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Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with “legacy”

“Legacy of” is the most common pattern for describing what is left behind. “For legacy” and “with legacy” appear in more specific contexts.

Quick answer

Common combinations

Use “legacy of” to describe an inherited effect or reputation. Use “for legacy systems” in technical or business contexts, and “with a legacy” when describing someone or something that possesses one.

She left a legacy of generosity.
The company still uses software for legacy systems.
He retired with a legacy of innovation.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
legacy of + quality/result

Describing lasting effects

This is the most common structure with “legacy.”

The war left a legacy of destruction.
She created a legacy of public service.
2
for legacy systems

Supporting older technology

In technical English, “legacy” often describes outdated systems.

The update includes tools for legacy hardware.
They provide support for legacy applications.
3
with a legacy

Possessing a reputation or history

Use this phrase to describe someone or something carrying an established history.

The institution continues with a legacy of excellence.
She stepped down with a legacy of reform.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of legacy
the impact of legacy policies
Used after another noun; less common than “legacy of.”
for legacy
support for legacy software
Common in technical contexts.
with legacy
a company with a legacy of innovation
Needs a fuller phrase to sound natural.
legacy of
a legacy of trust
Standard way to describe lasting influence.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of legacy” as a complete phrase

It usually follows another noun.

✕ They spoke of legacy. ✓ They spoke about a legacy of innovation.

Using “with legacy” without detail

The phrase normally needs more information.

✕ The school is with legacy. ✓ The school has a legacy of achievement.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The leader left a ___ honesty.
2. The company still provides support ___ systems.
3. She retired ___ community service.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “legacy of” mean?

It refers to a lasting effect, reputation, or influence left behind.

Is “for legacy systems” formal?

It is common in technical and business English.

Can I say “with legacy” alone?

Usually it needs more detail, such as “with a legacy of innovation.”

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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