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Preposition before noun

Discovery with prepositions

Discovery is most commonly followed by of to name what was found. Other prepositions appear in specific contexts.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with discovery?

Discovery of is the standard pattern for something that has been found. Discovery in and discovery on are used for location or topic contexts. Discovery for and discovery to are uncommon with this noun.

the discovery of a new species
a major discovery in cancer research
recent discoveries on climate patterns

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
discovery of + thing

Naming what was discovered

Use of to identify the object or fact that was found.

the discovery of ancient coins
2
discovery in + field/place

Showing where a discovery happened

Use in for an area of study or location.

an important discovery in neuroscience
3
discovery on + topic

Referring to a subject of findings

On is possible when discussing findings about a topic.

new discoveries on sleep habits

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
discovery of
The discovery of water changed the mission.
standard pattern for what was found
discovery in
The discovery in the cave attracted scientists.
location or field connected to the finding
discovery on
The article reports discoveries on bird migration.
findings about a topic
discovery for
The discovery for the project came too late.
not a usual fixed combination; for refers to purpose or recipient, not the noun itself
discovery to
The discovery to the public was shocking.
generally nonstandard with this noun; use revelation to or discovery of instead

Common mistakes

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

Using discovery to for the thing found

Use discovery of to name what was discovered.

✕ the discovery to a cure ✓ the discovery of a cure

Using for as the main complement

For usually expresses purpose, not the content of discovery.

✕ a discovery for gold ✓ a discovery of gold

Confusing in with of

In shows place or field, while of names the object discovered.

✕ the discovery in a new planet ✓ the discovery of a new planet

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The discovery ___ a rare manuscript excited historians.
2. She made an important discovery ___ genetics.
3. The report described discoveries ___ ocean pollution.

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Frequently asked questions

Is discovery of the most common pattern?

Yes. Discovery of is the standard way to name what was found.

Can I use discovery in?

Yes. It is natural for locations and fields such as discovery in physics.

Is discovery to correct?

Usually no. English normally uses discovery of instead.

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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