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Prepositions with nouns

Of, against, on, to or about terrorism?

English uses different prepositions with terrorism depending on whether the meaning is opposition, topic, cause, or relation.

Quick answer

Common uses with terrorism

Use against terrorism for opposition or action to stop it. Use on terrorism and about terrorism for discussion or information. Of terrorism appears in phrases such as victims of terrorism. To terrorism is uncommon and usually follows verbs showing change or exposure.

The country strengthened its fight against terrorism.
She wrote a report on terrorism in Europe.
They spoke about terrorism during the debate.
Many communities suffered because of terrorism in the region.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
against terrorism

Opposition and prevention

Use against terrorism after nouns and verbs about fighting or resisting terrorism.

The alliance works against terrorism worldwide.
New laws were introduced to protect citizens against terrorism.
2
on terrorism

Academic or formal topic

Use on terrorism for books, lectures, reports, and research topics.

She delivered a lecture on terrorism at the university.
The committee released a report on terrorism yesterday.
3
about terrorism

General discussion

Use about terrorism in less formal conversation or explanation.

We talked about terrorism in class.
The documentary is about terrorism and public safety.
4
of terrorism

Victims, causes, or effects

Use of terrorism after nouns that describe results or relationships.

Thousands were victims of terrorism during the conflict.
The long-term effects of terrorism are difficult to measure.
5
to terrorism

Movement toward extremist activity

To terrorism is rare and usually follows verbs showing change, recruitment, or exposure.

Officials studied pathways to terrorism among extremist groups.
The programme aims to prevent young people from turning to terrorism.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of terrorism
The effects of terrorism were severe.
results, victims, or qualities related to terrorism
against terrorism
The campaign against terrorism gained support.
opposition to terrorism
on terrorism
He published a study on terrorism.
terrorism as a formal topic
to terrorism
Researchers examined routes to terrorism.
movement or progression toward extremist activity
about terrorism
They spoke about terrorism after the attack.
general discussion topic

Common mistakes

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

Using against terrorism for discussion topics

Use on terrorism or about terrorism for lectures and reports.

✕ She gave a lecture against terrorism. ✓ She gave a lecture on terrorism.

Using to terrorism for ordinary reference

To terrorism is limited to ideas of movement or transition.

✕ The article to terrorism was published yesterday. ✓ The article on terrorism was published yesterday.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The government increased funding for the fight ___ terrorism.
2. She wrote a book ___ terrorism and security.
3. The victims ___ terrorism received support.

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Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between on terrorism and about terrorism?

On terrorism is more formal and common for academic topics. About terrorism is more general and conversational.

Is against terrorism always negative?

Yes. It expresses opposition to terrorism or efforts to stop it.

When is to terrorism used?

It is mainly used in phrases about movement toward extremist activity, such as pathways to terrorism.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? 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"?

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