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Prepositions with nouns

Communication with different prepositions

Communication commonly takes with, between, about, on, and to depending on the meaning. Some combinations with of are limited and usually belong to larger phrases.

Quick answer

Which prepositions go with communication?

Communication with someone, communication between groups, communication about a topic, and communication on a subject are all common. Communication to someone appears mainly in formal contexts. Communication of information is possible in formal English.

communication with clients
communication between departments
communication about safety rules

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
communication with + person/group

Showing who communicates

Use with for interaction involving people or organisations.

communication with customers
2
communication between + people/groups

Showing two-way interaction

Use between for communication involving two or more sides.

communication between teachers and parents
3
communication on/about + topic

Naming the subject

Use on or about for the topic being discussed.

communication on climate policy
4
communication to + audience

Formal direction of information

To is mainly used in formal or technical contexts for information sent to someone.

communication to shareholders

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
communication with
Good communication with suppliers saves time.
interaction involving people or groups
communication in
Communication in large teams can be difficult.
in shows context or place, not a fixed pairing with the noun
communication for
The app was designed for communication during emergencies.
for shows purpose
communication on
We received communication on the new policy.
on introduces the topic
communication to
The official communication to staff arrived today.
formal direction toward recipients
communication of
The communication of results took several days.
formal expression meaning transmission of information

Common mistakes

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

Using of for ordinary interaction

Communication of is formal and usually refers to transmitting information, not everyday interaction.

✕ communication of clients ✓ communication with clients

Confusing in with a noun pattern

In usually describes the situation or place, not a fixed preposition after communication.

✕ communication in customers ✓ communication with customers

Using to for two-way interaction

Communication to often sounds one-directional.

✕ communication to colleagues was excellent ✓ communication with colleagues was excellent

Using for to mean topic

For usually expresses purpose, not subject matter.

✕ communication for the budget ✓ communication about the budget

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The manager improved communication ___ the remote team.
2. We had a long communication ___ pricing changes.
3. The official communication ___ investors was released yesterday.

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Frequently asked questions

Is communication with more common than communication to?

Yes. Communication with usually describes interaction, while communication to is more formal and one-directional.

Can I say communication on a topic?

Yes. Communication on and communication about are both natural for subjects or themes.

Is communication of correct?

Yes, but mainly in formal contexts such as communication of information or results.

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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