How to use "object to"

What Does "object to" Mean?

The collocation "object to" means to express opposition, disapproval, or a formal protest against something. It is a semi-idiomatic expression where the verb "object" takes a specific prepositional complement to indicate the target of the dislike. While the meaning of "object" (to disagree) is clear, the requirement of the preposition "to" is a fixed linguistic feature. In terms of register, "object to" is neutral to formal; it is frequently used in legal proceedings, formal debates, and academic writing, though it is also common in everyday speech when expressing a firm stance.

How to Use It

The grammatical pattern for this expression is verb + preposition + noun phrase/gerund.

Typical Objects: It is followed by a noun (e.g., "the plan"), a pronoun (e.g., "that"), or a gerund (e.g., "paying").
Separability: Unlike some phrasal verbs, "object to" is an intransitive verb followed by a prepositional phrase. Therefore, the components cannot be separated; you cannot place the object between "object" and "to."
What sounds unnatural: Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "object against" or "object on") is a frequent error. Additionally, following it with a base-form infinitive (e.g., "I object to go") sounds distinctly ungrammatical to native speakers.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from object to on Ludwig.guru.

"I object to the phrase." — query.nytimes.com

"Insurers object to the requirements." — nytimes.com

"Others object to its extravagant commercial ambitions." — economist.com

"Many object to Glazer on financial grounds." — newyorker.com

"Who'd object to that?" — nytimes.com

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
oppose	A direct transitive verb that is slightly more formal and does not require "to."
take issue with	An idiomatic way to express disagreement with a specific point or detail.
disapprove of	Focuses more on a moral or personal judgment than a formal protest.
mind	Much more informal; used in questions or negatives (e.g., "I don't mind that").
protest against	Suggests a more active, public, or collective display of disagreement.
demur	A highly formal and polite way to express hesitation or a quiet objection.

Common Mistakes

Wrong Preposition: Using "against" because of the meaning of opposition. Incorrect: "They object against the new law." Correct: "They object to the new law."
Infinitive Error: Learners often mistakenly follow 'object to' with an infinitive (e.g., 'I object to pay') instead of the required gerund (e.g., 'I object to paying'). Because "to" is a preposition here, not part of an infinitive, it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Meaning	Grammatical Pattern	Register
object to	To express disapproval or opposition	Verb + Preposition ("to") + Noun/Gerund	Neutral to Formal

FAQs

Can the words object and to be separated by an object?

No, the parts of object to cannot be separated because "to" is a preposition introducing a prepositional phrase. You must always keep the verb and its preposition together before the object (e.g., "I object to the rule," never "I object the rule to").

How does object to differ from the verb oppose?

The primary difference is grammatical: oppose is a transitive verb that takes a direct object, while object to requires a preposition. While both convey disagreement, object to often suggests a verbal expression of protest, whereas oppose can refer to physical or systemic resistance.

Should I use a verb or an -ing word after object to?

Learners often mistakenly follow object to with an infinitive (e.g., "I object to pay") instead of the required gerund (e.g., "I object to paying"). In this structure, to is a preposition, so it must be followed by a noun phrase or a verb in the -ing form.

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