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Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with “mouth”

The noun “mouth” combines with different prepositions depending on meaning. Some combinations are fixed expressions, while others describe location, method, or movement.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with “mouth”

Use “in the mouth” for location, “by mouth” for taking medicine orally, and “from mouth to mouth” for spreading information. “To the mouth” usually describes movement toward an opening. “Of mouth” is not a normal standalone pattern with this noun.

The dentist found a cut in her mouth.
Take the tablets by mouth twice daily.
The story spread from mouth to mouth in the village.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in + mouth

Location inside the mouth

Use “in the mouth” for something physically inside the mouth.

She had a mint in her mouth.
The child kept the coin in his mouth.
2
by mouth

Taking or giving something orally

“By mouth” is a fixed expression used especially in medical and formal contexts.

The medicine is taken by mouth.
Patients should not eat anything by mouth before surgery.
3
to + mouth

Movement toward the mouth

Use “to the mouth” when something moves toward the mouth or opening.

She raised the cup to her mouth.
He brought the microphone to his mouth.
4
from mouth to mouth

Passing information verbally

This expression means that news or stories spread through spoken communication.

The rumour travelled from mouth to mouth quickly.
Recipes were shared from mouth to mouth for generations.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in the mouth
The candy melted in her mouth.
Shows location inside the mouth.
by mouth
This drug must be taken by mouth.
Means orally, not by injection.
to the mouth
He lifted the bottle to his mouth.
Shows movement toward the mouth.
from mouth to mouth
The news spread from mouth to mouth.
Describes verbal transmission.
of mouth
The phrase “of mouth” alone is not idiomatic.
Usually nonstandard unless part of a larger structure such as “mouth of the river.”

Common mistakes

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

Using “of mouth” as a normal phrase

English does not usually use “of mouth” alone with this meaning.

✕ medicine of mouth ✓ medicine by mouth

Confusing “by mouth” and “in the mouth”

“By mouth” means orally, while “in the mouth” describes location.

✕ There was a pill by his mouth. ✓ There was a pill in his mouth.

Using “to mouth” without an article or possessive

Use “to the mouth” or “to his/her mouth” in most cases.

✕ She raised the spoon to mouth. ✓ She raised the spoon to her mouth.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The doctor said the liquid should be taken ___ mouth.
2. He held the thermometer ___ his mouth.
3. The legend spread ___ mouth to mouth.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “by mouth” formal English?

Yes. It is common in medical and pharmaceutical contexts.

Can “to the mouth” describe movement?

Yes. It describes movement toward the mouth, such as bringing food or a cup to the mouth.

Is “of mouth” correct?

Not usually as an independent pattern. English normally uses other prepositions with “mouth.”

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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