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Preposition after adjective

Deepening of or in?

Deepening of names the thing becoming stronger or more serious. Deepening in refers to growth within a field, condition, or activity.

Quick answer

Which preposition is used with deepening?

Use deepening of for the change itself, such as a deepening of understanding. Use deepening in when talking about development within an area or process.

There was a deepening of the crisis.
We noticed a deepening in public interest.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
deepening of + condition/feeling

A stronger or more serious state

Of identifies what is becoming deeper.

The report describes a deepening of inequality.
2
deepening of + relationship

Growing intensity

Common with emotions and connections.

They experienced a deepening of trust.
3
deepening in + area

Growth within a field

In focuses on development inside an activity or situation.

There has been a deepening in cooperation.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
deepening of
A deepening of concern followed the news.
the concern itself became stronger
deepening in
A deepening in engagement was visible.
growth within an area or process
deepening into
Deepening into is not a normal pattern.
nonstandard

Common mistakes

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

Using of and in interchangeably

Of names what changes; in points to the area where development happens.

✓ a deepening of tension

Using deepening into

Into is not normally used after deepening in this structure.

✕ a deepening into the crisis ✓ a deepening of the crisis

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The article discusses a deepening ___ divisions.
2. There has been a deepening ___ regional cooperation.
3. Which phrase is nonstandard?

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Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

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Frequently asked questions

Is deepening mainly a noun?

Yes. It commonly functions as a noun describing a process of becoming deeper.

Which is more common with emotions?

Deepening of is common with feelings, crises, and relationships.

Can deepening in sound formal?

Yes. It often appears in academic or analytical writing.

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