Prepositions of Possession in English – Rules, Examples and Exercises

Prepositions of Possession in English

What are prepositions of possession in English? How do we use them to show ownership or belonging in everyday sentences? And why do learners often get confused between “of,” “to,” and “with”? If you’ve ever asked these questions, you are not alone.

Prepositions of possession are small but powerful words that link one noun to another to express ownership, relationship, or belonging. In simple words, they tell us who owns what or who something belongs to. For example:

• The book of my friend → shows the book belongs to my friend.
• The keys to the house → shows the keys belong with the house.
• The man with a red car → shows the man owns or has a red car.

These little words may look simple, but they often create big challenges for learners. Many students confuse them with other prepositions or struggle to know when to use “of,” “to,” or “with.” Mastering prepositions of possession is important not only for clear grammar but also for natural and fluent English communication.

According to trusted grammar sources such as the Cambridge Grammar of the English Language and the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries, prepositions of possession are one of the key tools English uses to show relationships between people, objects, and ideas. Without them, our sentences can sound incomplete or even confusing.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• Clear explanations of what prepositions of possession mean.
• Real-life examples that show how they are used in everyday speech and writing.
• Step-by-step grammar rules that make them easy to understand.
• Common mistakes and practical tips to avoid them.
• Exercises and answers to test your learning.

By the end, you’ll not only understand what prepositions of possession in English are, but also feel confident using them in your own sentences.

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List of Prepositions of Possession

Below is a list of prepositions of possession along with their meanings and example sentences:

Preposition	Meaning	Example Sentence 1	Example Sentence 2
Of	Indicates belonging or relation	The pages of the book are torn.	She is a friend of mine.
To	Shows possession, especially relationships	This pen belongs to me.	The key to the door is lost.
With	Indicates possession through an attribute or characteristic	The boy with blue eyes is my cousin.	She is the one with the golden necklace.
By	Can show authorship or ownership	This novel is written by J.K. Rowling.	The house by the river is beautiful.
From	Sometimes used to show possession or origin	This advice came from my father.	The letter from John is on the table.
In	Can indicate possession in certain contexts	The error in the report must be corrected.	There is wisdom in his words.
For	Can imply possession or association	This gift is for my mother.	The medal for bravery was awarded to him.
About	Sometimes used to indicate possession or relation	The book about Shakespeare is very informative.	There is a rumor about the new manager.

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Prepositions of Possession in English: Explanation and Overview

When we talk about prepositions of possession in English, we are focusing on special words that show ownership, belonging, or connection. These prepositions help us explain who something belongs to or what relationship exists between two things.

Think of them as a bridge. One side of the bridge is the person or thing that owns something. The other side is the object or idea that is owned. The preposition stands in the middle, making the relationship clear.

What are Prepositions of Possession?

A preposition of possession is a word used to link a noun or pronoun to another noun, pronoun, or idea, showing ownership or belonging.

The most common prepositions of possession in English are:

• of
• to
• with

Let’s break them down with examples:

1. Of – shows belonging or relationship.
   • The roof of the house (the house owns the roof).
   • The son of a teacher (the teacher has a son).
2. To – shows a stronger sense of belonging or connection.
   • The keys to the office (the keys belong with the office).
   • The solution to the problem (the solution is linked to the problem).
3. With – shows possession in the sense of having or carrying.
   • The man with blue eyes (the man has blue eyes).
   • The girl with a guitar (the girl owns or carries a guitar).

Why Are Prepositions of Possession Important?

Without them, sentences would feel incomplete or awkward. For example:

• ❌ The car my friend → This is wrong and unclear.
• ✅ The car of my friend → Now it is clear who owns the car.

They also allow English speakers to express relationships beyond ownership, such as:

• Physical possession (the handle of the door).
• Emotional connection (her love for the city).
• Functional relationship (the answer to the question).

How Do They Work in Sentences?

Prepositions of possession usually come between two nouns or a noun and a pronoun.

• Noun + preposition + noun
  • The crown of the king
  • The recipe for success (though “for” is not always strictly a possession preposition, it sometimes works similarly).
• Pronoun + preposition + noun
  • His picture with his dog
  • Our trip to Paris

Quick Q&A Style Clarification

• Q: Can we use “of,” “to,” and “with” interchangeably?
  A: Not always. Each has its own function. “The book of my friend” is correct, but “the book with my friend” changes the meaning completely.
• Q: Are these the only prepositions of possession?
  A: No. While “of,” “to,” and “with” are the main ones, some contexts also use “for” and “about” in extended ways. For example, “the duty of a leader” or “the responsibility for the mistake.”

