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Prepositions before nouns

“Of banking” or “in banking”?

In banking is the common expression for work or activity within the banking industry. Of banking usually appears as part of a larger noun phrase.

Quick answer

Use “in banking” for industry or work

Say in banking when talking about jobs, experience, or activity in the banking sector. Of banking is uncommon by itself but can appear in phrases such as the history of banking or the future of banking.

She has worked in banking for years.
He started a career in banking after university.
The history of banking is complex.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in banking

Talking about work or experience in the industry

Use in banking for careers, sectors, and professional activity.

Many graduates are interested in banking and finance.
2
career in banking

Describing a profession

This phrase refers to employment in the banking industry.

She built a successful career in banking.
3
history of banking

Referring to a topic or subject

Of banking is natural when banking is the topic governed by another noun.

We studied the history of banking in class.
4
future of banking

Describing developments in the industry

Use of banking after nouns such as future, regulation, or structure.

Experts debated the future of banking.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in banking
He works in banking in London.
Employment or activity within the banking industry.
of banking
The regulation of banking changed after the crisis.
Banking is the topic governed by another noun.
career in banking
She wants a career in banking.
A profession in the banking sector.
history of banking
The book covers the history of banking.
A subject or field of study.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of banking” alone for employment

Of banking does not normally describe someone's job sector by itself.

✕ He has experience of banking. ✓ He has experience in banking.

Omitting the governing noun before “of banking”

Of banking usually follows another noun such as history, future, or regulation.

✕ She is interested of banking. ✓ She is interested in banking.

Using “in banking” for topics instead of industries

For subjects like history or regulation, use of banking after the main noun.

✕ We discussed the history in banking. ✓ We discussed the history of banking.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She has worked ___ banking since 2018.
2. The future ___ banking depends on technology.
3. He wants a career ___ banking.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “in banking” correct?

Yes. It is the normal way to talk about work or activity in the banking industry.

When is “of banking” used?

It is used after another noun, such as the future of banking or the regulation of banking.

Can I say “experience of banking”?

In modern professional English, experience in banking is usually more natural.

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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