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Prepositions with nouns

“Of congress” or “in congress”?

In Congress is standard for activity within a legislative body, especially in US English. Of Congress usually appears in descriptive phrases such as members of Congress.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use in Congress to mean within the US Congress or during a congressional session. Use of Congress in noun phrases that describe connection or membership.

The bill was debated in Congress yesterday.
Several members of Congress opposed the proposal.
She testified in Congress last year.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in Congress

Talking about activity within the legislature

Use in Congress for debates, votes, speeches, and political activity.

The issue gained attention in Congress.
He served for twenty years in Congress.
2
member(s) of Congress

Referring to legislators

Of Congress links a person or role to the institution.

Several members of Congress attended the hearing.
A former member of Congress spoke at the event.
3
act/session/hearing of Congress

Naming official parts or actions of Congress

Of Congress is common in formal institutional phrases.

The decision was challenged in an act of Congress.
Records from a session of Congress were released.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in Congress
The proposal failed in Congress.
Within the legislative institution or process.
of Congress
Members of Congress met with voters.
Showing connection or belonging to Congress.
Congressional
The committee held a congressional hearing.
Adjectival alternative used before nouns.
before Congress
The CEO testified before Congress.
Appearing in front of the legislative body.

Common mistakes

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

Using of Congress for location or activity

Use in Congress for actions happening within the institution.

✕ The law was discussed of Congress. ✓ The law was discussed in Congress.

Omitting the article in member phrases

Use member of Congress, not member Congress.

✕ She became member Congress in 2018. ✓ She became a member of Congress in 2018.

Confusing Congress and congress

Capitalise Congress when referring to the US legislature.

✕ The bill passed in congress. ✓ The bill passed in Congress.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The measure faced strong opposition ___ Congress.
2. Several members ___ Congress voted against it.
3. The executive testified ___ Congress last month.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Congress capitalised?

Congress is capitalised when it refers to the specific US legislative body.

Can I say in congress with a lowercase c?

Yes, in congress can appear in older or formal English meaning assembled together, but in modern political English the US institution is usually capitalised.

What is the difference between in Congress and before Congress?

In Congress refers to activity within the institution. Before Congress means appearing to speak or testify to it.

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