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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with childhood

In childhood refers to a time period during early life. From childhood means starting in childhood. Of childhood is used mainly in descriptive phrases such as memories of childhood.

Quick answer

How do these phrases differ?

Use in childhood for experiences during early life, from childhood for something that began then, and of childhood mainly after another noun such as memories or experiences.

She moved abroad in childhood.
He loved music from childhood.
I have fond memories of childhood.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in childhood

Talking about a period of life

Use in childhood to describe something that happened during childhood.

Many habits develop in childhood.
She learned two languages in childhood.
2
from childhood

Showing an origin in early life

Use from childhood when something started or existed since childhood.

They have been friends from childhood.
He carried that fear from childhood into adulthood.
3
of childhood

Describing memories, features, or experiences

Use of childhood after another noun to describe something connected with childhood.

She shared stories of childhood adventures.
The book explores the joys of childhood.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in childhood
He lived in Italy in childhood.
During the period of childhood.
from childhood
She has loved painting from childhood.
Beginning in childhood and continuing later.
of childhood
The poem captures the innocence of childhood.
Connected with or describing childhood.
childhood memories
They discussed childhood memories.
A common alternative to memories of childhood.

Common mistakes

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

Using of childhood as a time expression

Of childhood does not normally mean during childhood.

✕ She traveled a lot of childhood. ✓ She traveled a lot in childhood.

Confusing in and from

In refers to a time period; from refers to a starting point.

✕ He liked music in childhood and still does. ✓ He liked music from childhood and still does.

Leaving out a noun before of childhood

Of childhood usually follows another noun.

✕ The film is of childhood. ✓ The film is about childhood.

Using from childhood for a single event

From childhood suggests continuation from that period.

✕ She broke her arm from childhood. ✓ She broke her arm in childhood.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She learned to swim ___ childhood.
2. He has collected stamps ___ childhood.
3. The novel describes the fears ___ childhood.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say in my childhood?

Yes. In my childhood is natural when referring to your own early years.

What does from childhood mean?

It means something started or existed during childhood and may continue later.

Is of childhood common by itself?

No. It usually follows another noun, such as memories of childhood or the joys of childhood.

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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