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Preposition before noun

How to use prepositions with planning

Planning is often used with in when talking about participation or stages of preparation. Of planning appears mainly in larger noun phrases.

Quick answer

In planning is more common

Use in planning to describe involvement in the planning process or a stage of preparation. Of planning is usually part of a longer phrase such as importance of planning or stages of planning.

She helped in planning the event.
The success of planning depends on clear goals.
We are still in the planning stage.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in planning

Taking part in preparation

Use in planning for participation or activity during preparation.

Several teams were involved in planning the conference.
2
planning for + event

Preparing for something

Planning for introduces the event or goal being prepared for.

They are planning for retirement.
3
stages of planning

Describing phases or aspects

Of planning appears in larger noun phrases.

The early stages of planning took months.
4
in the planning stage

Talking about project status

This phrase describes something not yet completed.

The new bridge is still in the planning stage.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of planning
The value of planning is clear.
Used when planning is the object of another noun.
in planning
She assisted in planning the festival.
Describes involvement in preparation.
planning for
They are planning for growth.
Shows the future event or goal.
planning stage
The idea is in the planning stage.
Describes the current development phase.

Common mistakes

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

Using of planning as a standalone phrase

Of planning usually needs a noun before it.

✕ We discussed of planning. ✓ We discussed planning.

Confusing in planning with planning for

In planning describes participation, while planning for describes purpose.

✕ She was planning in the wedding. ✓ She was planning for the wedding.

Missing the article in planning stage

The phrase normally includes the.

✕ The project is in planning stage. ✓ The project is in the planning stage.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She assisted ___ planning the event.
2. The benefits ___ planning are obvious.
3. They are planning ___ expansion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in planning correct?

Yes. It commonly means participating in or working during the planning process.

When do we use of planning?

Usually after another noun, as in importance of planning or stages of planning.

What does in the planning stage mean?

It means a project or idea is still being prepared and has not started fully.

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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