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Prepositions with nouns

In Celebration, Of Celebration, or For Celebration?

In celebration of is the common expression for honouring or marking something. For celebration is used in different contexts, while of celebration is uncommon on its own.

Quick answer

Which expression should you use?

Use in celebration of to mean to honour or mark an event, person, or achievement. For celebration can describe a purpose or planned use, especially after nouns like time or food. Of celebration is not usually used as a fixed expression with celebration.

The city held a parade in celebration of the team's victory.
They prepared special meals for celebration during the festival.
The concert was organised in celebration of her retirement.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in celebration of + event/person

Honouring or marking something

Use in celebration of for ceremonies, events, messages, and activities that recognise something important.

A dinner was held in celebration of the anniversary.
Students gathered in celebration of the national holiday.
2
for celebration

Describing purpose or intended use

For celebration can describe something intended for festive use or occasions.

The hall was decorated for celebration.
They saved the cake for celebration later that evening.
3
celebration of + noun

Naming the thing being celebrated

Celebration of is a normal noun phrase meaning the act of celebrating something.

The festival is a celebration of local culture.
Her speech became a celebration of teamwork and effort.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in celebration of
The exhibition opened in celebration of the writer's centenary.
Standard expression meaning to honour or mark something.
of celebration
themes of celebration and renewal
Possible only as part of a larger phrase, not usually a fixed prepositional expression.
for celebration
They bought candles for celebration during the festival.
Used for purpose or intended festive use.
celebration of
The event was a celebration of community spirit.
A noun phrase naming what is being celebrated.

Common mistakes

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

Using of celebration as a fixed phrase

Of celebration is not normally used alone to mean celebrating something.

✕ The parade was organised of celebration the anniversary. ✓ The parade was organised in celebration of the anniversary.

Confusing in celebration of with celebration of

In celebration of acts like a prepositional phrase. Celebration of is a noun phrase.

✕ They met celebration of the holiday. ✓ They met in celebration of the holiday.

Using for celebration where honour is meant

For celebration usually expresses purpose, not tribute or recognition.

✕ The ceremony was held for celebration the hero. ✓ The ceremony was held in celebration of the hero.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The school held a concert ___ celebration of its 50th year.
2. They kept the fireworks ___ celebration that night.
3. The festival is a celebration ___ regional music.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in celebration correct without of?

It is possible in some contexts, but in celebration of is much more common and complete.

Can for celebration be used naturally?

Yes, especially when talking about purpose, preparation, or intended festive use.

Why is of celebration uncommon?

English usually uses celebration of rather than of celebration as the main structure.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"? "in class" or "of class"?

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