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Prepositions before nouns

"Of color" vs. "in color"

These expressions are not interchangeable. "Of color" relates to identity, while "in color" describes appearance or media.

Quick answer

Different meanings of the two expressions

Use people of color as an identity-related expression. Use in color to describe images, films, or objects that show colours rather than black and white.

The organisation supports entrepreneurs of color.
The movie was released in color in the 1960s.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
people of color

Identity-related expression

This phrase refers collectively to non-white racial or ethnic groups in many English-speaking contexts.

The conference highlighted writers of color.
2
in color

Describing visual appearance

Use in color for photographs, films, television, or printing.

The old series was later broadcast in color.
3
color of + object

Naming a specific colour

Use color of to identify appearance.

I like the color of the walls.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of color
communities of color
identity-related expression
in color
The photo appears in color.
showing colours
color of
the color of the sky
specific shade or appearance
with color
decorate with color
using colour as a design element

Common mistakes

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

Using "of color" for images

For pictures or films, English uses in color.

✕ The film was of color. ✓ The film was in color.

Capitalisation confusion

Style guides differ on capitalising people of color.

✓ people of color

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The documentary was originally filmed ___ color.
2. The program supports students ___ color.
3. I love the color ___ your jacket.

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Frequently asked questions

What does "in color" mean?

It means showing colours instead of black and white.

Is "of color" always about race or ethnicity?

In modern English, it is mainly used in identity-related contexts.

Can I say "colored people" instead?

In many contexts, that wording is considered outdated or offensive in modern English.

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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