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Prepositions before nouns

Of prize vs in prize

The phrases of prize and in prize are not normally used alone. Prize usually appears in combinations such as prize for, prize in, or winner of the prize.

Quick answer

Natural prepositions with prize

Prize commonly combines with for, in, and of in larger expressions. In prize alone is not standard, but prize in something means to value it highly. Of prize usually appears in phrases such as winner of the prize.

She won a prize for science.
He takes great pride in his work.
They announced the winner of the prize yesterday.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
prize for + achievement

Giving a reason for an award

Use prize for to state what the award recognises.

She received a prize for innovation.
2
winner of the prize

Identifying the person who won

Use of the prize after winner or recipient.

The winner of the prize thanked the judges.
3
prize in + competition

Referring to placement in a contest

Use prize in when talking about ranking within a competition.

He won first prize in the contest.
4
prize + object

Using prize as a verb meaning value highly

As a verb, prize means appreciate deeply.

I prize honesty above everything else.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of prize
She became the winner of the prize.
Of prize is natural only inside larger noun phrases.
in prize
He won first prize in the tournament.
In prize alone is not idiomatic; use prize in a wider structure.
prize for
They gave her a prize for poetry.
Shows the reason or category for an award.

Common mistakes

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

Using in prize as a fixed phrase

English does not normally use in prize alone.

✕ She succeeded in prize. ✓ She won a prize in the competition.

Confusing prize and pride

Prize and pride are different words.

✕ He takes prize in his work. ✓ He takes pride in his work.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She won a prize ___ mathematics.
2. The winner ___ the prize gave a speech.
3. He won first prize ___ the art competition.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in prize correct English?

Not usually. English speakers use larger expressions such as first prize in the competition.

Can prize be a verb?

Yes. As a verb, prize means value or appreciate highly.

What preposition follows prize most often?

Prize commonly appears with for when talking about awards and categories.

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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