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Prepositions with nouns

Of division or in division?

Of division usually appears in noun phrases, while in division refers to placement within a division or category.

Quick answer

How are these phrases used?

Use of division after another noun, such as process of division or symbol of division. Use in division to mean inside a division, department, league, or mathematical operation.

She works in the sales division.
Students learned the concept of division in maths.
The team competes in Division A this year.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
of division

Connection with the idea or process of division

Use of division after a noun that describes division as a concept or action.

The process of division can be difficult for beginners.
The symbol of division appears on the worksheet.
2
in the division

Belonging to a department or category

Use in the division for organisational units, sports divisions, or grouped categories.

He serves in the finance division.
The club plays in the top division.
3
division of + noun

Separating something into parts

Division often takes of before the thing being separated.

division of labour improved efficiency.
division of property took several months.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of division
The concept of division is taught early in school.
Refers to the idea, symbol, or process of dividing.
in division
The company hired new staff in division management.
Can refer to placement within a division or category.
in the division
She works in the marketing division.
The standard form for belonging to a specific division.

Common mistakes

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

Leaving out the article with a specific division

Specific divisions usually take the.

✕ He works in division ✓ He works in the division

Using of division for location

Of division does not express membership or location.

✕ She is of the finance division ✓ She is in the finance division

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The students studied the process ___ division.
2. She works ___ the research division.
3. The club competes ___ Division B.

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Frequently asked questions

Can in division be used without the?

Yes, especially before a proper name such as in Division A, but in the division is more common for departments.

What does division of mean?

It refers to separating something into parts, as in division of labour.

Is of division common by itself?

It usually appears after another noun, such as process of division.

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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