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Preposition before noun

How to use prepositions with “scandal”

Scandal appears in several natural combinations. “In scandal” usually describes involvement, “by scandal” shows cause, and “of scandal” is mainly used in noun phrases such as “rumours of scandal.”

Quick answer

Common combinations with “scandal”

Use “in scandal” for involvement in a scandal, “by scandal” for something caused or affected by a scandal, and “of scandal” in phrases that describe the subject or type of scandal.

The minister was involved in scandal for years.
The company was damaged by scandal after the report.
There were rumours of scandal around the campaign.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in scandal

Describing involvement in a scandal

Use “in scandal” when someone or something is connected with scandalous activity.

Several officials were caught in scandal during the investigation.
2
by scandal

Showing cause or effect

Use “by scandal” when scandal causes damage, shock, or change.

Public trust was weakened by scandal over expense claims.
3
of scandal

Describing the subject of scandal

Use “of scandal” in noun phrases such as “rumours of scandal” or “stories of scandal.”

The newspaper published stories of scandal in the royal family.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in scandal
The actor became involved in scandal.
connected with or implicated in scandal
by scandal
The administration was shaken by scandal.
affected or caused by scandal
of scandal
There were whispers of scandal at court.
describing scandal as the topic or content
scandal over
The scandal over leaked emails continued for months.
a more common way to name the subject of a scandal

Common mistakes

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

Using “of scandal” as a general replacement

“Of scandal” is natural mainly inside larger noun phrases.

✕ The minister was of scandal. ✓ The minister was involved in scandal.

Confusing cause and involvement

Use “by scandal” for effects and “in scandal” for participation.

✕ The company was involved by scandal. ✓ The company was damaged by scandal.

Missing the article

“Scandal” often needs an article in singular countable uses.

✕ The country faced scandal yesterday. ✓ The country faced a scandal yesterday.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The president's reputation was harmed ___ scandal.
2. Several executives became involved ___ scandal.
3. The magazine published rumours ___ scandal.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “in scandal” common English?

Yes. It is used to describe involvement or implication in scandal.

Can I say “damaged in scandal”?

Usually “damaged by scandal” is more natural because the scandal is the cause.

What is a common alternative to these phrases?

English often uses combinations like “scandal over corruption” or “scandal involving officials.”

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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