expression of + feeling/idea
Showing what is expressed
Use of to identify emotions, opinions, or ideas.
The letter was an expression of support.
Which prepositions are used with expression?
Expression combines naturally with several prepositions depending on meaning, especially of and for.
Quick answer
Common combinations with expression
Use expression of for feelings, ideas, or attitudes being expressed. Expression for can identify a word or phrase used for something. Expression in refers to language, art, or medium. Expression with is uncommon directly after the noun. Expression by names the person or group expressing something.
Her smile was an expression of gratitude.
We need an expression for this concept.
The poem allows expression in multiple languages.
We need an expression for this concept.
The poem allows expression in multiple languages.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
expression for + word/idea
Naming a term used for something
Use for when referring to a phrase or label.
Is there an expression for this situation?
expression in + language/art form
Describing the medium of expression
Use in for language, style, or artistic form.
The artist values expression in dance.
expression by + person/group
Naming who expresses something
Use by to identify the source of the expression.
The speech was an expression by community leaders.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
expression of
His comments were an expression of concern.
Shows what feeling or idea is expressed.
expression for
There is no exact expression for that emotion.
Names a word or phrase used for something.
expression in
Freedom of expression in art is protected.
Shows the language or medium used.
expression by
The statement was an expression by the committee.
Names the source of the expression.
expression with
Expression with anger is awkward in standard English.
With is generally not a natural complement after expression.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using with after expression
Expression usually takes of, for, in, or by depending on meaning.
✕ expression with sadness ✓ expression of sadnessConfusing for and of
Of identifies the feeling or idea; for identifies a term or phrase.
✕ an expression of this concept ✓ an expression for this conceptUsing in for emotions
In normally refers to language or medium, not feelings.
✕ expression in joy ✓ expression of joyUsing by for the idea itself
By introduces the person expressing something, not the content.
✕ expression by gratitude ✓ expression of gratitudeQuick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. Her speech was an expression ___ hope.
2. Is there an expression ___ this idea in Spanish?
3. The project encourages expression ___ music.
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Frequently asked questions
What does expression of mean?
Expression of introduces the emotion, attitude, or idea being expressed.
When do we use expression for?
Use expression for when talking about a word, phrase, or label for something.
Is expression with natural English?
Usually not. Most contexts require expression of, expression for, expression in, or expression by.
Related preposition guides
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