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Prepositions with nouns

On television or of television?

On television is the normal phrase for broadcasts and appearances on TV. Of television is used mainly in descriptions such as the history of television or the influence of television.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use on television for something shown or appearing on TV. Use of television when television is the subject of another noun, such as a study, history, or effect.

The interview was shown on television last night.
She appeared on television for the first time.
They discussed the future of television in the digital age.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
on television

Showing or appearing on TV

Use on television for broadcasts, programmes, and public appearances seen on TV.

The match was broadcast on television worldwide.
He works better on television than on radio.
2
of television

Describing television as a subject

Use of television after nouns that describe, analyse, or discuss television itself.

She wrote a book about the history of television.
Researchers examined the social impact of television on children.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
on television
The ceremony was shown on television.
broadcast or appearing on TV
of television
The invention of television changed entertainment.
television as a topic or object of discussion
on TV
I saw her on TV yesterday.
informal alternative to on television

Common mistakes

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

Using of television for broadcasts

Use on television when something is shown on TV.

✕ The news was of television all evening. ✓ The news was on television all evening.

Confusing topic and location

Of television refers to television as a subject, not the place where something appears.

✕ She became famous of television. ✓ She became famous on television.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The interview was shown ___ television.
2. They studied the history ___ television.
3. I first saw that actor ___ TV.

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Frequently asked questions

Is on television the same as on TV?

Yes. On TV is a shorter, more informal version of on television.

Can I say of television for a TV programme?

No. Use on television for programmes or appearances shown on TV.

When is of television natural?

It is natural in phrases such as the future of television or the role of television.

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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