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Prepositions with nouns

Prepositions used with nation

Different prepositions with nation express origin, relationships, location, direction, or agency.

Quick answer

Which preposition should I use with nation?

Use of nation mainly in phrases like leader of the nation. Use between nations for relationships, in a nation for location within a country, to a nation for direction or audience, and by a nation for actions performed by a country.

Trade between nations has increased.
People living in the nation voted yesterday.
The speech was addressed to the nation.
The decision was made by the nation through a referendum.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
of + nation

Showing belonging or connection

Use of nation when one noun is connected to a nation.

the history of the nation
the future of the nation
2
between nations

Describing relationships or comparisons

Use between nations for interaction, agreement, or conflict involving countries.

cooperation between nations
tension between nations
3
in a nation

Location within a country

Use in with nation to describe something happening inside a country.

living in a nation with many languages
economic change in the nation
4
to a nation

Direction or audience

Use to when something is directed toward a nation or its people.

a message to the nation
aid sent to the nation
5
by a nation

Actions performed by a country

Use by when a nation is the agent performing an action.

a law approved by the nation
an agreement signed by the nation.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of the nation
The culture of the nation is diverse.
shows connection or belonging
between nations
Peace between nations is important.
shows relationships or interaction
in the nation
Education standards vary in the nation.
shows location within a country
to the nation
The president spoke to the nation.
shows direction or audience
by the nation
The policy was supported by the nation.
shows the acting agent

Common mistakes

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

Using between with one nation

Between usually needs two or more sides.

✕ cooperation between the nation ✓ cooperation within the nation

Confusing by and to

By shows the actor, while to shows the receiver or audience.

✕ The speech was given by the nation. ✓ The speech was given to the nation.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The president delivered a message ___ the nation.
2. Trade ___ nations has grown.
3. The history ___ the nation is taught in schools.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say between nation without s?

Usually no. Between normally refers to two or more nations, so the plural form is standard.

What is the difference between to the nation and by the nation?

To the nation shows direction or audience. By the nation shows the country performing an action.

Is in nation correct?

English normally uses an article: in a nation or in the nation.

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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