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Prepositions with nouns

Using competition with of and in

In competition is a common phrase meaning involved in a contest or rivalry. Of competition usually appears in larger expressions.

Quick answer

Which phrase should you use?

Use in competition to describe participation or rivalry. Of competition is not normally used alone, but it appears naturally in phrases like level of competition.

in competition with local brands
the level of competition

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in competition with + rival

Describing rivalry

Use in competition with to show competing sides.

in competition with international firms
2
competition for + prize/resource

Naming the goal

For introduces what people are competing to get.

competition for funding
3
level of competition

Describing intensity

Of appears in larger noun phrases about competition.

level of competition

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in competition
Small shops are in competition with supermarkets.
taking part in rivalry
of competition
The effects of competition are clear.
part of a larger phrase
competition for
There is fierce competition for jobs.
goal or prize being sought
competition between
Competition between the teams was intense.
rivalry involving two sides

Common mistakes

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

Using of competition alone

Of competition usually needs another noun before it.

✕ They are of competition. ✓ They are in competition.

Using in competition for a topic

In competition describes participation, not the prize.

✕ in competition the award ✓ competition for the award

Forgetting with after in competition

With is often needed to name the rival.

✕ in competition other firms ✓ in competition with other firms

Confusing competition and competitor

Competition is the activity or situation, not the person.

✕ He is a strong competition. ✓ He is a strong competitor.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The two brands are ___ competition with each other.
2. There is heavy competition ___ scholarships.
3. The level ___ competition has increased.

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Frequently asked questions

What does in competition mean?

It means involved in rivalry or competing against others.

Is of competition correct?

Only inside larger phrases such as effects of competition or level of competition.

What preposition follows competition when talking about a prize?

For is used for the goal or prize, as in competition for funding.

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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