or use of power.
in force
These regulations are still in force.
Means active, valid, or present in large numbers.
into force
The ban came into force yesterday.
Means becoming officially active.
of force
This argument is of little force.
A rare and formal expression meaning “strength” or “effect.” It is uncommon in everyday English.

Common mistakes

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

Using “with force” for legal validity

Use “in force” for laws or regulations that are active.

✕ The law is with force. ✓ The law is in force.

Using “by force” for physical intensity

“By force” means coercion, not simply strong action.

✕ She hit the ball by force. ✓ She hit the ball with force.

Using “of force” in everyday contexts

“Of force” sounds very formal or unnatural in most modern situations.

✕ The new rules are of force now. ✓ The new rules are in force now.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The new tax rules come ___ next January.
2. The guards removed the man ___ .
3. She pushed the heavy gate ___ .

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between “by force” and “with force”?

“By force” means through coercion or power. “With force” describes the strength of an action.

What does “in force” mean?

For laws and rules, it means active or legally valid. For groups of people, it can mean present in large numbers.

Is “of force” standard English?

It exists in formal or older-style English, but it is rare in modern everyday use.

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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