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Prepositions with nouns

Of security or for security?

For security is common for purpose. Of security usually needs a larger noun phrase.

Quick answer

Use for security for purpose or protection

For security means for safety or protection. Of security is not usually used alone, but security of something is common.

Visitors must show ID for security reasons.
The guards were hired for security during the event.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
for security

Purpose of protection or safety

Use for security to explain why something is done.

Cameras were installed for security.
2
security of + thing

Safety or stability of something

Use security of when another noun follows.

The security of the network is improving.
3
in security

Working in the security field

Use in security for jobs and industries.

She works in security at the airport.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
for security
Bags are checked for security reasons.
For safety or protection.
of security
Of security is uncommon alone.
Usually part of a longer phrase such as security of data.
security of
The security of customer data matters.
Protection or stability of something.

Common mistakes

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

Using of security for purpose

Use for security to express purpose.

✕ The fence was built of security. ✓ The fence was built for security.

Omitting the noun after security of

Security of normally needs an object.

✕ We discussed the security of. ✓ We discussed the security of the system.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The doors stay locked ___ security reasons.
2. The security ___ the building was upgraded.
3. She works ___ security at the station.

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Frequently asked questions

What does for security reasons mean?

It means for safety or protection purposes.

Can I say security for the building?

Yes. It means protection intended for the building.

Is security countable?

Usually it is uncountable, but securities has a different financial meaning.

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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