A Quick Visual Analogy

Imagine you are in a classroom. You see:

• A student with a notebook → “with” shows possession.
• A notebook of a student → “of” shows belonging.
• A notebook to the teacher → “to” shows that it is given or linked.

Even though the subject is the same (student + notebook), the preposition changes the meaning completely. That’s the power of prepositions of possession.

Prepositions of Possession in English: 10 Common Real-life Examples

Examples are the best way to understand how prepositions of possession in English work in real communication. Below are ten real-life situations where these prepositions make sentences clear, natural, and meaningful.

1. The roof of the house

• Meaning: The house owns or has the roof.
• Example in context: The roof of the house was damaged during the storm.

2. The keys to the apartment

• Meaning: The apartment is connected with the keys.
• Example in context: She lost the keys to the apartment, so she couldn’t get inside.

3. The man with a kind smile

• Meaning: The man has or carries a kind smile.
• Example in context: Everyone liked the man with a kind smile at the party.

4. The crown of the king

• Meaning: The crown belongs to the king.
• Example in context: The crown of the king was decorated with rare jewels.

5. The solution to the problem

• Meaning: The solution is directly related to the problem.
• Example in context: Hard work is the best solution to the problem of failure.

6. The girl with curly hair

• Meaning: The girl possesses or has curly hair.
• Example in context: The girl with curly hair is my cousin.

7. The responsibilities of a teacher

• Meaning: The responsibilities belong to the teacher.
• Example in context: The responsibilities of a teacher include guiding and motivating students.

8. The road to the village

• Meaning: The road leads to or connects with the village.
• Example in context: We traveled along the road to the village before sunset.

9. The man with a red car

• Meaning: The man owns or drives the red car.
• Example in context: Do you know the man with a red car parked outside?

10. The dreams of children

• Meaning: The dreams belong to the children.
• Example in context: The dreams of children often reflect hope and imagination.

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Quick Recap of Patterns

• “Of” → shows belonging (the book of my friend).
• “To” → shows connection or direction (the answer to the question).
• “With” → shows having or carrying (the boy with a backpack).

👉 These examples come from everyday life—houses, schools, roads, people, and objects—making them easy to remember.

Prepositions of Possession in English: When to Use Them – All the Key Situations

Knowing the meaning of prepositions of possession in English is useful. But the real skill lies in understanding when to use them correctly. Each preposition—of, to, with—fits specific situations. Using the wrong one can change or even confuse the meaning of a sentence.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

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1. Use “of” when showing ownership or belonging

• To show that something belongs to someone or something.
  • The toys of the children → toys that belong to the children.
• To describe a part-whole relationship.
  • The color of the sky → the sky has the color.
• To express qualities or characteristics.
  • The kindness of strangers → kindness shown by strangers.
• To talk about roles, responsibilities, or duties.
  • The duty of a soldier → a soldier’s duty.

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2. Use “to” when showing a strong link, connection, or direction

• To show that something is connected or belongs in relation.
  • The keys to the car → keys linked to the car.
• To indicate a solution or answer.
  • The answer to the question → the answer belongs with the question.
• To describe direction or relation.
  • The road to the city → road connected to the city.
• To express belonging in a formal way.
  • The title to the land → legal ownership of the land.

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3. Use “with” when showing possession in terms of having or carrying

• To describe someone who has something.
  • The man with a guitar → the man owns or carries a guitar.
• To describe physical features or traits.
  • The girl with green eyes → she has green eyes.
• To show people or objects accompanied by something.
  • The room with a balcony → the room includes a balcony.
• To indicate tools or instruments.
  • He fixed the door with a screwdriver → possession of a tool.

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4. Extended Situations – Other Possession-like Uses

While of, to, and with are the main prepositions of possession, some related situations use other prepositions:

• For → The responsibility for the mistake (shows possession of responsibility).
• About → The story about the hero (connects story to the hero).
• Over (less common) → He has control over the project (possession of authority).

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Practical Summary

• Use “of” for belonging and describing parts or qualities.
• Use “to” for strong connections, direction, and solutions.
• Use “with” for having, carrying, or including something.
• Use “for/about/over” in extended or specific contexts of possession.

