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Prepositions with nouns

Of mystery vs in mystery

Of mystery usually describes a quality or type, while in mystery describes a state, style, or setting surrounded by mystery.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Both phrases are possible, but they mean different things. Of mystery commonly describes something characterised by mystery, as in an air of mystery. In mystery usually means surrounded by mystery or presented mysteriously.

The old house had an air of mystery.
The event remains wrapped in mystery.
She spoke in mystery and avoided details.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
of mystery

Describing a mysterious quality

Use of mystery after nouns such as air, sense, or feeling to describe a quality connected with mystery.

There was a sense of mystery around the island.
The novel creates an atmosphere of mystery.
2
in mystery

Describing a mysterious state or manner

Use in mystery when something is hidden, unexplained, or presented mysteriously.

The disappearance is still covered in mystery.
The story begins in mystery.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of mystery
The castle had an aura of mystery.
describes a mysterious quality
in mystery
The negotiations were conducted in mystery.
means secretly or surrounded by uncertainty
mystery about
There is still mystery about the fire.
focuses on an unknown fact or event

Common mistakes

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

Using of mystery for hidden situations

Of mystery describes a quality, not a hidden condition.

✕ The case remains of mystery. ✓ The case remains in mystery.

Using in mystery after quality nouns

After words like atmosphere or sense, English usually uses of mystery.

✕ The room had an atmosphere in mystery. ✓ The room had an atmosphere of mystery.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The island had an air ___ mystery.
2. The incident remains wrapped ___ mystery.
3. She created a feeling ___ mystery in the film.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say wrapped of mystery?

No. The standard expression is wrapped in mystery.

Is of mystery common after all nouns?

No. It is mostly used after nouns that describe moods or qualities, such as sense or atmosphere.

Can in mystery describe behaviour?

Yes. It can describe actions done secretly or mysteriously, although in secrecy is often more common.

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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