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Prepositions before nouns

“Of teacher” or “for teacher”?

For teacher is possible when something is intended for a teacher. Of teacher is uncommon by itself and usually appears inside a longer noun phrase such as the role of teacher.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use for teacher when meaning intended for or benefiting a teacher: a guide for teachers. Do not normally use of teacher alone. Use of with another noun before teacher, such as the duties of a teacher.

This workshop is for teachers.
We discussed the responsibilities of a teacher.
The software was designed for teacher training.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
for teachers

Intended audience or benefit

Use for with teacher when something is designed for teachers or benefits them.

The handbook is for teachers new to the school.
2
of a teacher

Possession, role, or description

Use of a teacher after another noun to describe qualities, duties, or experiences connected to a teacher.

She explained the daily routine of a teacher in a primary school.
3
teacher of + subject

Subject taught

Teacher of is a separate structure meaning someone teaches a subject.

He is a teacher of mathematics at the academy.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
for teachers
The app was created for teachers.
Intended for teachers or useful to them.
of a teacher
The patience of a teacher is important.
Shows a quality or feature connected to a teacher.
of teacher
They discussed the role of teacher and student.
Possible in fixed or formal expressions, but uncommon alone.

Common mistakes

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

Using of teacher without a larger phrase

Of teacher usually needs another noun before it.

✕ This book is of teacher. ✓ This book is for teachers.

Confusing audience and possession

Use for when something is intended for teachers.

✕ Training of teachers manual ✓ Training manual for teachers

Missing article after of

Singular countable nouns usually need an article.

✕ the work of teacher ✓ the work of a teacher

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. This website was built ___ teachers.
2. We talked about the responsibilities ___ a teacher.
3. She is a teacher ___ chemistry.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say of teacher by itself?

Usually no. English normally uses a fuller phrase such as role of a teacher or experience of teachers.

When do I use for teachers?

Use it when something is intended for teachers, such as resources, events, or services.

Is teacher of English correct?

Yes. Teacher of + subject is a common pattern.

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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