Prepositions of Possession in English: Conjugation Rules

Unlike verbs, prepositions of possession in English (like of, to, with) do not change form. Instead, their “conjugation rules” are about how they connect with nouns and pronouns. These rules help us structure sentences correctly and avoid errors.

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Rule 1: “Of” + Noun / Pronoun

“Of” usually comes between two nouns or between a pronoun and a noun.

Pattern:

• Noun + of + Noun
• Pronoun + of + Noun

Examples:

• The roof of the house
• The son of a teacher
• A picture of him
• The courage of my friend

Structure	Example	Meaning
Noun + of + Noun	The door of the car	The car owns the door
Pronoun + of + Noun	A photo of her	The photo belongs to/represents her
Abstract Noun + of + Noun	The idea of freedom	Freedom holds the idea

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Rule 2: “To” + Noun / Pronoun

“To” shows a stronger link or direction, often after certain nouns.

Pattern:

• Noun + to + Noun
• Noun + to + Pronoun

Examples:

• The keys to the house
• The solution to the problem
• The invitation to them

Structure	Example	Meaning
Noun + to + Noun	The answer to the riddle	The riddle has the answer
Noun + to + Pronoun	The gift to her	The gift belongs to/was given to her
Abstract Noun + to + Noun	His loyalty to his country	His country receives the loyalty

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Rule 3: “With” + Noun

“With” is used to show possession in the sense of having or carrying.

Pattern:

• Noun + with + Noun
• Pronoun + with + Noun

Examples:

• The man with a hat
• The girl with a smile
• The student with him

Structure	Example	Meaning
Noun + with + Noun	The boy with a ball	The boy has a ball
Pronoun + with + Noun	She is the one with the book	She has the book
Object + with + Noun	The house with a garden	The house includes a garden

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Rule 4: Pronoun Possession with Prepositions

Sometimes, pronouns combine with prepositions of possession for clarity.

Examples:

• A gift to me
• A story about us
• A picture of them
• The man with her

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Rule 5: Extended Prepositions (for possession-like meaning)

Though not the main three, some other prepositions work in “possession-like” roles.

Preposition	Example	Meaning
For	The duty for the task	Responsibility over the task
About	A book about Gandhi	The book belongs to Gandhi’s life
Over	Control over the company	Possession of power

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👉 Think of it this way:

• Of → belongs to
• To → linked/connected to
• With → has/contains

These rules don’t require memorizing “verb-like” conjugations, but they do require noticing the correct pairings with nouns and pronouns.

Prepositions of Possession in English: Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Mastering prepositions of possession in English is easier when you follow some fixed grammar rules. These rules guide how “of,” “to,” and “with” (and sometimes related prepositions) are used in sentences.

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Rule 1: “Of” shows ownership, parts, and qualities

• Always use of when talking about what belongs to someone or something.
• It also shows parts of a whole or qualities of a person/thing.

Examples:

• The color of the sky (the sky has the color).
• The book of my friend (the friend owns the book).
• The courage of the soldier (the soldier’s courage).

✅ Correct: The beauty of nature
❌ Wrong: The beauty to nature

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Rule 2: “To” shows belonging in a directional or relational sense

• Use to when one thing is linked to another in a clear relationship.
• Often used after words like answer, key, solution, invitation, loyalty, access.

Examples:

• The answer to the question
• The key to the house
• His loyalty to his country

✅ Correct: The solution to the problem
❌ Wrong: The solution of the problem (possible but less natural).

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Rule 3: “With” shows possession by having or carrying

• Use with when something is being described as having another thing.
• Often used for physical features, items, or companions.

Examples:

• The girl with a guitar
• The boy with blue eyes
• The house with a balcony

✅ Correct: The teacher with glasses
❌ Wrong: The teacher of glasses

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Rule 4: Possessive nouns and “of” can overlap

• Sometimes, English allows both possessive ’s and “of.”
  • My friend’s book = The book of my friend
• But for non-living things or abstract nouns, “of” sounds more natural.
  • ✅ The door of the car
  • ❌ The car’s door (technically correct, but less natural in formal English).

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Rule 5: Do not mix prepositions

• Only one preposition of possession should be used in a phrase.
  • ❌ Wrong: The solution of to the problem
  • ✅ Correct: The solution to the problem

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Rule 6: Use pronouns carefully with prepositions

• After prepositions, always use the object form of pronouns (me, him, her, us, them).

