Sign In Get Started
Prepositions with nouns

“Of passion” or “with passion” with “passion”

“With passion” is the common expression for doing something enthusiastically. “Of passion” is mainly used inside descriptive phrases such as “a story of passion.”

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use “with passion” when describing the way someone speaks, works, or feels. Use “of passion” only when passion describes another noun, such as “a tale of passion” or “a crime of passion.”

She defended the project with passion during the meeting.
It was a novel of passion and betrayal.
He spoke with passion about climate policy.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
with passion

Showing strong enthusiasm or emotion

Use this pattern after verbs to describe energetic or emotional action.

The coach spoke with passion after the victory.
She sings with passion every night.
2
noun + of passion

Describing a type or quality

Use “of passion” when passion characterises another noun.

It was a relationship of passion and conflict.
The article explored acts of passion in literature.
3
passion for + activity/topic

Saying what someone loves

Use “for” after “passion” to name an interest or enthusiasm.

He has a passion for music.
Her passion for teaching is obvious.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
with passion
The actor performed with passion.
In an emotional or enthusiastic way.
of passion
It was a story of passion and revenge.
Passion describes the noun before it.
passion for
She developed a passion for photography.
Strong interest in something.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of passion” instead of “with passion” for actions

When describing how someone acts or speaks, use “with passion.”

✕ He spoke of passion. ✓ He spoke with passion.

Forgetting the object after “passion for”

“Passion for” normally needs a topic or activity.

✕ She has a passion for. ✓ She has a passion for design.

Using “with passion” directly after a noun

After a noun, English usually prefers “of passion” or another structure.

✕ a story with passion ✓ a story of passion

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She argued ___ passion during the debate.
2. It was a novel ___ passion and ambition.
3. He has a passion ___ cooking.

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 “with passion” natural English?

Yes. It commonly describes emotional or enthusiastic actions.

Can I say “of passion”?

Yes, but mainly in descriptive noun phrases such as “a crime of passion.”

What preposition follows “passion” before an activity?

Use “for,” as in “a passion for sport.”

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