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Prepositions before nouns

“Of sport” or “in sport”?

In sport is a common and natural expression. Of sport appears mainly in fixed or formal structures.

Quick answer

How to use “sport” with prepositions

Use in sport to talk about participation, issues, or situations within sports. Of sport is uncommon alone but appears in phrases such as the history of sport or the world of sport.

Equality in sport remains important.
She works in sport administration.
the economics of sport

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in sport

Talking about the sports world

Use in sport for activities, issues, or roles within sports.

fairness in sport matters greatly.
a career in sport
2
of sport

Linking sport to another noun

Use of sport after nouns such as history, culture, or business.

the psychology of sport
3
sport in + place/time

Adding separate location or time information

Here in introduces a place or period, not a fixed phrase with sport.

Sport in schools encourages teamwork.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of sport
The business of sport is changing.
Used after another noun in formal expressions.
in sport
Corruption in sport damages trust.
The standard way to refer to situations within sports.
sport of
The sport of tennis requires focus.
A descriptive structure identifying a type of sport.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of sport” as a general replacement for “in sport”

Use in sport for issues or participation within sports.

✕ discrimination of sport ✓ discrimination in sport

Confusing fixed phrases and general use

Of sport usually follows another noun.

✕ He works of sport. ✓ He works in sport.

Forgetting the broader noun

Of sport normally depends on another noun such as culture or history.

✓ the culture of sport

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Many reforms are needed ___ sport.
2. She studies the history ___ sport.
3. He hopes for a career ___ sport.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “in sport” common?

Yes. It is the normal way to talk about activities or issues within sports.

When is “of sport” used?

Mostly after another noun, as in culture of sport or economics of sport.

Can I say “sport in schools”?

Yes. Here in introduces the place where sport happens.

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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