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Prepositions before nouns

“Of lawyer” or “for lawyer”?

These combinations are used differently. One usually needs an article, while the other often expresses purpose or benefit.

Quick answer

Using prepositions with “lawyer”

Use for a lawyer or for lawyers to show purpose, audience, or benefit. Of a lawyer usually describes qualities, actions, or possessions connected to the lawyer.

This guide is for lawyers
the advice of a lawyer can be valuable

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
for + lawyer

Purpose or intended audience

Use for lawyers to describe services, products, or information intended for them.

training for lawyers
2
of + lawyer

Connection or possession

Use of a lawyer after another noun.

the responsibilities of a lawyer

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of a lawyer
the duties of a lawyer
Shows relation to the lawyer.
for a lawyer
software for a lawyer
Shows intended user or benefit.
to a lawyer
Speak to a lawyer.
Shows direction of communication.

Common mistakes

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

Using of lawyer without an article

Countable singular nouns usually need an article.

✕ the duties of lawyer ✓ the duties of a lawyer

Confusing for and to

For shows benefit or purpose; to shows direction.

✕ I sent the case file for a lawyer. ✓ I sent the case file to a lawyer.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. This handbook is designed ___ lawyers.
2. The ethics ___ a lawyer are important.
3. You should speak ___ a lawyer.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “of lawyer” correct without an article?

Usually no. English normally says of a lawyer.

What does “for lawyers” mean?

It means intended for lawyers as users or readers.

Can “lawyer” take other prepositions?

Yes. Common combinations include talk to a lawyer and work with a lawyer.

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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