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Prepositions with newspaper

Of newspaper or in newspaper?

In the newspaper is the standard expression for printed articles and advertisements. Of newspaper is usually not idiomatic unless newspaper modifies another noun.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use in the newspaper when talking about content published there. Of newspaper is generally unnatural on its own. English more often uses newspaper as an adjective, as in newspaper editor or newspaper article.

I saw the announcement in the newspaper this morning.
Her photo appeared in the newspaper yesterday.
He works as a newspaper editor in London.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in the newspaper

Talking about published content

Use in the newspaper for articles, advertisements, photos, and stories.

The results were published in the newspaper.
I read about the event in the newspaper.
2
newspaper + noun

Using newspaper as an adjective

Newspaper often modifies another noun directly without of.

She interviewed the newspaper editor yesterday.
They discussed newspaper coverage of the election.
3
article in a newspaper

Referring to a specific item

Use in a newspaper when mentioning a piece of content.

He wrote an article in a newspaper in Madrid.
The advertisement appeared in the newspaper for two weeks.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of newspaper
The phrase of newspaper is not normally used alone.
Usually nonstandard except in special technical wording.
in newspaper
In newspaper is possible in headlines or reduced style, but standard English prefers in the newspaper.
Refers to published content.
in the newspaper
Her interview appeared in the newspaper.
The normal standard expression.
newspaper article
I read a newspaper article about the case.
Uses newspaper as an adjective before another noun.

Common mistakes

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

Leaving out the article

Standard English usually needs the before newspaper in this expression.

✕ I saw it in newspaper. ✓ I saw it in the newspaper.

Using of newspaper for possession

English normally uses newspaper directly before another noun.

✕ the editor of newspaper ✓ the newspaper editor

Using newspaper as a count noun without an article

Singular count nouns need an article.

✕ She bought newspaper. ✓ She bought a newspaper.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. I read the story ___ this morning.
2. She works as a ___.
3. The advertisement appeared ___ for three days.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in newspaper correct?

Standard English usually says in the newspaper, although shorter forms may appear in headlines.

Why is of newspaper uncommon?

English generally uses newspaper directly before another noun instead of of newspaper.

Can newspaper be an adjective?

Yes. Examples include newspaper article, newspaper editor, and newspaper company.

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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