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Prepositions with nouns

Of physics or in physics?

In physics is common for study, research, and expertise. Of physics usually appears after another noun, such as the laws of physics.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use in physics to describe work, knowledge, or topics within the subject. Use of physics when physics is linked to another noun.

She has a degree in physics.
The laws of physics apply everywhere.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in physics

Study or expertise in the subject

Use in physics for education, research, or activity within the field.

He specialises in physics education.
Recent discoveries in physics gained attention.
2
of physics

Physics as the topic of another noun

Use of physics after nouns such as laws, principles, or history.

The principles of physics are complex.
She enjoys the history of physics.
3
physics of + phenomenon

Physical explanation of something

Use physics of to discuss scientific mechanisms behind a phenomenon.

Researchers studied the physics of flight.
The book explains the physics of sound.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in physics
She earned a doctorate in physics.
within the academic field
of physics
the foundations of physics
physics as the subject of discussion
physics of
the physics of motion
scientific principles behind something
for physics
software for physics students
intended purpose or audience

Common mistakes

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

Using of physics for academic field

Use in physics for degrees, careers, and expertise.

✕ He has experience of physics. ✓ He has experience in physics.

Using in physics after topic nouns incorrectly

Many topic nouns take of before physics.

✕ the laws in physics ✓ the laws of physics

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She completed her master's degree ___ physics.
2. The basic laws ___ physics are universal.
3. The book explores the physics ___ waves.

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Frequently asked questions

Do we say degree in physics or degree of physics?

Degree in physics is the standard expression.

Why is of physics used after laws?

Of connects physics to another noun and shows the subject area of those laws.

Can in physics describe research topics?

Yes. English commonly uses in physics for discoveries, methods, and developments within the field.

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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