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Preposition before noun

Prepositions used with brother

Different prepositions with "brother" express family relationship, authorship, or companionship.

Quick answer

Which preposition works with "brother"?

"With brother" can describe being together, though English usually adds a possessive or article: "with my brother." "By brother" is possible when naming an author or creator: "a song by my brother." "Of brother" is usually incomplete unless another noun comes first, such as "the advice of my brother."

I travelled with my brother last summer.
This painting was made by my brother.
She followed the advice of her brother.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
with + possessive + brother

Talking about being together

Use this pattern for company or shared activity.

He lives with his brother in Madrid.
2
by + possessive + brother

Showing authorship or action

Use "by" when the brother performs an action or creates something.

The article was written by her brother.
3
noun + of + possessive + brother

Showing relationship or possession

"Of" usually follows another noun.

We respected the courage of his brother.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of brother
the support of my brother
Natural only when linked to another noun before "of."
by brother
a photo by my brother
Shows authorship or agency.
with brother
I stayed with my brother
Shows companionship; possessives are usually included.

Common mistakes

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

Omitting the possessive

English usually says "my brother," "his brother," and so on.

✕ I went with brother. ✓ I went with my brother.

Using "of brother" alone

"Of" needs a preceding noun in most cases.

✕ The story of brother was funny. ✓ The story of my brother was funny.

Using "by brother" for companionship

"By" does not usually mean together with someone here.

✕ I travelled by my brother. ✓ I travelled with my brother.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The book was written ___ .
2. She shares an apartment ___ .
3. We appreciated the help ___ .

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say "with brother" without "my" or "his"?

Usually no in everyday English. A possessive or article is normally needed.

When do we use "by brother"?

Use it when a brother creates, writes, paints, or performs something.

Is "of brother" correct?

Only as part of a larger phrase such as "the advice of my brother."

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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