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Prepositions with nouns

Should you use “of head” or “as head”?

“As head” is a common expression for a role or function. “Of head” is not a normal standalone combination, although “head of” is very common.

Quick answer

Using “head” with prepositions

Use “as head” when someone serves in a leadership role. Do not normally use “of head” as a fixed phrase. Instead, English commonly uses “head of” before an organisation or group.

She worked as head of marketing for five years.
He spoke as head of the committee.
The head of the school announced new rules.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
as head of + organisation

Showing a leadership role

Use “as head of” when describing someone acting in an official position.

She served as head of operations.
He resigned as head of the department.
2
head of + group

Naming the leader

Use “head of” before a company, team, office, or institution.

The head of the university gave a speech.
We met the head of sales yesterday.
3
at the head of + group/place

Showing leading position

Use “at the head of” for physical or figurative leadership.

She stood at the head of the table.
He marched at the head of the parade.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
as head
She acted as head of the team.
Describes someone's role or function.
of head
Not standard as a fixed phrase in modern English.
Use “head of” instead in most contexts.
head of
He is the head of the department.
Names the leader of a group or organisation.
at the head of
The guide walked at the head of the group.
Shows leading position or location.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of head” instead of “head of”

English places “head” before “of” in this structure.

✕ the of head department ✓ the head of the department

Omitting “of” after “head”

The phrase usually needs “of” before the organisation or group.

✕ head the company ✓ head of the company

Confusing role and title

“As head” describes function; “head of” names the title or position.

✕ She worked head the team. ✓ She worked as head of the team.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He served ___ head of the committee.
2. She is the head ___ research.
3. The captain stood at the head ___ the line.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “of head” correct English?

Not as a normal fixed combination. English usually uses “head of” instead.

What does “as head” mean?

It means someone acts or serves in a leadership role.

Can “head” be used without “of”?

Yes, in some contexts, but “head of” is the standard structure before a group or organisation.

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