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Preposition after adjective

Linked to or linked in?

Linked to is the standard expression for connections and relationships. Linked in is usually not a fixed adjective pattern.

Quick answer

Use linked to for connections

Use linked to when one thing is connected or associated with another. Linked in may appear when in introduces a separate phrase about a system, group, or location.

Stress is linked to poor sleep.
The accounts are linked to the same email address.
Several devices are linked in one network.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
linked to + noun

Show a connection or relationship

Use linked to for causes, systems, people, or ideas that are connected.

The disease is linked to smoking.
Her name is linked to the project.
2
closely linked to + noun

Emphasise a strong connection

Closely often strengthens linked to.

Economic growth is closely linked to consumer confidence.
The two issues are closely linked to each other.
3
linked in + system/group

Use in as a separate adjunct

In can introduce the larger system or environment where things are connected.

All computers are linked in a secure network.
The sensors are linked in one control system.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
linked to
Obesity is linked to poor diet.
Standard pattern showing association or connection.
linked in
The cameras are linked in a central system.
In introduces the system where the connection exists.
linked with
Her work is linked with environmental research.
A common alternative to linked to, especially in formal English.

Common mistakes

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

Using linked in instead of linked to

Use linked to for direct associations.

✕ The problem is linked in stress. ✓ The problem is linked to stress.

Omitting the preposition

Linked normally needs a preposition before the related noun.

✕ The report is linked the database. ✓ The report is linked to the database.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The symptoms are linked ___ anxiety.
2. All offices are linked ___ one network.
3. The two events are closely linked ___ each other.

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Frequently asked questions

Is linked to more common than linked with?

Linked to is the most neutral and widely used form.

Can linked in be correct?

Yes, when in introduces the system or environment where the connection exists.

Is linked an adjective or verb form?

It is often a past participle used adjectivally, as in linked to cancer.

labour-in-for-with-on, to "large in" or "large of"? "late in" or "late for"? lawful for, to, in, unto or under? "lax in", "lax on" or "lax about"? lazy in, about, with, to or for? "leading to" or "leading of"? leery of, about or over? left in, for, over, with or to? leftover from, of, for, in or after? "legal in" or "legal for"? "legitimate for" or "legitimate in"?

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