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Preposition before noun

Of engineering or in engineering

In engineering is common for fields, work, and study. Of engineering appears mainly in longer noun phrases where engineering modifies another noun.

Quick answer

When do we use of engineering and in engineering?

Use in engineering for work, study, or activity within the engineering field. Of engineering is less common alone but appears in phrases such as principles of engineering or department of engineering.

She works in engineering design.
a degree in engineering
the principles of engineering

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in engineering

Talking about work or study in the field

Use in engineering for professions, education, research, and activities.

He has experience in engineering management.
Many students specialise in engineering fields.
2
degree in engineering

Naming an academic qualification

Use in engineering after degree, diploma, or course.

She earned a bachelor's degree in engineering.
They offer training in engineering technology.
3
of engineering

Part of a larger noun phrase

Use of engineering when engineering identifies a subject, department, or principles.

the history of engineering
the faculty of engineering

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in engineering
She works in engineering.
within the engineering profession or field
of engineering
the principles of engineering
describing engineering as a subject or domain
degree in engineering
He completed a degree in engineering.
academic specialisation
engineering of
the engineering of bridges
the design and construction process

Common mistakes

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

Using of engineering for professions

For jobs or study areas, use in engineering.

✕ She works of engineering. ✓ She works in engineering.

Missing the larger noun phrase

Of engineering usually follows another noun.

✕ He studied of engineering. ✓ He studied engineering.

Confusing engineering of and of engineering

Engineering of refers to designing something; of engineering identifies engineering as a field.

✓ The engineering of the tunnel took years.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She has worked ___ engineering for ten years.
2. He earned a degree ___ engineering.
3. The history ___ engineering is fascinating.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in engineering correct?

Yes. It is the standard choice for work, study, or activity within the engineering field.

When is of engineering used?

It appears after another noun, such as department of engineering or principles of engineering.

Can I say engineering of something?

Yes. Engineering of refers to the design or technical development of something, such as the engineering of bridges.

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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