supply of + item
Naming what is provided
Use of after supply to identify the resource or product.
The region has a steady supply of electricity.
Which prepositions are used with 'supply'?
Supply combines with several prepositions depending on meaning. Of and for are especially common, while in, on, and with often add contextual information.
Quick answer
Common patterns with 'supply'
Use supply of for the thing provided, supply for for intended use, and supply of something to someone for distribution. In supply appears in set phrases such as 'in short supply'. On and with usually introduce additional context rather than fixed combinations.
The company increased the supply of water.
Emergency supplies for hospitals arrived.
Fresh vegetables are in short supply this winter.
Emergency supplies for hospitals arrived.
Fresh vegetables are in short supply this winter.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
supply for + purpose/person
Showing intended use
Use for when the supply is intended for someone or something.
They stored medical supplies for disaster areas.
in supply / in short supply
Describing availability
In appears in set expressions about availability.
Affordable housing is in short supply locally.
supply to + receiver
Identifying the recipient
To introduces the person or organisation receiving the supply.
The firm provides a regular supply to local schools.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
supply of
The supply of fuel is limited.
Identifies what is being supplied.
supply for
They arranged supplies for the expedition.
Shows intended use or destination.
in supply
Skilled workers are in short supply.
Describes availability.
supply on
The supplies on the truck were damaged.
On usually introduces location, not a fixed pattern after supply.
supply with
The supply with emergency labels was delayed.
With adds accompanying details rather than forming a common collocation.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using 'for' instead of 'of'
Use supply of to name the item itself.
✕ the supply for water ✓ the supply of waterConfusing 'supply to' and 'supply for'
To names the receiver; for names purpose or intended use.
✕ a supply for the school arrived ✓ a supply to the school arrivedOverusing 'on supply'
On is usually about location, not the noun relationship.
✕ information on supply chains was limited ✓ information about supply chains was limitedMisusing 'with supply'
With is not a common fixed combination after supply.
✕ problems with supply electricity ✓ problems with electricity supplyQuick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The country depends on the supply ___ natural gas.
2. Extra supplies ___ rescue teams were delivered.
3. Fresh water is ___ short supply.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'supply of' and 'supplies for'?
Supply of names the resource itself, while supplies for indicates purpose or destination.
Is 'in supply' correct?
Yes, especially in phrases like 'in short supply' or 'in limited supply'.
Can 'on' follow supply?
Yes, but usually as a separate location phrase, not as a fixed combination with the noun.
Related preposition guides
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