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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with “computer”

English usually uses in a computer for something inside a system or file storage. Of computer is generally not idiomatic unless computer is part of a larger noun phrase.

Quick answer

Which is correct: “of computer” or “in computer”?

In computer is used when something exists inside a computer system, file, or program. Of computer is usually unnatural by itself; English more often says computer-related, computer data, or of the computer.

The files are stored in the computer.
She works on a computer every day.
The speed of the computer has improved.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in + computer

Location inside a system or device

Use in a computer for data, software, or content stored inside a machine or system.

The photos are in the computer now.
There is a virus in the computer.
2
on + computer

Using a computer as a device

Use on a computer for activities performed with the device.

He wrote the report on a computer.
The game runs well on the computer.
3
of + the computer

Showing relation or possession

Use of the computer when describing a feature, part, or quality belonging to the machine.

The memory of the computer is full.
The keyboard of the computer needs cleaning.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in computer
The information is in the computer.
Inside the computer system or storage.
of computer
The design of the computer is modern.
Usually needs an article such as the before computer.
on computer
She completed the task on the computer.
Using the device.
computer-related
He studies computer-related subjects.
A natural alternative to of computer in many contexts.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of computer” without an article

English usually needs a determiner before computer in this structure.

✕ the screen of computer ✓ the screen of the computer

Using “in computer” for activities

Use on a computer for work done using the device.

✕ I write essays in the computer. ✓ I write essays on a computer.

Confusing location and relation

In the computer means inside the system; of the computer shows possession or relation.

✕ the files of the computer are stored safely ✓ the files in the computer are stored safely

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The documents are stored ___ the computer.
2. She spends hours working ___ a computer.
3. The battery ___ the computer needs replacing.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “of computer” correct English?

Usually no. English normally says of the computer or uses a compound noun such as computer data.

When do we use “in the computer”?

Use it for files, programs, or content stored inside a computer system.

Should I say “on the computer” or “in the computer”?

Use on the computer for activities and in the computer for things located inside the system.

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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