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Prepositions before nouns

Which prepositions are used with “ad”?

The noun “ad” usually takes different prepositions depending on meaning. “Ad for” is common for products or events, while “ad in” and “ad on” often describe location or medium.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with “ad”

Use “ad for” to say what something advertises. Use “ad in” for print or publication context and “ad on” for TV, radio, or online platforms. “Ad with” usually introduces a feature or detail, not the advertised thing itself. “Ad of” is uncommon and usually not idiomatic for this meaning.

We saw an ad for a new phone.
She placed an ad in the local newspaper.
I saw an ad on YouTube.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
ad for + product/service

What the advertisement promotes

Use “for” to identify the thing being advertised.

They released an ad for the summer sale.
2
ad in + publication

Where the advertisement appears in print

Use “in” with newspapers, magazines, or printed publications.

There was an ad in yesterday’s magazine.
3
ad on + platform/channel

Where the advertisement appears electronically

Use “on” for television, websites, apps, or social media platforms.

I clicked on an ad on Instagram.
4
ad with + feature/detail

Describing an advertisement’s content

Use “with” to mention a feature included in the ad.

They created an ad with animated graphics.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
ad for
The company launched an ad for its new laptop.
Shows what is being advertised.
ad in
I noticed an ad in the travel magazine.
Shows location inside a publication.
ad on
We heard the ad on the radio.
Shows platform or broadcast medium.
ad with
She designed an ad with bright colours.
Describes a feature or element of the ad.
ad of
They approved an ad of the campaign.
Usually unnatural in modern English for advertisements; “ad for” is normally better.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of” for the advertised product

English normally uses “for,” not “of,” to identify what an ad promotes.

✕ an ad of the new model ✓ an ad for the new model

Confusing platform and topic

Use “on” for platforms and “for” for the advertised item.

✕ an ad on a new shampoo ✓ an ad for a new shampoo

Using “with” instead of “for”

“With” describes features inside the ad, not the advertised product.

✕ an ad with cheap flights ✓ an ad for cheap flights

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. We saw an ___ the new streaming service.
2. There was an ___ the Sunday newspaper.
3. I skipped an ___ YouTube.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “ad of” correct?

It is usually unnatural when talking about advertisements. English normally uses “ad for.”

Do we say “ad in” or “ad on”?

Use “in” for publications such as newspapers and magazines. Use “on” for TV, radio, websites, and apps.

Can “ad with” be correct?

Yes. It describes something included in the advertisement, such as “an ad with humour.”

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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