Of vs. In: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Of" indicates belonging, origin, or composition, while "In" denotes location, time, or state.
Key Differences
"Of" is often used to show possession, origin, or association, as in "the color of the sky." Conversely, "In" is used to indicate location or position within something, like "in the house."
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Dec 19, 2023
In relationships or belonging, "of" signifies a part or member of something, as in "a piece of cake." "In" is used for periods or points in time, like "in April."
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Dec 19, 2023
"Of" can denote the material something is made of, for instance, "a ring of gold." In contrast, "In" implies being involved in a condition or activity, such as "in love."
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Dec 19, 2023
Regarding origin or source, "of" is used, like "a man of courage." For spatial relationships within boundaries, "in" is preferred, as in "in the room."
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Dec 19, 2023
"Of" is often part of phrasal verbs, implying separation, like "think of." "In" is used to denote inclusion or presence in a group, as in "in the team."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Time
Not typically used for time.
Used for specific times or dates.
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Dec 19, 2023
Position
Not used for physical positioning.
Specifies a physical or metaphorical position.
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Dec 19, 2023
Idiomatic Use
Common in idiomatic expressions.
Less common in idiomatic expressions.
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Dec 19, 2023
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Of and In Definitions
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In
Within the limits, bounds, or area of
Was hit in the face.
Born in the spring.
A chair in the garden.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
From the outside to a point within; into
Threw the letter in the wastebasket.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
To or at a situation or condition of
Was split in two.
In debt.
A woman in love.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
So as to be separated or relieved from
Robbed of one's dignity.
Cured of distemper.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Having the activity, occupation, or function of
A life in politics.
The officer in command.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
From the total or group comprising
Give of one's time.
Two of my friends.
Most of the cases.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
With the arrangement or order of
Fabric that fell in luxuriant folds.
Arranged to purchase the car in equal payments.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
With the characteristic, attribute, or property of
A tall man in an overcoat.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Made with or through the medium of
A statue in bronze.
A note written in German.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Used to indicate the second and larger term of a ratio or proportion
Saved only one in ten.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
With reference to; about
Think highly of her proposals.
Will speak of it later.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
(Sports) So as to score, as by crossing home plate in baseball
Singled the runner in.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Within a place, as of business or residence
The manager is in before anyone else.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
So as to be available or under one's control
We can proceed when all the evidence is in.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
So as to occupy a position of success or favor
Campaigned hard and was voted in.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
From, away from (a position, number, distance etc.).
There are no shops within twenty miles of the cottage.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Relating to, understandable to, or coming from an exclusive group
An in reference.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with the action indicated by a transitive verb and the quality or substance by a grammatical object.
Finally she was relieved of the burden of caring for her sick husband.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with resulting state indicated by an adjective.
He seemed devoid of human feelings.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Used to indicate location, inclusion, or position within spatial, temporal or other limits.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(obsolete) Indicating removal, absence or separation, construed with an intransitive verb.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Contained by.
The dog is in the kennel.
There were three pickles in a jar.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Within the bounds or limits of.
I like living in the city.
There are lots of trees in the park.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Indicating an ancestral source or origin of descent.
The word is believed to be of Japanese origin.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Surrounded by; among; amidst.
We are in the enemy camp.
Her plane is in the air.
Waiter! There's a fly in my soup!
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Introducing an epithet that indicates a birthplace, residence, dominion, or other place associated with the individual.
Jesus of Nazareth (after hometown)
Anselm of Canterbury (after diocese)
Anselm of Aosta (after birthplace)
Anselm of Bec (after monastery)
Pedro II of Brazil (after dominion)
Mrs Miggins of Gasworks Road, Mudchester (after place of residence)
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Wearing (an item of clothing).
I glanced over at the pretty girl in the red dress.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Indicating a (non-physical) source of action or emotion; introducing a cause, instigation; from, out of, as an expression of.
The invention was born of necessity.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Part of; a member of; out of; from among.
You are one in a million.
She's in an orchestra.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(following an intransitive verb) Indicates the source or cause of the verb.
It is said that she died of a broken heart.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
During (a period of time).
My birthday is in the first week of December.
Easter falls in the fourth lunar month.
The country reached a high level of prosperity in his first term.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(following an adjective) Indicates the subject or cause of the adjective.
I am tired of all this nonsense.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Within (a certain elapsed time); by the end of.
Will you be able to finish this in a week?
The massacre resulted in over 1000 deaths in three hours.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
At the end of (a period of time).
They said they would call us in a week.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(following a passive verb) Indicates the agent (for most verbs, now usually expressed with by).
I am not particularly enamoured of this idea.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Used to introduce the "subjective genitive"; following a noun to form the head of a postmodifying noun phrase (see also 'Possession' senses below).
The contract can be terminated at any time with the agreement of both parties.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Into.
Less water gets in your boots this way.
She stood there looking in the window longingly.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(following an adjective) Used to indicate the agent of something described by the adjective.
It was very brave of you to speak out like that.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Used to indicate limit, qualification, condition, or circumstance.
In replacing the faucet washers, he felt he was making his contribution to the environment.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(after a verb expressing construction, making etc.) Used to indicate the material or substance used.
