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Prepositions with nouns

On radio or of radio?

Use on radio to mean broadcast by radio. Of radio is uncommon and usually appears in longer phrases such as the history of radio.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

On radio is the normal expression for something broadcast through radio. Of radio is not usually used directly after radio to describe broadcasting, but it can appear in phrases where radio is part of a larger noun expression.

I heard the interview on radio yesterday.
She works in radio news.
They discussed the future of radio broadcasting.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
on radio

Broadcast through radio

Use on radio for programmes, music, interviews, or news transmitted by radio.

The match was live on radio all evening.
Her song first appeared on radio in 2019.
2
in radio

Working in the radio industry

Use in radio for jobs, careers, or activity connected with radio broadcasting.

He has worked in radio for twenty years.
3
of radio

Part of a larger noun phrase

Of radio usually connects radio to another noun or topic, not to broadcasting location.

The museum explores the history of radio technology.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
on radio
The president spoke on radio last night.
Broadcast by radio; standard expression.
of radio
Researchers studied the development of radio communication.
Links radio to another noun or topic; not used for broadcasts.
in radio
She started her career in radio.
Connected with the radio industry or field.

Common mistakes

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

Using of radio for broadcasts

Do not use of radio to mean broadcast by radio.

✕ I heard it of radio. ✓ I heard it on radio.

Confusing in radio and on radio

In radio refers to the industry, while on radio refers to broadcasts.

✕ He works on radio journalism. ✓ He works in radio journalism.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. I heard the weather report ___ radio.
2. She has a long career ___ radio.
3. The history ___ radio is fascinating.

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Frequently asked questions

Is on the radio more common than on radio?

Yes. On the radio is especially common in everyday English, while on radio is shorter and often used in headlines or formal contexts.

Can I say of radio station?

Usually no. English normally uses a compound noun such as radio station instead.

What does in radio mean?

It means involved in the radio industry or profession.

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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