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Prepositions before nouns

"In coalition" vs. "of coalition"

These expressions have different grammar. "In coalition" is a common phrase, while "of coalition" usually needs another noun before it.

Quick answer

Which form is more natural?

Use in coalition to describe groups or parties working together. Of coalition is uncommon by itself and normally appears in phrases such as members of a coalition.

The two parties governed in coalition for five years.
She became a leader of a coalition of charities.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in coalition with + group

Describing political or organisational partnership

Use in coalition with to show cooperation between groups.

The party remained in coalition with its former rival.
2
form a coalition

Talking about alliances

Coalition is often used without a preposition after form or build.

Several unions decided to form a coalition.
3
member of a coalition

Showing belonging

Use of with coalition after a noun such as member, leader, or part.

He was a key member of a coalition of local groups.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in coalition
The parties governed in coalition.
working together formally
of coalition
the politics of coalition governments
part of a larger noun phrase, not a fixed expression
member of a coalition
She is a member of a coalition.
shows belonging
coalition with
a coalition with smaller parties
shows partnership

Common mistakes

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

Using "of coalition" alone

The phrase usually needs another noun or structure.

✕ They worked of coalition. ✓ They worked in coalition.

Missing the article

Coalition often needs a or the in singular countable use.

✕ member of coalition ✓ member of a coalition

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The parties stayed ___ coalition after the election.
2. She became a member ___ a coalition.
3. Several groups decided to ___ a coalition.

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Frequently asked questions

Is "in coalition" mainly political?

It is especially common in politics but can also describe other partnerships.

Can "of coalition" stand alone?

Usually no. It normally follows another noun, such as leader of a coalition.

Do we say "coalition with"?

Yes. It introduces the partner group in the alliance.

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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