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Preposition before noun

Which prepositions are used with “sex”?

Different prepositions with “sex” express partners, topics, purpose, or attitude. Some combinations are natural only in specific contexts.

Quick answer

Common combinations with “sex”

The most common patterns are sex with someone, talk about sex, and discrimination based on sex. “For sex” usually means for sexual purposes. “To sex” is uncommon as a preposition pattern with the noun.

They had sex with each other.
We talked about sex openly.
The form asks for sex and age.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
sex with + person

Showing a sexual partner

Use “with” to name the other person involved.

He admitted to having sex with a colleague.
2
talk about + sex

Discussing the topic

Use “about” when sex is the subject of discussion.

Parents should talk about sex with teenagers.
3
discrimination on the basis of sex

Referring to legal or social categories

Formal English often uses “of” in the phrase “on the basis of sex.”

The law bans discrimination on the basis of sex.
4
for sex

Expressing purpose or exchange

Use “for” when something is intended for sexual activity or exchanged for it.

He was arrested for paying for sex.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
sex with
She had sex with her partner.
standard way to name a partner
about sex
The podcast is about sex and relationships.
sex as a topic
for sex
They met only for sex.
purpose or motivation
to sex
“To sex” is not a normal prepositional pattern with the noun “sex.”
generally nonstandard

Common mistakes

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

Using “to sex” after the noun

English does not normally use “to” directly after the noun “sex.”

✕ They talked to sex. ✓ They talked about sex.

Confusing “sex with” and “sex to”

Use “with” for partners.

✕ He had sex to her. ✓ He had sex with her.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. They spoke openly ___ sex.
2. He had sex ___ his girlfriend.
3. The service was advertised ___ sex workers.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “sex with” the most common pattern?

Yes. “Sex with someone” is the normal way to refer to a sexual partner.

Can I say “about sex”?

Yes. It is standard when sex is the topic of conversation or writing.

Is “to sex” correct?

Not as a normal noun pattern. English uses other structures such as “talk about sex” or “have sex with someone.”

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"? "of advantage" or "to advantage"?

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