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Prepositions with nouns

“In print” or “of print”?

In print is the standard expression for published and available in printed form. Of print appears only in larger noun phrases such as a history of print.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use in print for books, articles, or material that are published and available. Do not usually use of print alone. Use of print only inside larger noun phrases.

The novel is still in print.
Few copies remain in print today.
She studies the history of print culture.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in print

Talking about published material

In print means available as a printed publication.

Her first book is still in print.
The magazine remained in print for decades.
2
out of print

Talking about unavailable publications

Out of print means no longer published.

That dictionary is now out of print.
Many early editions went out of print years ago.
3
history of print

Using of in descriptive noun phrases

Of print can appear after another noun.

He teaches the history of print media.
The museum explores the development of print technology.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in print
The textbook is still in print.
Correct expression for published and available.
of print
Researchers study the economics of print.
Correct only as part of a larger noun phrase.
out of print
The original edition is out of print.
Correct expression meaning unavailable from publishers.
on print
The article appeared on print.
Nonstandard in modern English; use in print or in print media.

Common mistakes

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

Using of print alone

English normally needs a larger phrase around of print.

✕ The book is of print. ✓ The book is in print.

Confusing in print and in the press

In print means published and available. In the press relates to newspapers and media.

✕ The novel is in the press. ✓ The novel is in print.

Using on print for publications

Standard English uses in print.

✕ The guide is available on print. ✓ The guide is available in print.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. This edition is still ___ print.
2. The rare handbook is out of ___.
3. She researches the history ___ print media.

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Frequently asked questions

What does in print mean?

It means published and still available for purchase or distribution.

Can I say of print?

Only inside larger noun phrases such as the history of print.

What is the opposite of in print?

The opposite expression is out of print.

"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 celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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