agency for + purpose/group
Naming what the agency serves
Use “for” to show the people, activity, or purpose connected to the agency.
The city created an agency for public transport
Which prepositions go with “agency”?
Agency commonly appears with several prepositions depending on meaning. “Agency for” is common for purpose or service, while “agency with” often describes features or authority. Some combinations are uncommon or depend on a wider sentence.
Quick answer
Common prepositions with “agency”
Use “agency for” when naming a function or service, such as an agency for refugees. Use “agency with” for qualities or authority. “By agency” appears mainly in formal expressions like “by agency of.” “To agency” is uncommon before the noun itself and usually belongs to another structure.
They contacted an agency for international students
She works at an agency with regulatory powers
The deal was completed by agency of a local broker
She works at an agency with regulatory powers
The deal was completed by agency of a local broker
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
agency with + quality/authority
Describing features of an agency
Use “with” to describe characteristics, powers, or resources that an agency has.
They partnered with an agency with global reach
agency of + organisation/government
Showing affiliation or ownership
Use “of” to identify the larger body that controls or owns the agency.
It is an agency of the federal government
by agency of + person/organisation
Expressing mediation in formal English
The phrase “by agency of” means through the action or involvement of someone.
The funds were transferred by agency of the central bank
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
agency for
an agency for environmental protection
names the purpose or group served
agency with
an agency with emergency powers
describes a feature or capability
agency of
an agency of the United Nations
shows affiliation or ownership
by agency of
The contract was signed by agency of a lawyer.
formal expression meaning through someone's action
to agency
The message was sent to the agency.
“to” usually belongs to the verb, not directly to “agency”
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using “to agency” as a fixed noun pattern
English normally uses “to” with the verb, not as a standard preposition directly linked to “agency.”
✕ a report to agency ✓ a report to the agencyUsing “with” for purpose
Use “for” when explaining what the agency serves or handles.
✕ an agency with refugees ✓ an agency for refugeesConfusing “agency of” and “agency for”
“Of” shows ownership or affiliation, while “for” shows purpose.
✕ an agency of public health ✓ an agency for public healthQuick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. They opened an agency ___ small businesses.
2. She joined an agency ___ international authority.
3. It is an agency ___ the state government.
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Frequently asked questions
Is “agency for” common in English?
Yes. It is widely used to describe the purpose or group connected to an agency.
Can I say “agency with”?
Yes. It is natural when describing qualities, resources, or authority an agency has.
Is “to agency” correct?
Usually no as a fixed noun pattern. “To” normally connects to the verb, as in “send it to the agency.”
Related preposition guides
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