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Prepositions with “stomach”

“To stomach” vs “of stomach”

“To stomach” is a verb meaning “to tolerate or accept.” “Of stomach” is not a standard fixed phrase in modern English.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use “to stomach” when “stomach” is a verb meaning “put up with.” “Of stomach” is rare and usually appears only inside larger expressions such as “pain of the stomach.”

I can’t stomach the smell.
She could not stomach his attitude any longer.
severe pain of the stomach was reported.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
stomach + object

Accepting or tolerating something

As a verb, “stomach” means to endure something unpleasant.

I cannot stomach spicy food anymore.
He could barely stomach the criticism.
2
pain/disorder of the stomach

Referring to the body part

Use “of the stomach” in medical or descriptive noun phrases.

an ulcer of the stomach
diseases of the stomach and intestines

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
to stomach
She could not stomach the decision.
Verb meaning tolerate or accept.
of stomach
Doctors treated a disorder of the stomach.
Part of a larger medical phrase, not a fixed expression.
in the stomach
He felt pain in the stomach.
Location inside the body.

Common mistakes

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

Using “to stomach” as a noun phrase

After “to,” “stomach” is normally a verb.

✕ The pain spread to stomach. ✓ The pain spread to the stomach.

Using “of stomach” without context

English usually needs an article or larger structure.

✕ She complained of stomach. ✓ She complained of stomach pain.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. I can’t ___ his rude behaviour.
2. The patient had severe pain ___ the stomach.
3. Doctors treated a disorder ___ the stomach.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “to stomach” formal?

It is standard English and is often used in negative sentences such as “I can’t stomach it.”

Can “stomach” be a verb?

Yes. It means to tolerate, accept, or endure something unpleasant.

Is “of stomach” a normal phrase?

Not usually. It mainly appears inside larger medical or descriptive expressions.

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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