Prepositions with convention

Of convention vs by convention

By convention is a standard phrase meaning according to accepted practice or tradition. Of convention is uncommon except when convention is linked to another noun.

Quick answer

Which is correct: of convention or by convention?

Use by convention to mean “according to a usual rule or custom.” Of convention is not normally used with this meaning, but it can appear in phrases such as rules of convention or matters of convention.

By convention, guests sit on the left side.
In mathematics, positive numbers are written first by convention.
The debate focused on the rules of convention used in formal writing.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

by convention

Referring to accepted practice

Use by convention for customs, rules, or standard ways of doing something.

By convention, the chairman speaks first.

The symbols are arranged by convention rather than by size.

convention of + noun

Naming a type or system of conventions

Use convention of when convention is followed by the area or system involved.

The convention of using commas varies across languages.

rules of convention

Referring to social or formal expectations

Use of after another noun to connect it with convention.

They ignored the rules of convention at the ceremony.

according to convention

Expressing conformity to custom

This phrase is an alternative to by convention.

The event was organised according to convention.

See the difference in context

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

Construction

Example

Meaning

by convention

By convention, names are listed alphabetically.

According to accepted practice.

of convention

The rules of convention changed over time.

Of links convention to another noun rather than replacing by convention.

convention of

The convention of shaking hands is widespread.

A customary practice within a group or culture.

according to convention

According to convention, speeches begin with thanks.

Following social or formal expectations.

Common mistakes

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

Using of convention to mean according to custom

Of convention is not normally used as an adverbial phrase.

✕ Of convention, the host speaks first. ✓ By convention, the host speaks first.

Confusing convention of with by convention

Convention of names a custom; by convention describes how something is done.

✕ Convention of, guests wear black. ✓ By convention, guests wear black.

Using by convention before a noun without context

By convention works best with a full clause.

✕ the by convention system ✓ the conventional system

Omitting commas after introductory by convention

A comma is common when the phrase starts a sentence.

✕ By convention guests remove their shoes. ✓ By convention, guests remove their shoes.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. ___, scientific names are written in italics.

2. The convention ___ bowing varies across cultures.

3. They followed the rules ___ convention.

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Frequently asked questions

What does by convention mean?

It means according to an accepted custom, rule, or standard practice.

Is of convention incorrect?

Not always. It is natural in phrases such as rules of convention, but not as a replacement for by convention.

Can I use according to convention instead of by convention?

Yes. The meanings are very similar.

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