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Prepositions with nouns

Using “visit” with prepositions

To visit is usually a verb form. Of visit is uncommon except in limited formal phrases.

Quick answer

What is the difference between “of visit” and “to visit”?

To visit is normally the infinitive verb, as in I want to visit Rome. Of visit is not a common general expression. With the noun visit, English usually uses phrases such as a visit to the museum.

We plan to visit Kyoto next spring.
She made a visit to the hospital yesterday.
They hope to visit their relatives soon.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
to visit + place/person

Using the verb infinitive

To visit is usually part of the verb phrase.

I would like to visit Brazil one day.
2
visit to + place

Using visit as a noun

Use to after the noun visit to show destination.

His visit to London lasted three days.
3
during a visit

Talking about the time of a trip

During introduces an event happening in the course of a visit.

She met the ambassador during a visit to Paris.
4
pay a visit to + person/place

Using a formal expression for visiting

Pay a visit is a formal alternative to visit.

We decided to pay a visit to our old school.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of visit
Rare and formal: purpose of visit
Used in limited official phrases, not as a general pattern.
to visit
They hope to visit Spain.
Infinitive verb form.
visit to
Her visit to Rome was short.
Noun phrase showing destination.
purpose of visit
Please state your purpose of visit.
Fixed official expression.

Common mistakes

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

Using “of visit” as a general phrase

English usually prefers visit to or another structure.

✕ the details of visit ✓ the details of the visit

Confusing noun and verb forms

To visit is a verb infinitive, not a noun phrase.

✕ My to visit Paris was exciting ✓ My visit to Paris was exciting

Leaving out “to” after the noun visit

The noun visit commonly takes to before a place.

✕ a visit Paris ✓ a visit to Paris

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. We hope ___ our grandparents this weekend.
2. Her visit ___ the museum lasted two hours.
3. Please write the purpose ___ visit on the form.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “of visit” correct?

Only in a few fixed formal phrases such as purpose of visit.

Why is “to visit” so common?

Because it is usually the infinitive form of the verb visit.

What preposition follows the noun “visit”?

The noun visit commonly takes to, as in a visit to France.

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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