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Prepositions with nouns

Of formula, in formula, or to formula?

In formula can be correct when formula means an expression or mixture containing something. Of formula and to formula are uncommon as standalone combinations.

Quick answer

Which combinations are natural?

Use in a formula when talking about something included in a mathematical, scientific, or product formula. Formula for is the most common pattern for purpose or method. Of formula usually appears in longer phrases, and to formula is generally nonstandard.

Do not change the symbols in the formula.
She developed a formula for success.
The report discussed the composition of the formula.

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 formula

Something included in a formula

Use in the formula for ingredients, symbols, or variables inside a formula.

There is an error in the formula.
Sugar is not included in the formula anymore.
2
formula for + noun

Purpose or method

Use formula for to describe a method, recipe, or way to achieve something.

The coach shared a formula for victory.
This is a simple formula for calculating tax.
3
of the formula

Parts or qualities of a formula

Use of the formula after another noun such as composition, creator, or effectiveness.

Scientists tested the effectiveness of the formula.
The label lists the ingredients of the formula.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in formula
There is a mistake in the formula.
correct when talking about content inside a formula
of formula
The effectiveness of the formula was questioned.
natural only as part of a larger phrase
to formula
They changed the process to formula production.
to formula is not a standard fixed combination with formula
formula for
She discovered a formula for cleaner water.
common structure for purpose, method, or result

Common mistakes

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

Using to formula as a normal pattern

English does not usually use to directly before formula in this way.

✕ They switched to formula the calculation. ✓ They switched to a new formula for the calculation.

Leaving out the article with in formula

Use an article or determiner in most cases.

✕ The error is in formula. ✓ The error is in the formula.

Using of formula without context

Of formula usually follows another noun.

✕ The scientist explained of formula. ✓ The scientist explained the composition of the formula.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. There is a missing number ___ .
2. The book offers a simple ___ healthy eating.
3. Researchers studied the ingredients ___ .

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Frequently asked questions

Is in formula correct English?

Usually English speakers say in the formula or in a formula, not simply in formula.

What preposition is most common with formula?

Formula for is very common when describing a method or recipe for achieving something.

Can I use to formula?

Not as a standard fixed combination. English normally uses different structures such as formula for or changes to the formula.

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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