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Prepositions with nouns

Of governor or for governor?

For governor is common in election contexts. Of governor is rare by itself and usually appears inside larger phrases.

Quick answer

How to use governor with prepositions

Use for governor when talking about elections or candidacy. Of governor is not usually a complete phrase on its own, but it can appear in longer structures such as the office of governor.

she is running for governor
the office of governor was created in 1901
he campaigned for governor last year

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
for governor

Elections and candidacy

For governor is used when someone seeks the position of governor.

she announced her campaign for governor
he ran for governor twice
2
office of governor

Official titles and positions

Of governor commonly appears after office, role, or title.

the office of governor
the duties of governor are defined by law
3
candidate for governor

Describing political candidates

For governor follows candidate to show the office sought.

the leading candidate for governor
a debate among candidates for governor

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
for governor
Maria is running for governor.
Shows a political goal or office sought.
of governor
The powers of governor vary by state.
Appears in larger noun phrases about the role or office.
governor of
She became governor of the province.
Shows the place governed and is often more natural than of governor alone.
vote for governor
Citizens will vote for governor next month.
For governor refers to the election choice.

Common mistakes

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

Using of governor alone

Of governor usually needs another noun before it.

✕ He discussed of governor yesterday. ✓ He discussed the role of governor yesterday.

Confusing governor of with for governor

Governor of names a position already held. For governor refers to seeking the office.

✕ She is governor for Texas. ✓ She is governor of Texas.

Using for governor outside election meaning

For governor is mainly political.

✕ a statue for governor ✓ a statue of the governor

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She is running ___ governor this year.
2. The office ___ governor carries many responsibilities.
3. He became governor ___ California in 2019.

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Frequently asked questions

Is for governor only used in politics?

Almost always. It normally refers to elections or campaigns.

Can I say governor for a state?

No. Use governor of a state when naming the office holder.

Why is of governor uncommon alone?

It usually depends on another noun, such as office, role, or powers.

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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