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Prepositions before nouns

Of, by, for, to or on entity?

Different prepositions with “entity” express different relationships such as ownership, action, purpose, or topic.

Quick answer

Which preposition works with “entity”?

Use “of” for belonging or description, “by” for actions done by an entity, “for” for benefit or purpose, “to” for connection or direction, and “on” for topics or data about an entity.

The assets of the entity were frozen.
The contract was signed by the entity yesterday.
New rules apply to the entity.
We collected data on the entity from reports.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
of the entity

Showing ownership or relation

Use this pattern to connect something to an organisation or legal body.

The structure of the entity changed last year.
The liabilities of the entity were disclosed.
2
by the entity

Identifying the actor

Use “by” when the entity performs an action, especially in passive sentences.

The payment was issued by the entity.
The report was prepared by the entity itself.
3
for the entity

Expressing benefit or purpose

Use this phrase for actions or services intended to help an entity.

The lawyer acted for the entity during negotiations.
New software was purchased for the entity.
4
to the entity

Showing direction or application

Use “to” when something is directed or applied to an entity.

The notice was sent to the entity by email.
The law applies to the entity and its subsidiaries.
5
on the entity

Referring to a topic or subject

Use “on” when discussing information, research, or comments about an entity.

We found little information on the entity online.
The article on the entity was published yesterday.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of the entity
The name of the entity appears on the form.
shows possession or relation
by the entity
The request was approved by the entity.
shows the actor performing an action
for the entity
The consultant worked for the entity.
shows benefit, representation, or employment
to the entity
The licence was granted to the entity.
shows direction or recipient
on the entity
The database stores information on the entity.
shows topic or subject matter

Common mistakes

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

Using “on” for ownership

Use “of” to show possession or relation.

✕ the assets on the entity ✓ the assets of the entity

Confusing “by” and “for”

“By” names the actor; “for” shows benefit or representation.

✕ The report was written for the entity itself. ✓ The report was written by the entity itself.

Using “to” for topic meaning

Use “on” when discussing information about an entity.

✕ a study to the entity ✓ a study on the entity

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The licence was issued ___ the entity.
2. The records ___ the entity were incomplete.
3. We found an article ___ the entity online.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “entity” mainly a legal word?

It is common in legal, technical, and business contexts, but it can also refer generally to something with separate existence.

Can I say “by entity” without an article?

Usually no. Standard English normally uses “by the entity” or another determiner.

What is the most common preposition with “entity”?

That depends on meaning, but “of the entity” is very common for ownership and description.

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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