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Prepositions with sin

Using prepositions with sin

Sin combines with different prepositions depending on meaning. “Sin of” names the wrongdoing, while “in sin” and “without sin” describe a state or condition.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with sin?

Use “sin of” to identify the wrongdoing, “sin against” for the person or principle harmed, “in sin” for a sinful state, and “without sin” for innocence. “For sin” and “from sin” are possible in specific contexts but are less common as fixed combinations.

They spoke about the sin of greed.
He lived in sin for many years.
The text describes a life without sin.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
sin of + action/quality

Naming the wrongdoing

Use “sin of” to specify a sinful act or quality.

The story warns against the sin of pride.
They discussed the sin of envy.
2
sin against + person/principle

Showing who is harmed

Use “against” with sin to show opposition or wrongdoing toward someone.

They believed it was a sin against nature.
3
in sin

Describing a sinful condition

Use “in sin” in religious or moral contexts about a state of wrongdoing.

The couple were said to live in sin.
4
without sin

Describing innocence

Use “without sin” for moral innocence or freedom from wrongdoing.

No person is completely without sin.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
sin of
The novel explores the sin of jealousy.
the type of wrongdoing
from sin
The prayer asks for freedom from sin.
separation or protection from wrongdoing
for sin
He asked forgiveness for sin.
reason or cause in religious contexts
without sin
The child was described as without sin.
free from wrongdoing

Common mistakes

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

Using in instead of of to name a wrongdoing

Use “sin of” before the specific act or quality.

✕ the sin in pride ✓ the sin of pride

Assuming all prepositions are fixed collocations

Some combinations depend on sentence meaning rather than a fixed phrase.

✓ They prayed for forgiveness from sin.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The speech focused on the ___ dishonesty.
2. The community believed the couple lived ___.
3. The story describes a hero who is ___ morally.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “sin of” mean?

It identifies the type of wrongdoing, such as “the sin of greed.”

Is “in sin” still used?

Yes, mainly in religious or traditional moral contexts.

Can “from sin” be correct?

Yes. It is used when talking about freedom, rescue, or separation from wrongdoing.

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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