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Prepositions before nouns

Lady with prepositions

Lady combines with prepositions in different ways depending on whether you mean possession, description, or purpose.

Quick answer

Which prepositions work with lady?

Of a lady can appear after another noun, such as the voice of a lady. For a lady is used when something is intended for or suitable for a woman. Bare forms without articles are usually unnatural.

the portrait of a lady
a gift for a lady
the advice for ladies travelling alone

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
of a lady

Showing connection or description

Use of a lady after another noun to describe relation or possession.

the hat of a lady from Paris
the voice of the lady at reception
2
for a lady

Showing purpose or suitability

Use for a lady when something is intended for or appropriate to a woman.

a seat reserved for a lady
a perfume for ladies
3
lady with + feature

Describing appearance or company

Use with after lady to add descriptive details.

the lady with the red umbrella
a lady with two children entered

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of lady
the portrait of a lady
Used after another noun; usually needs an article.
for lady
a gift for a lady
Shows purpose or intended recipient; articles are usually needed.

Common mistakes

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

Omitting the article

Lady is a singular countable noun and usually needs an article.

✕ a gift for lady ✓ a gift for a lady

Using of lady alone

Of lady needs a preceding noun phrase.

✕ I spoke of lady. ✓ I spoke of a lady.

Confusing for with of

For shows purpose; of shows connection.

✕ the portrait for a lady ✓ the portrait of a lady

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He bought flowers ___ a lady at the hotel.
2. The painting ___ a lady sold for millions.
3. We noticed the lady ___ the blue hat.

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Frequently asked questions

Is for lady correct?

Usually English includes an article: for a lady or for ladies.

When do we use of a lady?

It is used after another noun, such as portrait of a lady.

Can lady be used with with?

Yes. With commonly introduces descriptive details, such as the lady with glasses.

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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