Sign In Get Started
Prepositions with nouns

How to use "association" with prepositions

"By association" is a common idiom meaning through connection with someone or something. "Of association" usually appears after another noun.

Quick answer

Main difference

Use "by association" to mean through connection or indirect relation. "Of association" is not usually a fixed phrase alone, but it appears naturally in phrases such as "member of the association" or "articles of association."

He became famous by association with the actor.
She reviewed the articles of association carefully.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
by association

Showing indirect connection

Use this idiom when one thing gains qualities or reputation through another.

The brand benefited by association with the charity.
2
association with + noun

Showing connection

Use this structure to describe relationships or links.

The disease has an association with smoking.
3
member of the association

Showing membership

Use "of the association" after nouns such as "member" or "president."

She became a member of the association last year.
4
articles of association

Referring to company rules

This is a fixed legal phrase in business English.

The lawyer updated the articles of association.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
by association
He gained credibility by association with respected scientists.
Shows an indirect link or influence.
of association
The articles of association were amended.
Used after another noun, not usually as a standalone phrase.
association with
Researchers found an association with stress.
Describes a connection or correlation.
member of the association
Every member of the association voted.
Shows membership in a group.

Common mistakes

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

Using "of association" alone

This phrase usually needs another noun before it.

✕ They discussed of association. ✓ They discussed the articles of association.

Confusing "by association" and "in association with"

"By association" means indirectly through connection; "in association with" means in partnership.

✓ The event was organised in association with a local charity.

Using "association to" instead of "association with"

English normally uses "association with" for links and relationships.

✕ an association to stress ✓ an association with stress

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He became unpopular ___ association with the scandal.
2. Researchers found an association ___ poor sleep.
3. The lawyer reviewed the articles ___ association.

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

What does "by association" mean?

It means indirectly through connection with someone or something else.

Is "of association" a complete phrase?

Usually no. It normally follows another noun, such as "articles" or "member."

What is the difference between "by association" and "in association with"?

"By association" refers to indirect influence, while "in association with" refers to cooperation or partnership.

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"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account