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Preposition before noun

Which prepositions are used with investment?

Investment combines naturally with in, on, and for in different meanings. Of investment usually appears inside larger noun phrases.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with investment

Use investment in for the thing receiving money or effort. Use on in fixed expressions such as return on investment. Use for investment when describing purpose or available funds. Of investment usually links another noun to investment.

investment in renewable energy
return on investment
The bank offers loans for investment in property.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
investment in + asset or sector

Showing where money is placed

Use in for the company, asset, or activity receiving investment.

investment in infrastructure
investment in local businesses
2
return on investment

Talking about profit or benefit

On is standard in the fixed business expression return on investment.

The campaign delivered a strong return on investment.
They measured return on investment carefully.
3
funds for investment

Showing purpose or intended use

Use for when money or resources are intended to be invested.

capital for investment
funds for investment abroad
4
of investment

Linking investment to another noun

Of usually appears after another noun, not as a fixed phrase directly before investment.

The benefits of investment in training were clear.
They discussed the risks of investment in startups.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
investment in
Investment in public transport increased.
Standard for the target of investment.
on investment
The company reported a high return on investment.
Natural mainly in fixed phrases such as return on investment.
for investment
The firm raised money for investment overseas.
Shows intended purpose.
of investment
The impact of investment was noticeable.
Of links investment to another noun in a larger structure.

Common mistakes

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

Using on investment too broadly

On investment is mostly used in fixed business phrases.

✕ They increased on investment in schools. ✓ They increased investment in schools.

Confusing investment in with investment for

In shows where money goes; for shows purpose.

✕ investment for technology companies ✓ investment in technology companies

Using of investment as a direct noun pattern

Of usually needs another noun before it.

✓ The value of investment in research is clear.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The government announced major investment ___ healthcare.
2. The board reviewed the return ___ investment.
3. The company secured funds ___ investment in Asia.

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Frequently asked questions

Is investment on correct?

Usually only in fixed phrases such as return on investment.

What is the difference between investment in and for investment?

Investment in names the target receiving money. For investment describes intended use or purpose.

Can I use of investment alone?

Normally no. Of investment usually appears after another noun, such as benefits of investment.

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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