in collaboration with + person/group
Describing cooperation
This is the standard phrase for joint work.
The exhibition was created in collaboration with several museums.
"In collaboration" vs. "of collaboration"
"In collaboration with" is a common expression for cooperation. "Of collaboration" is much less common and usually follows another noun.
Quick answer
Which expression should you use?
Use in collaboration with to describe people or organisations working together. Of collaboration usually appears in phrases such as benefits of collaboration.
The report was produced in collaboration with local experts.
They discussed the value of collaboration in education.
They discussed the value of collaboration in education.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
spirit of collaboration
Describing qualities or ideas
Use of collaboration after abstract nouns.
The team worked in a spirit of collaboration.
collaboration between + groups
Naming participants
Between identifies the cooperating sides.
The project encouraged collaboration between universities and industry.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
in collaboration
The album was made in collaboration with a producer.
working jointly
of collaboration
the benefits of collaboration
shows relationship to the noun before it
collaboration with
a collaboration with local artists
partnership with someone
collaboration between
collaboration between departments
cooperation among sides
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using "of collaboration" as a complete phrase
It usually needs another noun before it.
✕ The teams worked of collaboration. ✓ The teams worked in collaboration.Omitting "with"
In collaboration normally takes with before partners.
✕ in collaboration local schools ✓ in collaboration with local schoolsQuick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The study was completed in collaboration ___ a research lab.
2. They praised the benefits ___ collaboration.
3. The agreement improved collaboration ___ the two companies.
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Frequently asked questions
Is "in collaboration" complete without "with"?
Sometimes, but with is usually added to name the partner.
Can "of collaboration" be correct?
Yes, inside larger noun phrases such as importance of collaboration.
What is the most common pattern?
In collaboration with is the standard expression for joint work.
Related preposition guides
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