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Prepositions with connection

How to use prepositions with connection

Connection commonly appears with prepositions such as to, with, and between. Some combinations in the query are limited or used only in fixed expressions.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with connection?

The most common patterns are connection to, connection with, and connection between. In connection with is a fixed expression meaning related to. Of connection is not standard as a normal noun phrase, and for connection is only used in specific technical or purpose contexts.

There is a strong connection between sleep and mood.
Police questioned him in connection with the theft.
She feels a deep connection to her hometown.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
connection to + thing/person

Showing a link or relationship

Use connection to for emotional, physical, or abstract links.

He has no connection to the company.
The artist feels a strong connection to nature.
2
connection with + topic/person

Talking about association

Connection with is common in formal and general contexts.

Her research has a close connection with climate science.
He denied any connection with the group.
3
in connection with + event/topic

Meaning related to

In connection with is a fixed phrase often used in official or legal English.

Several people were arrested in connection with the investigation.
Please contact us in connection with your application.
4
connection between + two things

Comparing or linking two sides

Use connection between when two people, ideas, or events are linked.

Scientists studied the connection between diet and heart disease.
There is little connection between the two cases.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of connection
The phrase of connection is not a standard pattern with the noun connection.
Usually replaced by connection to, connection with, or connected to.
in connection with
She was interviewed in connection with the complaint.
Related to or associated with something.
for connection
Press this button for connection to the network.
Used only in specific technical or purpose contexts, not as the normal complement of connection.
connection to
He has a direct connection to the project.
A link, relationship, or involvement.
connection between
Researchers found a connection between stress and sleep problems.
A relationship linking two things.

Common mistakes

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

Using of connection as a normal phrase

English does not usually use of directly before connection in this meaning.

✕ a feeling of connection of nature ✓ a feeling of connection to nature

Confusing in connection with and connection with

In connection with is a fixed prepositional phrase. Without in, the grammar changes.

✕ He spoke connection with the case. ✓ He spoke in connection with the case.

Using for connection instead of connection to

For connection is uncommon outside technical or purpose-related contexts.

✕ She feels a strong connection for her roots. ✓ She feels a strong connection to her roots.

Forgetting between with two items

Use between when naming both sides of a relationship.

✕ the connection of sleep and stress ✓ the connection between sleep and stress

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Police questioned him ___ connection with the robbery.
2. Researchers found a connection ___ diet and energy levels.
3. She feels a strong connection ___ her childhood home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is of connection correct in English?

Not usually. English normally uses connection to, connection with, or connection between.

What does in connection with mean?

It means related to or associated with something, especially in formal contexts.

Can I use for connection?

Only in limited technical or purpose-related situations, such as instructions about internet or phone service.

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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