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Preposition before noun

“Of person” or “in person”?

In person is a common expression meaning physically present. Of person is not usually a fixed expression in modern English except as part of larger noun phrases.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use in person when someone is physically present rather than online, by phone, or through another person. Of person is generally not used as a standalone expression.

We finally met in person after months of calls.
The interview will take place in person.
The phrase of person is not standard by itself.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in person

Being physically present

Use in person when someone attends or does something face to face.

She prefers teaching in person.
You must sign the form in person at the office.
2
meet in person

Face-to-face meetings

This common phrase refers to direct physical meetings.

We plan to meet in person next month.
They had never spoken in person before the conference.
3
person of + quality

Describing someone's character

Person is often followed by of in phrases such as person of influence or person of integrity. This is different from the standalone phrase of person.

She is a person of great patience.
He became a person of influence in the city.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in person
The meeting will be held in person.
Physically present rather than remote.
of person
The phrase of person is not normally used alone.
Not a standard standalone expression in current English.
person of
She is a person of strong principles.
Describes qualities or status.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of person” as a fixed phrase

English does not normally use of person alone.

✕ I want to speak of person. ✓ I want to speak in person.

Confusing “in person” with “person of”

In person refers to physical presence. Person of describes qualities.

✕ a meeting person of ✓ a meeting in person

Using “in person” for abstract descriptions

Use person of for character descriptions, not in person.

✕ She is an in person integrity. ✓ She is a person of integrity.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The consultation will happen ___ next week.
2. He is a ___ great experience.
3. The phrase ___ is not standard English.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “in person” mean?

It means physically present rather than online, by phone, or through another person.

Is “of person” correct English?

Not as a standalone expression. English usually uses person of plus a quality instead.

Can I say “meet in person”?

Yes. It is a very common and natural expression.

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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