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Prepositions with nouns

Of architecture or in architecture?

In architecture usually refers to the field or context of architecture. Of architecture commonly shows relation or belonging, as in the history of architecture.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with architecture?

Use in architecture when talking about something within the discipline, style, or practice of architecture. Use of architecture when architecture is the subject, type, or related field in a larger noun phrase.

She works in architecture and urban planning.
The museum has a large collection of architecture books.
Glass is widely used in architecture today.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in architecture

Talking about the field or practice

Use in architecture to describe work, ideas, methods, or trends within the discipline of architecture.

Sustainability is important in architecture.
He has worked in architecture for twenty years.
2
of architecture

Showing subject or relationship

Use of architecture when architecture is the topic, category, or related area in a noun phrase.

She is a professor of architecture at the university.
We studied the history of architecture in class.
3
architecture of + place or thing

Describing structure or design

Use architecture of to describe the design or structural system of something.

The architecture of the temple reflects local traditions.
Engineers discussed the architecture of the software system.
4
in architecture + time or style

Describing trends within the discipline

Use in architecture to discuss changes, movements, or features inside the profession or art form.

Minimalism became popular in architecture during the 1990s.
Natural light plays a major role in architecture today.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in architecture
Concrete is widely used in architecture.
within the field or practice of architecture
of architecture
She teaches the history of architecture.
architecture is the subject or related area
architecture of
The architecture of the palace is impressive.
the design or structure belonging to something
architecture in
Modern architecture in Brazil attracts tourists.
architecture located or found in a place

Common mistakes

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

Using of architecture for professional work

When talking about someone's profession or activity, use in architecture.

✕ She works of architecture. ✓ She works in architecture.

Confusing subject and location

Of architecture usually connects architecture to another noun. In architecture refers to the field itself.

✕ We discussed trends of architecture. ✓ We discussed trends in architecture.

Missing the article in fixed phrases

Some expressions need an article before architecture-related nouns.

✕ He studies history of architecture. ✓ He studies the history of architecture.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She has a long career ___ architecture.
2. The book explores the history ___ architecture.
3. Natural materials are popular ___ architecture.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say work of architecture?

Yes, but it usually means a designed building or artistic creation, not a profession. For a career, say work in architecture.

Is in architecture only for jobs?

No. It is also used for ideas, styles, methods, and trends within the field.

Can of architecture describe a topic?

Yes. Phrases like history of architecture and professor of architecture are standard.

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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