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Prepositions with nouns

“To editor” or “of editor”?

To editor is not normally used without an article or name. Of editor appears after another noun, as in role of editor. Common patterns include editor of a magazine and letter to the editor.

Quick answer

How do prepositions work with editor?

Use editor of for titles and responsibility. Use to the editor in expressions about communication, especially letters. To editor without an article is usually incorrect.

She is the editor of the journal.
He sent a letter to the editor.
The role of editor requires strong judgement.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
editor of + publication

Naming a person's position

Use editor of to identify the publication or project someone edits.

She became editor of the local newspaper.
2
letter to the editor

Talking about communication

Use to the editor for messages sent to a publication.

He wrote a letter to the editor about transport issues.
3
role of editor

Describing a function or position

Of editor can follow nouns such as role, title, or duties.

The duties of editor include reviewing submissions.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
editor of
the editor of the magazine
a person responsible for a publication
to the editor
a complaint to the editor
directed toward the editor
to editor
This form is usually incorrect without an article or name.
nonstandard in ordinary English

Common mistakes

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

Omitting the article in to the editor

The standard phrase includes the article the.

✕ I sent a letter to editor. ✓ I sent a letter to the editor.

Using of editor without a governing noun

Of editor normally follows another noun.

✕ She works of editor. ✓ She works as an editor.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She is the editor ___ the website.
2. He wrote a letter ___ the editor.
3. The duties ___ editor can be demanding.

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Frequently asked questions

Is to editor ever correct?

Not usually in standard English. Use to the editor or address the person by name.

What is the difference between editor of and editor for?

Editor of names the publication. Editor for may describe responsibility for a section or project.

Can editor be used without a preposition?

Yes. For example: She works as an editor.

to, amount, in, amount, of, amount "to availability" or "of availability"? "to bed" or "in bed"? "to bit" or "by bit"? "to bottom" or "at bottom"? to, by, from, with or of ear? "to charity", "for charity" or "of charity"? "to coast" or "from coast"? "to cycle" or "of cycle"? "to deal" or "of deal"? "to debut" or "on debut"? "to end" or "on end"?

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