Sign In Get Started
Prepositions with nouns

Of, under, in, for or on construction?

Construction combines with different prepositions depending on meaning. Under construction is the most common fixed phrase for something being built.

Quick answer

Which preposition goes with construction?

Use construction of for what is being built, under construction for something currently being built, and in construction mainly in technical contexts. Construction for can show purpose. On construction is uncommon as a fixed combination and usually introduces a separate topic phrase.

The construction of the bridge began in May.
The station is under construction this year.
She works in construction during the summer.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
construction of + thing

Naming what is being built

Use of to identify the structure or project.

The construction of the tunnel took five years.
2
under construction

Showing that building work is in progress

This fixed expression describes projects that are not finished yet.

A new hospital is under construction near the airport.
3
in construction

Referring to the construction industry or process

Use in construction in technical or professional contexts.

Many engineers work in construction management.
4
construction for + purpose

Showing intended use

For introduces the purpose or target use of a construction project.

The company received funding for the construction for public housing.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
construction of
The construction of the road caused delays.
standard form for naming the project
under construction
The library is under construction.
building work is currently happening
in construction
He has worked in construction for ten years.
related to the construction field or process
construction for
Funds were approved for construction for emergency housing.
shows purpose or intended use
on construction
The professor gave a lecture on construction methods.
on introduces the topic, not a fixed phrase with construction

Common mistakes

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

Using on construction for active building

Use under construction when a project is being built.

✕ The mall is on construction. ✓ The mall is under construction.

Confusing in construction and under construction

In construction usually refers to the industry, not the state of a building.

✕ The bridge is in construction. ✓ The bridge is under construction.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The apartment block is currently ___.
2. The ___ the stadium will finish next year.
3. She started a career ___ management.

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

Is under construction always correct for buildings?

Yes, it is the normal expression for unfinished building projects.

Can I say in construction for a building?

It is less natural in general English. Under construction is preferred for active projects.

What does construction of mean?

It introduces the thing being built or created.

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