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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with “legislation”

Different prepositions with “legislation” express topic, field, authorship, purpose, or description.

Quick answer

Typical patterns

Use “legislation on” for a topic, “legislation for” for purpose, “changes in legislation” for developments, and “piece of legislation” as a standard legal expression.

The government introduced legislation on climate policy.
They called for legislation for consumer protection.
Businesses are adapting to changes in legislation.
Parliament passed a piece of legislation yesterday.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
legislation on + topic

Naming a subject area

Use this pattern for laws about a subject.

The debate focused on legislation on data privacy.
They proposed legislation on housing reform.
2
changes in legislation

Describing developments

Use “in legislation” for changes within the legal system.

Companies must respond to changes in legislation.
The report explains recent shifts in legislation.
3
legislation by + body

Showing who created laws

Use “by” for the lawmaking authority.

The reforms were introduced through legislation by parliament.
The policy was strengthened by legislation by the state.
4
legislation for + purpose

Expressing legal purpose

Use “for” when explaining what legislation aims to achieve.

The campaign demanded legislation for equal pay.
They supported legislation for public safety.
5
piece of legislation

Referring to a law

This is a standard legal expression.

The senate approved a new piece of legislation.
That piece of legislation changed tax rules.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of legislation
a piece of legislation
Standard phrase referring to a law.
in legislation
changes in legislation
Refers to developments within laws.
by legislation
The issue was addressed by legislation.
Shows the means or authority.
for legislation
support for legislation
Shows support or purpose.
on legislation
a lecture on legislation
Shows a topic of discussion.

Common mistakes

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

Using “legislation for” without clear purpose

This structure should express an aim or benefit.

✕ They studied legislation for yesterday. ✓ They studied legislation on tax policy.

Confusing “on” and “in”

Use “on” for topics and “in” for changes within laws.

✕ changes on legislation ✓ changes in legislation

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The committee discussed legislation ___ online safety.
2. Businesses are adapting to changes ___ legislation.
3. Parliament approved a piece ___ yesterday.

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Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “legislation on” mean?

It refers to laws about a specific topic.

Is “piece of legislation” formal?

Yes. It is common in legal and political English.

Can I say “support for legislation”?

Yes. It means approval or backing for proposed laws.

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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