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Prepositions with nouns

“Of economics” or “in economics”?

In economics is common for fields, study, and activity within the subject. Of economics usually connects economics to another noun, such as principles of economics or professor of economics.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with economics?

Use in economics when talking about activity, research, or topics within the subject area. Use of economics when economics modifies another noun or shows relation.

She has a degree in economics.
They discussed key principles of economics.
Recent changes in economics have affected policy.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
degree in economics

Talking about study or qualifications

Use in economics for academic study, teaching, or work within the field.

He completed a master's degree in economics.
She works in economics research.
2
principles of economics

Naming concepts or branches

Use of economics after another noun to show topic, content, or association.

The course covers the basic principles of economics.
She is a professor of economics at the university.
3
changes in economics

Describing developments within the field

Use in economics for events, trends, or changes happening inside the discipline.

New theories in economics influence policy debates.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in economics
She specializes in economics.
within the academic field or subject
of economics
a history of economics
connected with or about economics
economics of + topic
the economics of climate policy
financial or economic aspects of something

Common mistakes

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

Using of instead of in for study fields

Use in economics for degrees, research, and specializations.

✕ She has a degree of economics. ✓ She has a degree in economics.

Missing a related noun before of economics

Of economics usually follows another noun.

✕ He works of economics. ✓ He works in economics.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She is doing research ___ economics.
2. The professor ___ economics gave a lecture.
3. We studied the history ___ economics.

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Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say degree of economics?

Degree in economics is the standard expression for academic qualifications.

Is in economics only for universities?

No. It can describe work, research, trends, or topics within the field.

What does economics of something mean?

It refers to the financial or economic aspects of a topic, such as the economics of healthcare.

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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