Many 'corks' are now actually made of plastic.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Denoting a state of the subject.
He stalked away in anger.
John is in a coma.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(directly following a noun) Used to indicate the material of the just-mentioned object.
She wore a dress of silk.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Indicates, connotatively, a place-like form of someone's (or something's) personality, as his, her or its psychic and physical characteristics.
You've got a friend in me.
He's met his match in her.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Indicating the composition of a given collective or quantitative noun.
What a lot of nonsense!
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Pertaining to; with regard to.
There has been no change in his condition.
What grade did he get in English?
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Used to link a given class of things with a specific example of that class.
Welcome to the historic town of Harwich.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Links two nouns in near-apposition, with the first qualifying the second; "which is also".
I'm not driving this wreck of a car.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
(of something offered or given in an exchange) In the form of, in the denomination of.
Please pay me in cash — preferably in tens and twenties.
The deposit can be in any legal tender, even in gold.
Her generosity was rewarded in the success of its recipients.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
Used to indicate a language, script, tone, etc. of a text, speech, etc.
Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5" in C minor is among his most popular.
His speech was in French, but was simultaneously translated into eight languages.
When you write in cursive, it's illegible.
Military letters should be formal in tone, but not stilted.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Links an intransitive verb, or a transitive verb and its subject (especially verbs to do with thinking, feeling, expressing etc.), with its subject-matter; concerning, with regard to.
I'm always thinking of you.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(following a noun (now chiefly nouns of knowledge, communication etc.)) Introduces its subject matter; about, concerning.
He told us the story of his journey to India.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(following an adjective) Introduces its subject matter.
This behaviour is typical of teenagers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
At or towards the interior of a defined space, such as a building or room.
Suddenly a strange man walked in.
Would you like that to take away or eat in?
He ran to the edge of the swimming pool and dived in.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Towards the speaker or other reference point.
They flew in from London last night.
For six hours the tide flows in, then for another six hours it flows out.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(following a number or other quantitive word) Introduces the whole for which is indicated only the specified part or segment; "from among".
Most of these apples are rotten.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
So as to be enclosed or surrounded by something.
Bring the water to the boil and drop the vegetables in.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
After the beginning of something.
The show still didn't become interesting 20 minutes in.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Some, an amount of, one of.
On the whole, they seem to be of the decent sort.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
(in combination, after a verb) Denotes a gathering of people assembled for the stated activity, sometimes, though not always, suggesting a protest.
Sing-in, pray-in, hug-in; see also be-in, love-in, sit-in, teach-in.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
Links to a genitive noun or possessive pronoun, with partitive effect (though now often merged with possessive senses, below).
He is a friend of mine.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
A position of power or influence, or a way to get it.
His parents got him an in with the company.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Belonging to, existing in, or taking place in a given location, place or time. Compare "origin" senses, above.
He was perhaps the most famous scientist of the twentieth century.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
(sport) The state of a batter/batsman who is currently batting; see innings.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Belonging to (a place) through having title, ownership or control over it.
The owner of the nightclub was arrested.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Belonging to (someone or something) as something they possess or have as a characteristic; the "possessive genitive". (With abstract nouns, this intersects with the subjective genitive, above under "agency" senses.)
Keep the handle of the saucepan away from the flames.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
(not comparable) Located indoors, especially at home or at one's office or place of work.
Is Mr. Smith in?
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Follows an agent noun, verbal noun or noun of action.
She had a profound distrust of the police.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
(not comparable) Located inside something.
Little by little I pushed the snake into the basket, until finally all of it was in.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Falling or remaining within the bounds of the playing area.
If the tennis ball bounces on the line then it's in.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
Links an adjective with a noun or noun phrase to form a quasi-adverbial qualifier; in respect to, as regards.
My companion seemed affable and easy of manner.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
Inserted or fitted into something.
I've discovered why the TV wasn't working – the plug wasn't in!
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
Indicates a quality or characteristic; "characterized by".
Pooh was said to be a bear of very little brain.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
Having been collected or received.
The replies to the questionnaires are now all in.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
Indicates quantity, age, price, etc.
We have been paying interest at a rate of 10%.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
Used to link singular indefinite nouns (preceded by the indefinite article) and attributive adjectives modified by certain common adverbs of degree.
It's not that big of a deal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
During the course of (a set period of time, day of the week etc.), now specifically with implied repetition or regularity.
Of an evening, we would often go for a stroll along the river.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Of the tide, at or near its highest level.
You can't get round the headland when the tide's in.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
For (a given length of time).
I’ve not tekken her out of a goodly long while.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
(legal) With privilege or possession; used to denote a holding, possession, or seisin
In by descent;
In by purchase;
In of the seisin of her husband
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
(after a noun) Indicates duration of a state, activity etc.
After a delay of three hours, the plane finally took off.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denotes the number of minutes before the hour;Before (the hour); to.
What's the time? / Nearly a quarter of three.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
Having familiarity or involvement with somebody.
He is very in with the Joneses.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
(usually in modal perfect constructions) have, chiefly in depictions of colloquial speech.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
(informal) Having a favourable position, such as a position of influence or expected gain, in relation to another person.
