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Prepositions before nouns

Which prepositions go with “union”?

The noun “union” appears in several fixed expressions. The most common patterns are union of, union with, and in union.

Quick answer

Common combinations with “union”

Use union of for groups joined together, union with for joining another person or group, and in union for acting together. For and to usually belong to a larger sentence structure.

The union of the two companies created jobs.
They worked in union on the project.
The treaty proposed a union with neighbouring states.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
union of + groups

Combination of people or organisations

Use of to name the members of a union.

The union of several charities improved funding.
2
union with + person/group

Joining together

With introduces the other side in a partnership or alliance.

The kingdom sought union with its neighbour.
3
in union

Acting together

In union means in harmony or cooperation.

The musicians performed in union.
4
trade union for + workers

Organisation representing workers

For can appear after related nouns such as trade union.

A trade union for transport workers was formed.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
union of
The union of the clubs increased membership.
combination or joining of groups
union with
She supported union with the larger organisation.
joining another party
in union
The teams acted in union.
together and cooperatively
union for
A union for teachers negotiated salaries.
organisation representing a group
union to
Their path to union was difficult.
to belongs to another noun or phrase, not directly to union
with union
Workers met with union representatives.
with introduces company; it is not a fixed pattern after union

Common mistakes

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

Using union to a group

Use union with or union of depending on the meaning.

✕ union to another country ✓ union with another country

Confusing in union and union in

The fixed expression is in union.

✕ they worked union in ✓ they worked in union

Using of when meaning partnership

Of names the members, while with names the partner.

✕ union of France ✓ union with France

Using with union as a noun phrase

With often belongs elsewhere in the sentence.

✕ the with union agreement ✓ the union agreement

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The union ___ the two organisations lasted decades.
2. The countries discussed union ___ each other.
3. The workers acted ___ union.

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Frequently asked questions

What does in union mean?

It means acting together in harmony or cooperation.

Is union with correct?

Yes. It is common when talking about joining another group, state, or organisation.

Can union for be used?

Yes, especially when a union represents a group, such as a union for teachers.

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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