Examples:

• A gift to me (not “to I”)
• A story about them (not “about they”)
• A picture of her (not “of she”)

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Rule 7: Context decides the preposition

Sometimes two prepositions seem possible, but the meaning changes.

Examples:

• The picture of my sister → shows the picture belongs to/represents my sister.
• The picture with my sister → shows my sister is included in the picture.

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Rule 8: Extended Prepositions in Possession

Other prepositions also express possession-like meanings in special cases.

• For → responsibility (The blame for the accident)
• Over → authority (Control over the team)
• About → relation (A story about a king)

Prepositions of Possession in English: Important Tips for Using Them Correctly

Even after learning the rules, many learners still make mistakes with prepositions of possession in English. Why? Because in real life, usage depends on context, meaning, and subtle differences between “of,” “to,” and “with.” Here are some practical tips to help you master them.

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✅ Tip 1: Use “of” for formal and written English

• “Of” often sounds more natural in formal writing (essays, reports, academic work).
• Possessive ’s (my friend’s, the teacher’s) is common in spoken English, but “of” feels more serious in writing.

Examples:

• The responsibilities of a teacher (formal)
• A teacher’s responsibilities (spoken/informal)

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✅ Tip 2: Don’t confuse “of” and “to”

• Of shows ownership, while to shows connection or direction.

Examples:

• The book of the student → the book belongs to the student.
• The key to the locker → the key is linked with the locker.

👉 A simple check: If it’s about “belongs to,” use of. If it’s about “connected to,” use to.

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✅ Tip 3: Use “with” to describe features or possessions

• “With” is best for describing someone or something that has something.

Examples:

• The girl with long hair (the girl has long hair).
• The house with a big garden (the house has a garden).

👉 Think: “with” = “having.”

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✅ Tip 4: Be careful with double meanings

Some sentences change meaning completely depending on the preposition.

Examples:

• The picture of my sister → a photo that represents my sister.
• The picture with my sister → a photo where I appear together with my sister.

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✅ Tip 5: Watch for collocations (common word pairings)

In English, certain words naturally pair with specific prepositions.

• The solution to a problem (not “of a problem”)
• The cause of the issue (not “to the issue”)
• A man with a beard (not “of a beard”)

👉 Checking a reliable dictionary like Cambridge or Oxford Learner’s can help you learn these pairings.

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✅ Tip 6: Use pronouns in the object form after prepositions

• Always say: with me, to her, of him, about them.
• Never say: with I, to she, of they.

Examples:

• He gave the keys to me (correct)
• He gave the keys to I (wrong)

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✅ Tip 7: Think in pictures to remember

Visualizing helps:

• Of → imagine a label of ownership (roof of the house).
• To → imagine an arrow showing direction (road to the city).
• With → imagine someone carrying or having something (man with a bag).

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✅ Tip 8: Practice in everyday life

• Describe objects around you using “of,” “to,” and “with.”
• Example: The cover of my notebook, The road to my school, The boy with a red cap.

👉 The more you use them in real situations, the faster you’ll remember them.

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✅ Tip 9: Learn from native usage

• Reading English newspapers, books, or articles will show you how native speakers naturally use prepositions of possession.
• Pay attention to collocations like “the future of technology,” “the right to vote,” “a person with courage.”

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✅ Tip 10: Be patient—these are tricky even for advanced learners

Even advanced English learners sometimes struggle with choosing between “of,” “to,” and “with.” Don’t get discouraged. With steady practice, patterns will become clear.

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👉 By applying these tips, you’ll not only avoid common confusions but also use prepositions of possession in English naturally and confidently in real-life conversations and writing.

Prepositions of Possession in English: Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even after learning the rules, many learners still make errors with prepositions of possession in English. Most mistakes happen because learners try to directly translate from their native language, or they confuse similar prepositions. Let’s look at the most frequent mistakes—and how to correct them.

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❌ Mistake 1: Using “of” instead of “to”

• Wrong: The solution of the problem
• Correct: The solution to the problem
• Why? In English, “solution” naturally pairs with “to.” It shows a connection, not ownership.

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❌ Mistake 2: Using “to” instead of “of”

• Wrong: The book to the student (unless it means “giving”)
• Correct: The book of the student
• Why? Here, the book belongs to the student, so “of” is the right preposition.

