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Prepositions with nouns

Using of and by with politician

By politician is possible in passive structures, while of politician is uncommon on its own and usually needs another noun before it.

Quick answer

Which form is natural?

By politician can identify the person performing an action, especially after a passive verb. Of politician is rarely used alone and usually appears in phrases such as the career of a politician.

The speech was written by a politician from Madrid.
The biography of a politician became a bestseller.
The comments were made by politicians during the debate.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
by + politician

Naming the person who performs an action

Use by politician after passive verbs or nouns describing actions.

The proposal was introduced by a politician from the ruling party.
The statement by the politician caused controversy.
2
career of a politician

Showing possession or relation

Of politician is natural when another noun comes before it.

The documentary explored the career of a politician in exile.
They discussed the public image of the politician.
3
politician from

Identifying origin or affiliation

Other prepositions are often more natural than of with politician.

She interviewed a politician from Canada.
The article quoted a politician from the opposition party.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of politician
The biography of a politician was published last year.
Used after another noun to show relation.
by politician
The bill was proposed by a politician from Texas.
Names the person responsible for an action.
politician from
A politician from Brazil attended the summit.
Shows origin or affiliation.
politician in
He became a well-known politician in Europe.
Shows location or area of activity.

Common mistakes

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

Using of politician without a supporting noun

Of politician normally follows another noun.

✕ I spoke with of politician. ✓ I spoke with a politician.

Using by politician in active sentences

By politician is mainly used after passive verbs or action nouns.

✕ By politician gave a speech. ✓ A politician gave a speech.

Missing the article

Singular countable nouns usually need an article.

✕ speech by politician ✓ speech by a politician

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The article was written ___ a local politician.
2. They discussed the career ___ a famous politician.
3. She interviewed a politician ___ France.

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

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Frequently asked questions

Is of politician correct?

Usually only as part of a larger phrase, such as the views of a politician.

When do we use by politician?

Use it in passive structures or after nouns describing actions, such as a speech by a politician.

What is a common alternative to of politician?

Many contexts use politician from, politician in, or simply politician without a preposition.

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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