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Preposition before noun

transition with of, in, and to

In transition is a common fixed phrase. Of transition usually follows another noun, and to transition is normally verbal rather than a noun phrase.

Quick answer

Which form is correct with transition?

Use in transition to describe a temporary changing state. Use of transition after another noun, such as period of transition. To transition is usually part of the verb transition to.

The company is in transition after the merger.
They discussed the period of transition carefully.
The team plans to transition to remote work.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in transition

Describing a changing state

This fixed phrase means undergoing change.

The market is in transition this year.
2
period of transition

Referring to a phase of change

Use of transition after nouns like period, stage, or process.

The country entered a period of transition after the election.
3
transition to + noun

Showing the new state

Use transition to after the noun or verb to show the result of change.

The transition to digital payments was rapid.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in transition
The system is in transition.
A fixed phrase meaning currently changing.
of transition
The difficulties of transition were expected.
Used after another noun.
to transition
The company plans to transition to solar energy.
Verb infinitive, not a preposition before the noun transition.
transition to
The transition to adulthood can be stressful.
Shows movement into a new state.

Common mistakes

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

Treating to transition as a noun phrase

To transition usually functions as an infinitive verb.

✕ the policy to transition ✓ the transition policy

Using in transition for a destination

In transition means changing, not moving toward something.

✕ in transition remote work ✓ transition to remote work

Using of transition alone

This phrase usually needs a preceding noun.

✕ of transition was difficult ✓ The period of transition was difficult

Omitting to after transition

Transition often takes to before the new state.

✕ transition digital systems ✓ transition to digital systems

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The organization is currently ___ transition.
2. They described the period ___ transition as unstable.
3. The company plans ___ transition to cleaner energy.

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Frequently asked questions

What does in transition mean?

It means undergoing change from one state to another.

Is to transition a noun phrase?

Usually no. It is normally the infinitive form of the verb transition.

Can transition take to after it?

Yes. Transition to something is very common.

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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