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❌ Mistake 3: Using “of” for physical traits

• Wrong: The girl of blue eyes
• Correct: The girl with blue eyes
• Why? “With” describes features or possessions like eyes, hair, or clothes.

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❌ Mistake 4: Mixing double prepositions

• Wrong: The keys of to the apartment
• Correct: The keys to the apartment
• Why? Only one preposition of possession is needed.

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❌ Mistake 5: Using subject pronouns after prepositions

• Wrong: He gave the gift to I
• Correct: He gave the gift to me
• Why? Prepositions are always followed by object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them).

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❌ Mistake 6: Confusing “of” and possessive ’s

• Wrong (formal writing): The friend’s house is big (okay in speech, but less formal).
• Correct: The house of my friend (better in formal contexts).
• Why? In academic and formal writing, “of” often sounds more professional.

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❌ Mistake 7: Using “with” where “of” is required

• Wrong: The responsibilities with a teacher
• Correct: The responsibilities of a teacher
• Why? Responsibilities belong to a teacher, so “of” is the correct preposition.

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❌ Mistake 8: Translating word-for-word from native language

• Wrong: The answer of the question (common mistake for learners from some languages).
• Correct: The answer to the question
• Why? English uses “to” with “answer.” Direct translation doesn’t always work.

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❌ Mistake 9: Forgetting context meaning

• Wrong: The picture of my mother (when you mean you’re standing with her).
• Correct: The picture with my mother
• Why? “Of” shows the picture represents her. “With” shows you appear together.

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❌ Mistake 10: Overusing “of” in spoken English

• Wrong (spoken): The car of my friend
• Correct (spoken): My friend’s car
• Why? While “of” is grammatically correct, it sounds formal. Native speakers often prefer possessive ’s in daily conversations.

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👉 By spotting these mistakes and practicing the corrected versions, learners can quickly improve their accuracy and fluency when using prepositions of possession in English.

Prepositions of Possession in English Example Sentences

Here are twenty carefully chosen sentences that show how prepositions of possession in English work in real situations. Read them slowly, and notice how the meaning changes with each preposition.

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Using “of”

1. The roof of the house was damaged in the storm.
2. The courage of the soldier inspired the villagers.
3. The color of the sky changes at sunset.
4. The responsibilities of a teacher include guiding students.
5. The dreams of children are often filled with hope.
6. The beauty of nature makes us feel calm.
7. The rules of the game are easy to follow.

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Using “to”

8. The keys to the office are kept at the front desk.
9. The answer to the question was simple.
10. This road leads to the city center.
11. His loyalty to his family is admirable.
12. The invitation to the wedding arrived yesterday.
13. The title to the land was transferred legally.

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Using “with”

14. The boy with a backpack is waiting at the bus stop.
15. The teacher with glasses helped me solve the problem.
16. The girl with curly hair sings beautifully.
17. The house with a balcony has the best view.
18. The man with a kind smile greeted us warmly.

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Extended Usage (Other Prepositions)

19. She took responsibility for the mistake immediately.
20. He has control over the project at work.

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👉 These examples highlight the most common ways learners will encounter prepositions of possession in English in both everyday and formal situations.

Prepositions of Possession in English: Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise

Test your understanding of prepositions of possession in English by filling in the blanks with the correct preposition (of, to, with, for, over).

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Exercise

1. The color ___ the flowers is very bright.
2. The answer ___ the riddle was unexpected.
3. The boy ___ a blue cap is my brother.
4. The keys ___ the classroom are missing.
5. The teacher ___ patience guided her students well.
6. His loyalty ___ his country is admired by all.
7. The man ___ a bicycle waved at us.
8. The responsibilities ___ a doctor are not easy.
9. The invitation ___ the party was delivered late.
10. The solution ___ the problem lies in teamwork.
11. The house ___ a garden is very beautiful.
12. The courage ___ the firefighter saved many lives.
13. The student ___ the highest marks received an award.
14. The control ___ the project is in her hands.
15. The picture ___ my grandmother is on the wall.
16. The picture ___ my grandmother and me is my favorite.
17. The road ___ the village is blocked.
18. The girl ___ long hair is in my class.
19. The rules ___ the game are easy to learn.
20. She took responsibility ___ the error immediately.

