Sign In Get Started
Preposition before noun

Using prepositions with “election”

Different prepositions with “election” express position, participation, topic, or result. Some combinations are fixed expressions.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with “election”

“Election of” refers to choosing someone. “On election day” uses “on” for time. “For election” appears in phrases such as “stand for election.” “In an election” refers to participation or events inside the process. “Election to” means being chosen for a position or institution.

The election of a new chairperson took place yesterday.
Turnout was high on election day.
She is standing for election this year.
He won a seat in the election.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
election of + person

Naming the person chosen

Use “election of” when focusing on the act of choosing someone.

The election of the new president was announced.
Members celebrated the election of their candidate.
2
on election day

Talking about a specific day

Use “on” with “election day” or another election-related date.

Polling stations opened early on election day.
Traffic was heavy on election night.
3
for election

Describing candidacy

Use “for election” in expressions such as “stand for election” or “be eligible for election.”

She plans to stand for election next spring.
Only members are eligible for election to the committee.
4
in an election

Referring to participation or events

Use “in” for actions happening within an election process.

Several parties competed in the election.
Young voters participated in the election for the first time.
5
election to + position/body

Showing the office gained

Use “to” after “election” to name the office, committee, or institution.

Her election to parliament surprised analysts.
They celebrated his election to the board.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
election of
The election of the mayor was controversial.
Standard for the act of choosing a person.
on election day
Many shops closed on election day.
Standard time expression with “on.”
for election
She will stand for election next year.
Standard in candidacy expressions.
in the election
Three parties competed in the election.
Standard for participation or events within the election.
election to
His election to the Senate was historic.
Standard for the office or institution gained.

Common mistakes

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

Using “election for” after “election”

After the noun “election,” English usually uses “to” for the position gained.

✕ his election for the board ✓ his election to the board

Confusing “in” and “on”

Use “on” for election days and dates, but “in” for participation.

✕ She voted in election day. ✓ She voted on election day.

Leaving out the article

“Election” often needs an article in general statements.

✕ He competed in election. ✓ He competed in the election.

Using “for election” without a suitable verb

“For election” usually follows verbs such as “stand” or adjectives such as “eligible.”

✕ the manager for election ✓ the manager standing for election

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The ___ a new director will happen next month.
2. Many people voted ___ election day.
3. She was praised for her ___ the council.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Is “election to” correct?

Yes. It is the standard form for gaining a position, such as “election to parliament.”

When do we use “for election”?

Use it in phrases about candidacy, such as “stand for election” or “eligible for election.”

Do we say “in the election” or “on the election”?

Use “in the election” for participation and “on election day” for time expressions.

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"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account