prospect of + event
Talking about a possible future event
Use prospect of before a noun or -ing form.
She feared the prospect of losing her job.
Prospect with prepositions
Prospect commonly takes of for a possible future event and for when discussing chances or opportunities.
Quick answer
Common combinations with prospect
The most common patterns are prospect of something and prospects for something. In prospect is a fixed expression meaning expected soon. To prospect is usually unrelated and belongs to the verb prospect. With prospect is uncommon as a direct noun pattern.
They discussed the prospect of moving abroad.
There are good prospects for growth next year.
Several changes are in prospect after the merger.
There are good prospects for growth next year.
Several changes are in prospect after the merger.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
prospects for + thing
Describing chances or opportunities
Use prospects for when discussing future success or development.
The company has strong prospects for expansion.
in prospect
Referring to something expected soon
In prospect is a fixed expression meaning likely or anticipated.
With exams in prospect, students were busy.
prospect with + noun
Using with as a separate adjunct
With usually introduces accompanying information, not a fixed pattern selected by prospect.
They left with prospect still uncertain.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
prospect of
The prospect of failure worried him.
possible future event or situation
prospects for
Job prospects for graduates are improving.
chances of success or progress
in prospect
A major redesign is in prospect.
expected in the near future
to prospect
They went north to prospect for gold.
verb meaning search for minerals, not a noun pattern with prospect
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using to after the noun prospect
Prospect normally does not take to directly as a noun complement.
✕ the prospect to success ✓ the prospect of successConfusing prospect of and prospects for
Use prospect of for a possible event and prospects for for opportunities or future chances.
✕ good prospect of promotion ✓ good prospects for promotionUsing with as a fixed complement
With usually adds separate information rather than completing the noun prospect.
✕ the prospect with change ✓ the prospect of changeUsing in for ordinary complements
In prospect is fixed and idiomatic, but not every complement uses in.
✕ the prospect in travel ✓ the prospect of travelQuick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. They were excited by the ___ owning a house.
2. There are excellent ___ employment in the city.
3. Several policy changes are ___ after the election.
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Frequently asked questions
Is prospect of followed by a verb?
Yes. It is often followed by an -ing form, such as prospect of winning.
What is the difference between prospect and prospects?
Prospect often refers to one possible future event, while prospects usually means future chances or opportunities.
Can I say prospect to?
Not usually with the noun prospect. Use prospect of or prospects for in most cases.
Related preposition guides
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