Sign In Get Started
Prepositions with press

Of, to, in, by, or for press?

Different prepositions with press have different meanings. Some are fixed expressions, while others depend on the wider sentence.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with press?

Use in the press for newspapers and media coverage, by the press for actions done by journalists, and for the press for material intended for journalists. Of the press appears in formal descriptions, and to the press refers to communication directed at journalists.

The story appeared in the press yesterday.
The statement was released to the press.
The photos were prepared for the press conference.
The decision was criticised by the press.

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 press

Meaning: reported in newspapers or media

This is a common media expression.

Rumours spread quickly in the press.
2
by the press

Meaning: done by journalists or media organizations

By identifies the agent.

The politician was questioned by the press.
3
for the press

Meaning: intended for journalists

This phrase often describes documents or events.

They prepared a summary for the press.
4
to the press

Meaning: directed toward journalists

Use this for statements and announcements.

She spoke to the press after the meeting.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in the press
The issue was discussed in the press.
media coverage
by the press
The actor was followed by the press.
action performed by journalists
for the press
A briefing was arranged for the press.
intended audience is journalists
of the press
Freedom of the press is essential.
relationship to journalism or media

Common mistakes

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

Using press without the article in fixed media phrases

Many expressions use the press.

✕ The story appeared in press. ✓ The story appeared in the press.

Confusing to and for

To the press shows direction; for the press shows purpose or audience.

✕ She gave a statement for the press. ✓ She gave a statement to the press.

Using of press without the article

Formal expressions usually take the press.

✕ freedom of press ✓ freedom of the press

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The company released a statement ___ the press.
2. The article was widely discussed ___ the press.
3. The minister was criticised ___ the press.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

What does in the press mean?

It means in newspapers, magazines, or news media generally.

When do we use for the press?

Use it for materials or events intended for journalists.

Is of the press a fixed phrase?

Yes, in expressions such as freedom of the press.

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"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account