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Prepositions with nouns

Using compensation with of and for

For compensation is common when explaining payment or damages. Of compensation usually appears in formal structures such as amount of compensation.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use compensation for something to show the reason for payment or damages. Of compensation usually belongs to a larger phrase like claim of compensation or amount of compensation.

compensation for injuries
amount of compensation

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
compensation for + loss/damage

Giving the reason for payment

For introduces the harm, work, or loss connected to compensation.

compensation for delays
2
claim for compensation

Requesting payment

Use for after claim when asking for compensation.

claim for compensation
3
amount of compensation

Describing quantity

Of links compensation to an amount or type.

amount of compensation

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
for compensation
Workers sued for compensation after the accident.
purpose or reason for payment
of compensation
The calculation of compensation took weeks.
formal phrase involving compensation
compensation for
They received compensation for lost luggage.
payment connected to a loss
compensation to
The company paid compensation to affected residents.
recipient of payment

Common mistakes

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

Using of compensation alone

Of compensation usually needs a larger noun phrase.

✕ They asked of compensation. ✓ They asked for compensation.

Confusing recipient and reason

For introduces the reason; to introduces the recipient.

✕ compensation to property damage ✓ compensation for property damage

Missing the object after for

For should normally be followed by the loss or situation.

✕ compensation for was approved ✓ compensation for medical costs was approved

Using compensation of someone

English normally uses compensation for something or compensation to someone.

✕ compensation of workers ✓ compensation to workers

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The airline offered compensation ___ the cancelled flight.
2. They discussed the amount ___ compensation.
3. The company paid compensation ___ local residents.

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Frequently asked questions

Is ask for compensation correct?

Yes. It is the normal phrase for requesting payment or damages.

Can I use of compensation by itself?

Usually no. It normally appears inside a larger phrase such as amount of compensation.

What preposition follows compensation most often?

For is very common because it introduces the reason for payment.

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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