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Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with word

Different prepositions with word express topic, form, means of communication, or brief speech.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with word

Use word for meaning or translation, word of for news or promise, in words for verbal expression, with a word in fixed expressions, and by word mainly in expressions such as by word of mouth.

What is the French word for "tree"?
We received word of his arrival.
Please explain it in words.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
word for + meaning

Giving a name or translation

Use word for when asking or giving the term for something.

Do you know the word for this tool in Spanish?
She could not remember the word for the colour.
2
word of + news/promise

Referring to information or a statement

Use word of for news, notice, or a promise.

They sent word of the delay.
I gave my word of honour.
3
in words

Expressing something verbally

Use in words when explaining with language instead of numbers or symbols.

Please write the amount in words.
She expressed her feelings in words carefully.
4
with a word

Using a brief spoken expression

Use with a word in expressions about speaking briefly or interrupting.

He greeted us with a word of thanks.
She stopped him with a word of warning.
5
by word of mouth

Describing spoken communication

By word is uncommon alone, but by word of mouth is a standard expression.

The news spread by word of mouth.
They advertised mainly by word of mouth.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
word for
What is the word for this in Italian?
Names or translations.
word of
We finally received word of the decision.
News, notice, or promise.
in words
Can you explain it in words?
Using language to express something.
with a word
She ended the meeting with a word of thanks.
Using a short spoken expression.
by word
The phrase by word alone is uncommon; by word of mouth is standard.
Usually part of a fixed expression about spoken communication.

Common mistakes

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

Using by word alone

English usually uses by word of mouth instead of by word by itself.

✕ They promoted the event by word. ✓ They promoted the event by word of mouth.

Confusing word for and word of

Word for names something. Word of refers to news or a statement.

✕ What is the word of this object? ✓ What is the word for this object?

Using in word instead of in words

The fixed expression is in words.

✕ Please explain it in word. ✓ Please explain it in words.

Omitting the article after with

With word is uncommon in this meaning; with a word is natural.

✕ She interrupted him with word of advice. ✓ She interrupted him with a word of advice.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. What is the English ___ this animal?
2. We received ___ the accident yesterday.
3. Please write the number ___ .

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Frequently asked questions

Is by word correct English?

It is uncommon by itself. English usually uses by word of mouth.

What does give your word mean?

It means to make a promise.

Can in words refer to writing?

Yes. It can mean expressing something with language, including written language.

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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