English UsageComparison guide

Be Elated To Do vs. Elated By Something

Be Elated To Do vs. Elated By Something compares two directly documented complement patterns for “elated.” Oxford evidence supports an infinitival use as well as elated at/by + noun phrase, so the guide explains the construction choice without generalizing from synonyms.

Quick answer

Use elated + to-infinitive when the infinitive states what someone is very happy and excited to learn or do; use elated at/by + noun phrase for the directly documented prepositional pattern.

Key details

Confusion Familyusage-construction
Rule Familyconstruction choice
Termselated + to-infinitive, elated at/by + noun phrase

Further guidance

Core difference

Oxford documents both an elated + to-infinitive example and elated at/by + noun phrase patterns. The constructions express the same broad emotional state but package the cause or event differently.

Style Boundary

Keep the comparison to directly attested patterns; do not infer that every synonym of “elated” licenses the same complements.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. elated — Oxford Advanced American Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Oxford University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for elated + to-infinitive and elated at/by + complement

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