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Prepositions with nouns

Prepositions with pocket

Pocket combines with different prepositions depending on meaning. In a pocket is the most common location pattern.

Quick answer

Which preposition works with pocket?

Use in a pocket for location, pocket of for possession or part-whole relationships, and pocket with for describing a feature. To pocket is a verb meaning to take or keep money. Alongside pocket is rare and usually refers to physical position next to a pocket.

She kept the keys in her pocket.
The pocket of the coat was torn.
The bag comes with a pocket for a phone.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in + pocket

Location inside a pocket

Use in a pocket to show where something is kept.

He found some coins in his pocket.
She carried the note in her pocket all day.
2
pocket of + clothing

Pocket belonging to something

Use pocket of to identify which item has the pocket.

The pocket of my jeans is too small.
A hole appeared in the pocket of his jacket.
3
with + pocket

Objects that include pockets

Use with a pocket or with pockets to describe a feature.

I bought a dress with pockets.
They designed a backpack with a hidden pocket.
4
to pocket

Pocket as a verb

To pocket means to take, keep, or steal money or an object.

He tried to pocket the extra cash.
The company pocketed the profits.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in a pocket
The receipt is in my pocket.
inside the pocket
pocket of
The pocket of the shirt is ripped.
the pocket belonging to an item
with pockets
She prefers trousers with pockets.
having pockets as a feature
alongside a pocket
There is a small label alongside the pocket.
next to the pocket, as a physical position

Common mistakes

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

Using to pocket as a preposition phrase

To pocket is usually a verb phrase, not a location expression.

✕ I put the phone to pocket. ✓ I put the phone in my pocket.

Using of pocket alone

Pocket of needs another noun after it.

✕ The button is near of pocket. ✓ The button is near the pocket of the coat.

Confusing in pocket and in the pocket

Use an article or possessive before pocket in most cases.

✕ He kept it in pocket. ✓ He kept it in his pocket.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She keeps her passport ___ her pocket.
2. The pocket ___ the coat is torn.
3. They bought a jacket ___ hidden pockets.

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Frequently asked questions

Can pocket be a verb?

Yes. To pocket means to take or keep something, especially money.

Is alongside pocket a common phrase?

No. Alongside usually describes physical position next to a pocket.

Do I say in pocket or in my pocket?

In my pocket is more natural in everyday English.

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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