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Prepositions with nouns

Prepositions used with window

Window combines with different prepositions depending on whether you describe position, purpose, content, or relationship.

Quick answer

Common combinations with window

Use in the window for something displayed behind glass, on the window for something attached to the surface, and window for opportunity to describe a chance or purpose.

There was a plant in the window.
Rain tapped on the window all night.
This meeting is a window for discussion.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in the window

Inside or behind the window area

Use in the window for displays or things visible through a window.

A cat sat in the window.
The shop placed shoes in the window.
2
on the window

Touching the window surface

Use on the window for something attached to or striking the glass or frame.

Snow collected on the window ledge.
Someone knocked on the window loudly.
3
window of + noun

Type or period of opportunity

Use window of in phrases such as window of opportunity.

They had a short window of opportunity to act.
The treatment offers a window of recovery.
4
window for + noun

Purpose or intended use

Use window for to describe a chance or opening for an activity.

The event created a window for negotiation.
This software provides a window for editing images.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of window
the frame of the window
Part or possession relationship.
for window
a cleaner for windows
Purpose or intended use.
with window
a house with large windows
Accompanied by or containing windows.
in window
The jewellery was displayed in the window.
Inside or behind the window area.
on window
There were fingerprints on the window.
Touching the window surface.

Common mistakes

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

Confusing in and on

Use in the window for display positions and on the window for surface contact.

✕ The poster was in the window glass. ✓ The poster was on the window glass.

Using bare window after prepositions

Window usually needs an article or another determiner.

✕ Birds hit on window. ✓ Birds hit the window.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The bakery displayed cakes ___ the window.
2. Rain was falling ___ the window.
3. The talks opened a window ___ cooperation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between in the window and on the window?

In the window refers to something displayed or visible there. On the window refers to contact with the glass or frame.

Can window of be figurative?

Yes. Window of opportunity is a common figurative expression.

Is with window correct?

Usually English says with a window or with windows, not the bare phrase with window.

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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