I think that bird fancies you. You're in there, mate!
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
In a general sense, from, or out from; proceeding from; belonging to; relating to; concerning; - used in a variety of applications; as:
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting that from which anything proceeds; indicating origin, source, descent, and the like; as, he is of a race of kings; he is of noble blood.
That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
The specific signification of in is situation or place with respect to surrounding, environment, encompassment, etc. It is used with verbs signifying being, resting, or moving within limits, or within circumstances or conditions of any kind conceived of as limiting, confining, or investing, either wholly or in part. In its different applications, it approaches some of the meanings of, and sometimes is interchangeable with, within, into, on, at, of, and among.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting possession or ownership, or the relation of subject to attribute; as, the apartment of the consul: the power of the king; a man of courage; the gate of heaven.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
With reference to space or place; as, he lives in Boston; he traveled in Italy; castles in the air.
The babe lying in a manger.
Thy sun sets weeping in the lowly west.
Situated in the forty-first degree of latitude.
Matter for censure in every page.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting the material of which anything is composed, or that which it contains; as, a throne of gold; a sword of steel; a wreath of mist; a cup of water.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
With reference to circumstances or conditions; as, he is in difficulties; she stood in a blaze of light.
Wrapt in sweet sounds, as in bright veils.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting part of an aggregate or whole; belonging to a number or quantity mentioned; out of; from amongst; as, of this little he had some to spare; some of the mines were unproductive; most of the company.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
It is a duty to communicate of those blessings we have received.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
With reference to a whole which includes or comprises the part spoken of; as, the first in his family; the first regiment in the army.
Nine in ten of those who enter the ministry.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting that by which a person or thing is actuated or impelled; also, the source of a purpose or action; due to; as, they went of their own will; no body can move of itself; he did it of necessity.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
With reference to physical surrounding, personal states, etc., abstractly denoted; as, I am in doubt; the room is in darkness; to live in fear.
When shall we three meet again,In thunder, lightning, or in rain?
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting reference to a thing; about; concerning; relating to; as, to boast of one's achievements; they talked of many things.
Knew you of this fair work?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
With reference to character, reach, scope, or influence considered as establishing a limitation; as, to be in one's favor.
Sounds inharmonious in themselves, and harsh.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting nearness or distance, either in space or time; from; as, within a league of the town; within an hour of the appointed time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
With reference to movement or tendency toward a certain limit or environment; - sometimes equivalent to into; as, to put seed in the ground; to fall in love; to end in death; to put our trust in God.
He would not plunge his brother in despair.
She had no jewels to deposit in their caskets.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting identity or equivalence; - used with a name or appellation, and equivalent to the relation of apposition; as, the continent of America; the city of Rome; the Island of Cuba.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
With reference to a limit of time; as, in an hour; it happened in the last century; in all my life.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting the agent, or person by whom, or thing by which, anything is, or is done; by.
And told to her of [by] some.
He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
[Jesus] being forty days tempted of the devil.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
Not out; within; inside. In, the preposition, becomes an adverb by omission of its object, leaving it as the representative of an adverbial phrase, the context indicating what the omitted object is; as, he takes in the situation (i. e., he comprehends it in his mind); the Republicans were in (i. e., in office); in at one ear and out at the other (i. e., in or into the head); his side was in (i. e., in the turn at the bat); he came in (i. e., into the house).
Their vacation . . . falls in so pat with ours.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Of
Denoting relation to place or time; belonging to, or connected with; as, men of Athens; the people of the Middle Ages; in the days of Herod.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
With privilege or possession; - used to denote a holding, possession, or seisin; as, in by descent; in by purchase; in of the seisin of her husband.
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Dec 10, 2023
Of
During; in the course of.
Not be seen to wink of all the day.
My custom always of the afternoon.
Why, knows not Montague, that of itselfEngland is safe, if true within itself?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
A reëntrant angle; a nook or corner.
All the ins and outs of this neighborhood.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
In
To inclose; to take in; to harvest.
He that ears my land spares my team and gives me leave to in the crop.
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Dec 10, 2023
In
A rare soft silvery metallic element; occurs in small quantities in sphalerite
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Dec 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How is "in" used spatially?
"In" is used to indicate being inside or within boundaries.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
When should I use "of"?
Use "of" to indicate belonging, origin, or composition.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Is "in" used for time?
Yes, "in" is often used to specify time, like "in June."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Is "in" used for conditions?
Yes, it can indicate being in a particular state or condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Can "of" denote a relationship?
Yes, "of" can indicate relationships or associations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
How is "in" used in technology?
To indicate presence in digital spaces, like "in an app."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
How does "in" relate to groups?
"In" can denote being part of a group or category.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Is "of" used for specific times?
No, it's more about relationships than time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Can "of" be used in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, it's common in idioms, like "out of control."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
How is "in" used in business?
To indicate involvement, like "in marketing."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Is "in" used in everyday conversation?
Yes, it's very common in daily language.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Does "of" have a temporal use?
Rarely, it's more about connection or belonging.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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