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Prepositions with dream

In dream or of dream?

English normally uses in a dream, not in dream. Of dream appears only in special phrases such as interpretation of dreams.

Quick answer

Common combinations with dream

Use in a dream to describe something experienced while dreaming. Of dream is not usually a fixed phrase by itself, though of dreams can appear in longer expressions.

I saw her in a dream last night.
The image appeared in a dream.
The interpretation of dreams fascinated him.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in a dream

Experiences while sleeping

Use in a dream for events seen or felt while dreaming.

He met his grandfather in a dream.
The answer came to me in a dream.
2
dream of + thing

Imagining or wishing for something

Use of after the verb dream.

They dream of success every day.
She often dreams of travel.
3
of dreams

Describing ideal qualities

Of dreams appears in expressions such as home of your dreams.

They bought the house of their dreams.
It was the holiday of her dreams.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of dream
Not standard: a world of dream
usually unnatural without another noun or plural form
in dream
Rare and literary: visions seen in dream
literary style; modern English usually prefers in a dream
in a dream
I heard the song in a dream.
while dreaming
of dreams
the career of his dreams
ideal or strongly desired

Common mistakes

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

Omitting the article after in

Modern English usually uses in a dream, not in dream.

✕ I saw it in dream. ✓ I saw it in a dream.

Using of dream as a general phrase

Use dream of as a verb phrase or a fuller noun phrase such as of dreams.

✕ She lives in a land of dream. ✓ She lives in a dream world.

Confusing dream of and in a dream

Dream of expresses desire or imagination, while in a dream refers to sleeping dreams.

✓ He dreams of fame.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. I met an old friend ___ last night.
2. They dream ___ owning a farm.
3. Which option is mainly literary or old-fashioned?

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Frequently asked questions

Is in dream correct English?

It exists in literary or poetic language, but modern everyday English usually uses in a dream.

Can I say of dream?

Usually no. English more often uses dream of or phrases such as of dreams.

What is the difference between dream of and in a dream?

Dream of describes wishes or imagination. In a dream refers to experiences during sleep.

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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