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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with reading

Reading combines with different prepositions depending on meaning. Worth reading is a common adjective pattern, while reading of and reading in have specific uses.

Quick answer

Which combinations are natural?

Use reading of for the content being read, reading in for activity within a subject or place, and reading for a purpose. Worth reading is a fixed adjective pattern. To reading usually appears after verbs such as look forward to.

The public reading of the poem lasted an hour.
She is doing reading in medieval history.
This article is worth reading twice.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
reading of + text

Referring to a performance or interpretation

Reading of often refers to reading something aloud or interpreting a text.

His reading of the speech was emotional.
The actor gave a dramatic reading of the letter.
2
reading in + subject

Studying within a field

Reading in refers to reading activity connected with an area of study.

She completed extensive reading in economics.
The course includes reading in modern philosophy.
3
reading for + purpose

Explaining the reason for reading

Use reading for to show purpose or audience.

The book is suitable for reading on long flights.
He does extra reading for his exams.
4
worth reading

Evaluating quality or interest

Worth reading means interesting or valuable enough to read.

The report is worth reading in full.
It is a short article but worth reading carefully.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
reading of
Her reading of the novel was insightful.
An interpretation or spoken performance of a text.
reading in
He did additional reading in psychology.
Reading within a subject area.
worth reading
That essay is worth reading.
Good enough or useful enough to read.
reading for
She bought glasses for reading.
Shows purpose or reason.
to reading
I look forward to reading your report.
Natural after expressions that already require to, such as look forward to.

Common mistakes

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

Using to reading without a governing expression

Reading does not normally take to by itself.

✕ She enjoys to reading novels. ✓ She enjoys reading novels.

Confusing worth reading with worth to read

Worth is usually followed by a gerund.

✕ The book is worth to read. ✓ The book is worth reading.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. His reading ___ the poem impressed the audience.
2. She did extra reading ___ biology before the exam.
3. This guide is ___ reading for beginners.

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Frequently asked questions

What does reading of mean?

It often refers to interpreting or reading a text aloud.

Is worth reading a fixed phrase?

Yes. It is a common way to say that something is valuable or interesting to read.

Can I say to reading?

Yes, but usually only after another expression that already takes to, such as object to or look forward to.

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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