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Prepositions with nouns

How to use discipline with prepositions

Discipline can be a noun or a verb. Of discipline appears in noun phrases, while to discipline uses the verb form.

Quick answer

What is the difference?

Of discipline is used in noun phrases such as lack of discipline or principles of discipline. To discipline is an infinitive verb meaning to train or control behaviour.

The team showed a lack of discipline in defence.
Parents try to discipline their children fairly.
The school teaches the principles of discipline and responsibility.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
lack of discipline

Describing poor self-control

Of connects discipline to nouns such as lack, sense, or principles.

There was a clear lack of discipline during the match.
2
principles of discipline

Talking about a subject or system

Of can introduce the topic or framework related to discipline.

The book explains the principles of discipline in education.
3
to discipline + person

Using discipline as a verb

To discipline means to train, control, or punish to improve behaviour.

Teachers should not to discipline students through humiliation.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of discipline
The coach criticised the players' lack of discipline.
Noun phrase about behaviour, control, or a field of study.
to discipline
Parents need to discipline children consistently.
Verb meaning train or correct behaviour.
discipline in
She believes in discipline in the classroom.
In introduces the area or setting.

Common mistakes

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

Confusing the noun and verb forms

Of discipline uses the noun. To discipline uses the verb.

✕ They showed to discipline during training. ✓ They showed discipline during training.

Using of discipline without a supporting noun

Of discipline usually follows another noun such as lack or principles.

✕ The article discussed of discipline. ✓ The article discussed discipline.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The players showed a lack ___ discipline.
2. Parents should try ___ children calmly.
3. The professor explained the principles ___ discipline.

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Frequently asked questions

Is to discipline a verb phrase?

Yes. It is the infinitive form of the verb discipline.

When do we use of discipline?

Use it in noun phrases such as lack of discipline or principles of discipline.

Can discipline be both a noun and a verb?

Yes. Discipline can describe control or a subject area, and it can also mean train or correct behaviour.

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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