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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with “health”

The noun “health” appears in several common prepositional phrases. “For health” is common for purpose or benefit, “of health” appears in fixed expressions, and “to health” is mainly used after verbs or in toasts.

Quick answer

Which preposition is used with “health”?

Use “for health” when talking about benefit or purpose. Use “of health” in expressions such as “state of health” or “problems of health.” “To health” is uncommon on its own but appears naturally in phrases like “drink to your health.”

Walking daily is good for health.
The report discussed issues of health and safety.
They raised a glass to health and happiness.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
for health

Benefit or purpose

Use “for health” when something improves, protects, or relates to health benefits.

Swimming is excellent for health.
She changed her diet for health reasons.
2
of health

State, type, or subject

Use “of health” in noun phrases that describe condition, subject matter, or categories connected to health.

The doctor asked about his state of health.
The ministry of health announced new rules.
3
to health

Toasts and expressions after verbs

“To health” is mainly used after verbs such as “drink” or “toast,” not usually as a standalone modifier.

They drank to health and long life.
The guests offered a toast to health.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
for health
Cycling is good for health.
Shows benefit, purpose, or positive effect on health.
of health
The survey examined problems of health in rural areas.
Refers to health as a subject, condition, or category.
to health
They drank to health and prosperity.
Used in formal or celebratory expressions after certain verbs.
health and safety
The company updated its health and safety policy.
A common fixed expression without an extra preposition.

Common mistakes

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

Using “to health” as a general modifier

“To health” is not usually used to mean “healthy” or “for health benefits.”

✕ Fresh food is important to health. ✓ Fresh food is important for health.

Confusing “of health” and “for health”

Use “for health” for benefit. Use “of health” in fixed noun phrases.

✕ Exercise is useful of health. ✓ Exercise is useful for health.

Omitting the full expression with “to health”

“To health” often sounds incomplete unless part of a toast or similar expression.

✓ They raised their glasses to health and happiness.

Using “of health” where no preposition is needed

Some compounds use “health” directly before another noun.

✕ a program of health care ✓ a health care program

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Running daily is good ___ health.
2. The minister ___ health gave a speech.
3. They raised a toast ___ health and success.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “for health” natural English?

Yes. It is common when talking about health benefits or reasons related to health.

Can I say “to health”?

Yes, but mainly in expressions such as “drink to your health” or “a toast to health.”

When is “of health” used?

It appears in formal or fixed noun phrases such as “state of health” and “minister of health.”

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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