temperature of + object/place
Identifying what is measured
Use of after temperature to name the thing whose heat is measured.
The temperature of the engine was too high.
In temperature or of temperature?
Use of temperature to identify a measured thing and in temperature for changes or differences. The meanings are different.
Quick answer
How are these phrases used?
Temperature of is common when naming the object or place being measured. In temperature is used when discussing variation or change. Neither phrase replaces the other.
The temperature of the water is rising.
There was a sudden drop in temperature overnight.
Scientists measured the temperature of the soil.
There was a sudden drop in temperature overnight.
Scientists measured the temperature of the soil.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
change/drop/rise in temperature
Describing variation
Use in temperature after nouns describing change.
We noticed a sharp increase in temperature this afternoon.
at a temperature of + number
Giving a specific measurement
Use this pattern for exact figures.
The reaction occurs at a temperature of 80°C.
temperature for + purpose
Stating suitability
For can show the intended use or activity.
This is the ideal temperature for baking bread.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
in temperature
A fall in temperature is expected tonight.
Used with change or difference.
temperature of
The temperature of the room was comfortable.
Identifies what is measured.
at a temperature of
Store it at a temperature of 5°C.
Gives an exact measurement.
of temperature
changes of temperature
Possible in some formal phrases, but less common than changes in temperature.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using in temperature without a change noun
In temperature usually follows words like rise, drop, or difference.
✕ The in temperature of the room is high. ✓ The temperature of the room is high.Confusing of and in
Of identifies the thing measured.
✕ the temperature in the water ✓ the temperature of the waterMissing the noun before in temperature
Add a noun describing change.
✕ We observed in temperature yesterday. ✓ We observed a change in temperature yesterday.Using of temperature as a fixed phrase
It usually appears within a larger structure.
✕ We discussed of temperature. ✓ We discussed temperature changes.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The ___ the lake is unusually low.
2. There was a sudden rise ___ temperature.
3. Keep the medicine at a temperature ___ 4°C.
Check your sentence in context
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Free to try · No signup required
Frequently asked questions
Is in temperature correct?
Yes, especially after nouns like increase, decrease, rise, or drop.
When do I use temperature of?
Use it to name the object, material, or place being measured.
Can I say temperature in the water?
Usually temperature of the water is more natural when referring to measurement.
Related preposition guides
Write with confidence in Linguix
Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.
