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Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with worker

For worker is used for benefit or purpose, while of worker usually appears in larger descriptive phrases.

Quick answer

Of worker vs for worker

Use for workers or for a worker to show benefit, purpose, or suitability. Of worker is uncommon alone but appears in larger noun phrases such as rights of workers or the role of a worker.

The training is designed for workers in construction.
The rights of workers must be protected.
This desk is suitable for a worker who travels often.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
for workers

Showing benefit or intended users

Use for workers when something is intended to help or serve workers.

The company built housing for workers near the factory.
New rules were introduced for workers in hazardous jobs.
2
of workers

Showing possession or relationship

Use of workers in larger noun phrases such as safety of workers or rights of workers.

The safety of workers is a priority.
The union defended the rights of workers.
3
a worker in + field

Describing a worker's area

Use in after worker to describe a field or industry.

She is a worker in healthcare.
Many workers in tourism lost income.
4
worker at + place

Identifying a workplace

Use at to show where someone works.

He is a worker at the port.
Several workers at the plant complained.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of worker
The phrase of worker alone is uncommon; English usually uses a larger phrase such as rights of workers.
Relationship or possession in a larger structure.
for worker
This equipment is designed for workers.
Benefit, purpose, or suitability.
worker in
She is a worker in finance.
Field or industry.
worker at
He is a worker at the factory.
Workplace or location.

Common mistakes

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

Using of worker without a larger noun phrase

Of worker usually sounds incomplete by itself.

✕ The company cares of worker. ✓ The company cares about workers.

Using for worker without an article or plural noun

Use for a worker or for workers in most contexts.

✕ This chair is comfortable for worker. ✓ This chair is comfortable for a worker.

Confusing for workers and of workers

For workers shows purpose or benefit. Of workers shows relationship.

✕ The rights for workers were ignored. ✓ The rights of workers were ignored.

Using worker at for job type

Use worker in for industries or fields.

✕ She is a worker at healthcare. ✓ She is a worker in healthcare.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The programme was created ___ in factories.
2. The safety ___ is essential.
3. He is a worker ___ the energy sector.

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Frequently asked questions

Is of worker correct English?

It is rare by itself. English usually uses a larger phrase such as rights of workers.

When do I use for workers?

Use it for things intended to help or serve workers.

Should I say worker at or worker in?

Use worker at for a workplace and worker in for a field or industry.

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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