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Prepositions with nouns

Of nature vs in nature

Of nature often shows relationship or type, while in nature describes character, essence, or location in the natural world.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Both phrases are common but used differently. Of nature usually means connected to the natural world or the character of something. In nature often means in character or existing outdoors in the natural environment.

the beauty of nature
The problem is political in nature.
These animals live in nature without human care.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
of nature

Showing connection with the natural world

Use of nature after nouns to describe something related to nature or natural qualities.

the sounds of nature
a lover of nature
2
in nature

Describing character or type

Use in nature to explain the essential character of something.

The issue is economic in nature.
The changes were temporary in nature.
3
in nature

Meaning outdoors or in the wild

Use in nature for things existing in the natural environment.

Few of these plants survive in nature.
The species is rare in nature.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of nature
She enjoys the beauty of nature.
connected with the natural world
in nature
The dispute was legal in nature.
describes the character or type of something
in nature
Wolves rarely behave this way in nature.
means in the wild or outdoors

Common mistakes

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

Using of nature for character descriptions

For type or character, English normally uses in nature.

✕ The conflict was political of nature. ✓ The conflict was political in nature.

Confusing natural-world meaning and character meaning

Of nature refers to the natural world, while in nature often refers to essence or type.

✓ He studies the laws of nature.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The documentary explores the beauty ___ nature.
2. The issue is financial ___ nature.
3. These birds rarely survive ___ nature.

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Frequently asked questions

Can in nature mean outdoors?

Yes. It can refer to the natural environment or the wild.

What does in nature mean after adjectives?

It describes the essential type or character of something, such as political in nature.

Is of nature always about the environment?

Usually it relates to the natural world or natural qualities.

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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