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Prepositions with nouns

Of inspiration or for inspiration?

For inspiration is common when talking about purpose or searching for ideas. Of inspiration usually appears after another noun, such as a source of inspiration.

Quick answer

Which phrase should you use?

Use for inspiration when someone looks to something to get ideas. Use of inspiration after another noun phrase, especially source of inspiration or moment of inspiration.

I browse design blogs for inspiration.
Her grandmother was a source of inspiration throughout her career.
They travelled for inspiration before starting the project.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
for inspiration

Looking for ideas or motivation

Use for inspiration to express purpose or intention.

She opened old notebooks for inspiration.
Artists often travel for inspiration.
2
source of inspiration

Naming what inspires someone

Of inspiration is common after source and similar nouns.

Nature is a constant source of inspiration for him.
The teacher became a source of inspiration to her students.
3
inspiration for + noun

Saying what something inspires

Use for after inspiration to identify the result or creation.

The city was the inspiration for the novel.
Her childhood provided inspiration for the painting.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
for inspiration
He listened to music for inspiration.
Correct for seeking ideas or motivation.
of inspiration
She was a source of inspiration to the team.
Correct after another noun such as source or moment.
inspiration for
The garden gave inspiration for the redesign.
Shows what is inspired or created.
inspiration from
The designer took inspiration from local art.
Shows where ideas come from.

Common mistakes

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

Using of inspiration alone for purpose

Of inspiration does not usually mean seeking ideas.

✕ I read magazines of inspiration. ✓ I read magazines for inspiration.

Missing an article before source

Source of inspiration normally needs an article or determiner.

✕ She became source of inspiration. ✓ She became a source of inspiration.

Confusing for and from

For shows purpose. From shows origin.

✕ He took inspiration for jazz. ✓ He took inspiration from jazz.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She searched online ___ inspiration before writing.
2. His father was a source ___ inspiration.
3. The sculpture took inspiration ___ ancient myths.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say for inspiration?

Yes. It is a very common phrase when someone wants ideas or motivation.

When is of inspiration correct?

It is correct in phrases like source of inspiration or moment of inspiration.

What is the difference between inspiration for and inspiration from?

Inspiration for names the result. Inspiration from names the source of the ideas.

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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