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Prepositions with nouns

“Of priest” or “by priest”?

By priest can appear in passive clauses such as blessed by a priest. Of priest is not a standard standalone phrase, but phrases like the role of a priest are natural.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use by a priest when naming the person who performs an action. Do not usually use of priest alone. Use of a priest in larger noun phrases such as the duties of a priest.

The wedding was conducted by a priest.
They asked for the advice of a priest.
The child was blessed by a priest.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
by a priest

Naming the performer of an action

By a priest commonly follows passive verbs.

The ceremony was led by a priest.
The couple were married by a priest.
2
advice of a priest

Using of in noun phrases

Of a priest links another noun to priest.

She valued the advice of a priest she trusted.
The responsibilities of a priest can be demanding.
3
priest at

Showing place or role

At is often used for location or institution.

He is a priest at the cathedral.
She spoke with the priest at the church.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
by a priest
The prayer was recited by a priest.
Correct in passive structures.
of a priest
The clothing of a priest varies by tradition.
Correct as part of a descriptive noun phrase.
of priest
They discussed the duties of priest.
Usually nonstandard because an article is normally needed.
priest for
They hired a priest for the ceremony.
Correct for purpose or event.

Common mistakes

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

Leaving out the article

Priest is usually a countable noun and needs a or the in singular form.

✕ The ceremony was led by priest. ✓ The ceremony was led by a priest.

Using of priest alone

English normally uses of a priest or a different structure.

✕ She asked the advice of priest. ✓ She asked the advice of a priest.

Using by priest with active verbs

By a priest usually follows a passive construction.

✕ A priest by conducted the wedding. ✓ A priest conducted the wedding.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The child was blessed ___ a priest.
2. They respected the wisdom ___ a priest.
3. He works as a priest ___ the local church.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say by priest without an article?

Usually no. Standard English normally uses by a priest or by the priest.

Is of priest correct?

Not usually as a standalone phrase. English normally says of a priest.

When do we use by a priest?

It is common in passive sentences where the priest performs the action.

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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