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Prepositions with “marriage”

Using “of marriage,” “in marriage,” and “for marriage”

Different prepositions with “marriage” express relationships, conditions within marriage, or suitability for marriage.

Quick answer

Which preposition should you use with “marriage”?

Use “in marriage” for situations within a marriage and “for marriage” for suitability or preparation. “Of marriage” usually appears after another noun, as in “the meaning of marriage.”

Trust is important in marriage.
They are saving money for marriage and family life.
We discussed the legal definition of marriage.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in marriage

Talking about life within a marriage

Use this phrase for experiences, qualities, or behaviour within married life.

Honesty matters in marriage.
Communication problems can grow in marriage over time.
2
for marriage

Talking about suitability or preparation

Use this pattern when discussing readiness or expectations related to marriage.

They attended counselling for marriage before the wedding.
Her parents believed she was ready for marriage.
3
of marriage

Using “of” in larger noun phrases

“Of marriage” commonly follows another noun such as “idea,” “institution,” or “definition.”

The book explores the history of marriage.
They debated the purpose of marriage in society.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of marriage
The meaning of marriage has changed over time.
Used after another noun in a larger phrase.
in marriage
Patience is important in marriage.
Within married life or relationships.
for marriage
The course prepared couples for marriage.
Related to readiness or preparation.
married to
She is married to a doctor.
The standard adjective pattern, different from the noun “marriage.”

Common mistakes

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

Using “of marriage” as a standalone phrase

It usually needs another noun before it.

✕ People spoke of marriage happily. ✓ People spoke about marriage happily.

Confusing “in marriage” and “for marriage”

“In marriage” refers to married life; “for marriage” refers to preparation or suitability.

✕ Trust is essential for marriage life. ✓ Trust is essential in marriage.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Patience is important ___ marriage.
2. The seminar prepared couples ___ marriage.
3. They discussed the history ___ marriage.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “in marriage” a common phrase?

Yes. It is used for experiences and qualities within married life.

When do we use “for marriage”?

Use it for readiness, suitability, or preparation related to marriage.

Can “of marriage” stand alone?

Usually no. It normally follows another noun such as “definition” or “history.”

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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