prevent

When prevent is followed by an object + verbal noun, the usual construction now is (for example) prevent him going or prevent him from going, rather than prevent his going, which (though considered formally more correct by some) is falling out of use. Examples of each type:

Two women climb up the iron bars, which are meant to prevent people or animals falling under the tram—J. Berger, 1972

Cushla was only just quick enough to grab Colin's arms to prevent him from belting Restel across the head—N. Virtue, 1990

His shoes were locked up to prevent his running away—Penelope Fitzgerald, 1986.

When prevent is used in the passive, the construction with from is the normal option:

Tanks are being prevented from entering the center of the city—New Yorker, 1989.

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