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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with “concentration”

In concentration appears in fixed academic expressions such as a concentration in biology. Of concentration is used in phrases like level of concentration.

Quick answer

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

Both can be correct in different structures. In concentration is common in academic specialisations, while of concentration usually follows another noun, such as level of concentration.

She earned a degree in concentration studies.
A high level of concentration is required.
He has a concentration in chemistry.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
concentration in + subject

Academic specialisation

Use concentration in for a field of study or focus area.

She completed a concentration in economics.
He chose a concentration in media studies.
2
level of concentration

Amount of focus or density

Use of concentration after nouns such as level, degree, or lack.

A high level of concentration is necessary.
The chemical showed a low degree of concentration.
3
concentration on + task

Mental focus on something

Use concentration on to describe attention directed toward an activity.

Her concentration on the task impressed everyone.
Noise affects concentration on reading.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of concentration
A high level of concentration is needed.
Used after another noun to describe amount or degree.
in concentration
He has a concentration in physics.
Used in academic programmes or areas of study.
concentration on
Her concentration on the exam was intense.
Focus directed toward something.
concentration of
The concentration of salt increased.
Amount of a substance in a mixture.

Common mistakes

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

Using “in concentration” for mental focus

For attention directed toward something, use concentration on.

✕ His concentration in the project was strong. ✓ His concentration on the project was strong.

Omitting the main noun before “of concentration”

Of concentration usually follows another noun such as level or degree.

✕ The test required of concentration. ✓ The test required a high level of concentration.

Confusing academic and general meanings

Concentration in is mainly used for study specialisations.

✕ She showed concentration in the lecture. ✓ She showed concentration during the lecture.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. A high level ___ concentration is necessary.
2. He chose a concentration ___ engineering.
3. Noise can reduce concentration ___ work.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “concentration in” mean?

It usually refers to an academic specialisation or focus area.

Can I say “of concentration” alone?

Usually it follows another noun, such as level of concentration or lack of concentration.

Which preposition is used with mental focus?

English commonly uses concentration on for mental attention.

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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