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Prepositions with nouns

Of hero or for hero?

Neither of hero nor for hero is usually a fixed phrase on its own. The correct preposition depends on the surrounding words and meaning.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Of hero may appear in phrases such as the story of a hero. For hero is uncommon unless for belongs to another structure, such as a role for a hero.

It is the story of a hero from ancient legend.
The film leaves little room for a hero to fail.
She wrote a song about a hero from history.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
story of a hero

Describing subject or identity

Use of with hero when another noun introduces the relationship.

The novel tells the story of a hero who returns home.
They admired the courage of the hero.
2
role for a hero

Purpose or suitability

Use for when something is intended or suitable for a hero.

The writer created a role for a hero with flaws.
There was no escape for the hero in the final scene.
3
hero of + place/event

Association or fame

Hero of commonly identifies what someone is famous for.

She became the hero of the match.
He was remembered as the hero of the rescue.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of hero
The statue of a hero stands in the square.
Of links hero to another noun.
for hero
The script was written for a hero with a tragic past.
For usually expresses purpose or suitability.
hero of
She was the hero of the campaign.
A common and natural pattern.
about a hero
We watched a documentary about a hero from the war.
Used for topic or subject.

Common mistakes

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

Using of hero without another noun

Of hero is incomplete unless connected to another noun.

✕ They admired of hero. ✓ They admired the courage of the hero.

Using for hero as a fixed phrase

For hero is not normally a standalone expression.

✕ This book is for hero. ✓ This book is for heroes.

Missing an article before hero

Hero usually needs a or the in singular countable use.

✕ It is the story of hero. ✓ It is the story of a hero.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The film tells the story ___ a hero.
2. The writer created a role ___ the hero.
3. She became the hero ___ the tournament.

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Frequently asked questions

Is for hero common in English?

Not by itself. It usually depends on another noun or verb, such as role for a hero.

Can I say hero of the story?

Yes. Hero of is very common.

What preposition is common after hero?

Of is the most common in phrases like hero of the match or story of a hero.

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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