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Prepositions with nouns

In sector or of sector?

In the sector or in a sector is common. Of sector is usually not idiomatic alone.

Quick answer

Use in a sector or in the sector

English commonly uses in with sector to describe participation or activity within an industry area. Of sector is generally not used as a fixed combination.

She works in the tech sector.
Investment increased in the public sector this year.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in the sector

Working or operating within an industry

Use in for activity within a sector.

Many jobs were created in the energy sector.
2
sector of + activity

Naming a type of industry

Use sector of when another noun phrase follows.

The sector of renewable energy is growing quickly.
3
across sectors

Talking about multiple industries

Use across sectors for broad comparison.

The policy affects businesses across sectors.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in sector
Employment rose in the manufacturing sector.
Within an industry area.
of sector
Of sector is not usually idiomatic alone.
Normally replaced by sector of or in the sector.
sector of
The sector of healthcare faces shortages.
A specific field or area.

Common mistakes

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

Using of sector without an article

English usually needs sector of plus another noun.

✕ He works of sector finance. ✓ He works in the finance sector.

Missing the article

Sector often needs a or the.

✕ She works in sector. ✓ She works in the sector.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She has experience ___ the banking sector.
2. The sector ___ tourism recovered quickly.
3. Which phrase is generally nonstandard alone?

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need an article before sector?

Usually yes, such as a sector or the sector.

Can sector refer to government areas?

Yes. Common examples are the public sector and private sector.

What is a sector?

A sector is a distinct part of an economy, organisation, or activity.

"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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