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Preposition before noun

“Per share” vs. “of share”

“Per share” is the standard financial expression. “Of share” usually appears only inside larger noun phrases.

Quick answer

Which phrase should you use?

Use “per share” for prices, earnings, or dividends calculated for each share. “Of share” is uncommon alone but may appear in phrases like “value of shares.”

The company earned $2 per share.
They announced a dividend per share.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
earnings per share

Financial measurements

Use “per share” for calculations divided by shares.

Investors watched earnings per share closely.
2
price per share

Stating unit price

This phrase gives the cost of one share.

The offer was $15 per share.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
per share
The stock rose by $1 per share.
for each share
of share
“Of share” is not normally used alone in finance.
nonstandard as a fixed phrase
value of shares
The value of shares increased.
correct noun phrase with plural noun

Common mistakes

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

Using “of share” for unit calculations

Use “per share” for financial rates.

✕ Profit of share increased. ✓ Profit per share increased.

Confusing singular and plural forms

Use “shares” after “of” in many noun phrases.

✕ the value of share ✓ the value of shares

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The company reported earnings ___ share.
2. They offered $20 ___ share.
3. The value ___ shares fell sharply.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “per share” mean?

It means for each individual share of stock.

Is “of share” common in finance?

No. English normally uses “per share” or “of shares.”

Can “share” be plural after “of”?

Yes. Phrases such as “ownership of shares” are common.

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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