In formation is a common fixed expression about arrangement or movement. Of formation usually appears inside a larger noun phrase such as process of formation.
Use in formation when people, vehicles, or aircraft are arranged in an organized pattern. Of formation is not a fixed expression with formation, but it is natural in longer phrases such as stages of formation or process of formation.
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
Use in formation for people, vehicles, or objects moving or standing in a planned arrangement.
Use formation of to name the thing being formed.
Use of formation after another noun such as process, stages, or theory.
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Of formation normally needs another noun before it.
✕ The birds flew of formation. ✓ The birds flew in formation.In formation describes arrangement. Formation of describes creation.
✕ The in formation of the committee took months. ✓ The formation of the committee took months.Do not use in formation when talking about how something is created.
✕ Scientists studied the crystals in formation. ✓ Scientists studied the formation of the crystals.Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Yes. It commonly describes people, aircraft, or vehicles arranged in an organized pattern.
Usually no. It normally follows another noun, such as process of formation or stages of formation.
In formation describes arrangement or movement. Formation of describes the creation or development of something.
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