I know that anger comes with the preposition "with" while discussing anger directed at someone, (e.g. "your anger with your unbearable boss"); but should we use the same preposition while discussing anger directed at something, such as "your anger with the new compensation model" or "your anger with the new working conditions"? And if not, which preposition should be used?
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1ODE courtesy of Google has '"she could barely restrain her anger at this comment".– Edwin AshworthCommented Jul 7 at 15:00
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3 Answers
I know that anger comes with the preposition "with" while discussing anger directed at someone,
This is not so.
*(e.g. "your anger with your unbearable boss")
Anger collocates with "towards" and "at"
It is "angry" that collocates with "with": She was angry with herself for forgetting the key."
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As for the collocation of propositions after the term anger there are a few options as suggested by Oxford Collocation Dictionary:
PREP. in ~ He raised his voice in anger. | with ~ His face was flushed with anger. | ~ against her feelings of anger against the murderer | ~ at I felt a sudden anger at his suggestion. | ~ over There is much anger over plans to close the hospital. | ~ towards her anger towards her parents.
Regarding your specific request with, towards, at and over can be used.
You can find usage examples from Ngram also.
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When referring to abstract conditions, it's common to use either "over" or "about".
I'm angry about the poor pay for public school teachers.
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