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Preposition after adjective

Devoid of

The adjective 'devoid' is normally followed by 'of' to show that something completely lacks a quality, feature, or substance.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows 'devoid'?

The standard pattern is 'devoid of + noun'. It means completely lacking something. Other prepositions are generally not used directly after 'devoid' in this meaning.

The report was devoid of useful data.
His voice sounded devoid of emotion.
The landscape was devoid of trees.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
devoid of + noun

Showing complete absence

Use 'devoid of' to say that something entirely lacks a thing or quality.

The room was devoid of furniture.
Her answer was devoid of detail.
2
devoid of + emotion or quality

Describing emotional or abstract absence

This pattern is common with abstract nouns such as hope, humour, or meaning.

The film is not devoid of humour.
His comments were devoid of empathy.
3
not devoid of + noun

Expressing partial presence

The negative form means that some amount of the quality exists.

The proposal is not devoid of merit.
Her writing is not devoid of charm.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
devoid of
The article was devoid of evidence.
Correct standard pattern meaning completely lacking something.
devoid from
The article was devoid from evidence.
Nonstandard in this meaning. Use 'devoid of' instead.
devoid with
The article was devoid with evidence.
Incorrect combination after 'devoid'.

Common mistakes

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

Using the wrong preposition

After 'devoid', use 'of' to express absence.

✕ The area was devoid from wildlife. ✓ The area was devoid of wildlife.

Confusing 'devoid of' with 'without'

Both can express absence, but 'devoid of' is more formal and emphatic.

✕ The speech was devoid clarity. ✓ The speech was devoid of clarity.

Using a verb after 'of'

Use a noun or noun phrase after 'of'.

✕ The essay was devoid of explain the issue clearly. ✓ The essay was devoid of clear explanations.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The village was devoid ___ public transport.
2. His remarks were devoid ___ humour.
3. Choose the correct sentence.

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Frequently asked questions

Is 'devoid of' formal?

Yes. 'Devoid of' is more formal than simple alternatives like 'without' or 'lacking'.

Can I say 'not devoid of'?

Yes. 'Not devoid of' means that some amount of the quality or thing is present.

What kinds of nouns follow 'devoid of'?

Both concrete and abstract nouns are common, such as 'water', 'evidence', 'emotion', or 'meaning'.

daily, for, daily, with, daily, in damaging to, for, of, in or as? damn about, near, for, to or as? "dangerous for" or "dangerous to"? "dark in", "dark for" or "dark of"? "daunting for" or "daunting to"? dead in, on, by, at or of? deadly to, in, for, of or with? "deaf to" or "deaf in"? dear to, in, for, of or as? deceased in, to, for, at or on? "decent in" or "decent for"?

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