Prepositions with nouns

Using prepositions with “text”

“In text” is common for location inside written material. “To text” usually belongs to the verb “text.” “Of text” appears in specific phrases such as “a page of text.”

Quick answer

Which phrase sounds natural?

Use “in the text” for information inside writing. “Text to + person” is a verb pattern. “Of text” is mainly used after quantity nouns such as “lines of text.”

The answer appears in the text.
She forgot to text her brother.
The screen displayed a block of text.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in the text

Referring to content inside writing

Use “in” to point to information located within written material.

The dates are explained in the text.
There is a spelling error in the text.
2
text to + person

Sending a message

With the verb “text,” use “to” before the person receiving the message.

I need to text my manager before noon.
She forgot to text him back.
3
amount/unit of text

Describing quantity of writing

Use “of text” after words showing quantity or shape.

The file contains a page of text.
We removed several lines of text.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of text
The document contains a block of text.
Used after a quantity or descriptive noun.
to text
I forgot to text my friend.
Verb pattern meaning send a message.
in text
The definition appears in the text.
Located within written material.
text to
Please text to confirm your booking is less natural than “text me to confirm.”
“Text” normally takes a direct object before an infinitive purpose phrase.

Common mistakes

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

Using “to text” as a noun phrase

“To text” is normally part of the verb infinitive.

✕ Information was found to text. ✓ Information was found in the text.

Using “of text” without a quantity noun

“Of text” usually follows words like “page,” “line,” or “block.”

✕ The answer is of text. ✓ The answer is in the text.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The explanation is ___ the text.
2. She promised ___ me after work.
3. The editor deleted two pages ___ text.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “in text” correct English?

Yes. It commonly means inside a written document or passage.

When do we use “of text”?

Use it after quantity nouns such as “page of text” or “line of text.”

Is “to text” a preposition phrase?

Usually no. It is normally the infinitive form of the verb “text.”

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