Prepositions of Possession in English: Check Your Answers

Here are the correct answers for the fill-in-the-blank exercise:

1. The color of the flowers is very bright.
2. The answer to the riddle was unexpected.
3. The boy with a blue cap is my brother.
4. The keys to the classroom are missing.
5. The teacher of patience guided her students well.
6. His loyalty to his country is admired by all.
7. The man with a bicycle waved at us.
8. The responsibilities of a doctor are not easy.
9. The invitation to the party was delivered late.
10. The solution to the problem lies in teamwork.
11. The house with a garden is very beautiful.
12. The courage of the firefighter saved many lives.
13. The student with the highest marks received an award.
14. The control over the project is in her hands.
15. The picture of my grandmother is on the wall.
16. The picture with my grandmother and me is my favorite.
17. The road to the village is blocked.
18. The girl with long hair is in my class.
19. The rules of the game are easy to learn.
20. She took responsibility for the error immediately.

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👉 If you got most of them right, you’re building a strong grasp of prepositions of possession in English. If you struggled with some, review the rules and examples again before moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Prepositions of Possession in English

1. What is a “preposition of possession” in English?

Answer:
A preposition of possession is a word that links two nouns (or pronouns) to show ownership, belonging, or connection. In English, the most common ones are of, to, and with.

• The cover of the book → the book owns the cover.
• The key to the door → the key belongs or connects to the door.
• The girl with a bicycle → the girl has or carries a bicycle.

Sometimes, other prepositions like for, over, and about also express possession-like meanings (e.g., responsibility for a task, control over a project, a book about a hero).

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2. When should I use “of” vs “to” to show possession?

Answer:
Choosing of or to depends on the relationship between things:

• Use of for ownership, parts, qualities, or belonging.
  • The color of the sky, the responsibilities of a teacher.
• Use to for connection, belonging in a functional sense, direction, or legal possession.
  • The key to the car, the answer to the question, title to the land.

Examples side by side:

• The roof of the building vs the key to the building
• The name of the winner vs the access to the winner’s data

A trick: If the relationship is more than just “belongs,” use to (it shows link or direction). If it’s pure possession, often of works.

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3. Can we end a sentence with a preposition like “of,” “to,” or “with”?

Answer:
Yes — in modern, conversational English, it’s okay (and often more natural) to end a sentence with a preposition, especially “with” or “to.”

Examples:

• Who is she talking to? (instead of To whom is she talking?)
• What did you come up with?
• The man I used to work with left.

In formal writing, you may avoid ending with a preposition if possible (“With whom did you speak?”), but in everyday speech and many modern texts, ending with a preposition is perfectly acceptable and natural.

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4. Can we use possessive ’s (my, his, their) instead of prepositions of possession?

Answer:
Yes, possessive ’s (or possessive pronouns) often replace “of” in spoken and informal English. But there are cases where “of” is more suitable, especially in formal or descriptive writing.

Examples:

• My friend’s book = The book of my friend
• The company’s policies = The policies of the company

But for long noun phrases or abstract things, “of” helps avoid awkwardness:

• The government’s failure to act is okay, but
• The failure of the government to act is more formal and clear in longer constructions.

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5. Why do we say “a friend of mine” rather than “my friend’s friend”?

Answer:
When we say a friend of mine, we use of with a pronoun in the object form (mine). This structure emphasizes one among many friends. It’s a common pattern in English.

• A friend of mine
• A relative of hers
• A colleague of theirs

If you said “my friend’s friend”, it would mean “the friend who belongs to my friend,” which is a different meaning.

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6. When do we use “with” as a preposition of possession?

Answer:
Use with when describing someone or something that has, carries, or features something. It often describes physical attributes, possessions, or companions.

Examples:

• The boy with green eyes
• The woman with a red umbrella
• A house with a garden
• The man with the hat

“With” emphasizes that possession or characteristic is present in the subject.

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7. Is “of” always more formal than “’s”?

Answer:
Often yes — “of” tends to appear more in formal or written English, while apostrophe + s (’s) is more conversational.

Examples:

• Formal: The name of the company
• Informal: The company’s name

But in speech or casual writing, people almost always prefer the ’s form: the company’s rules, our teacher’s advice, etc.

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8. Can we say “the answer of the question” instead of “the answer to the question”?

Answer:
While “the answer of the question” is understandable, it is not idiomatic in English. The correct, natural phrase is “the answer to the question.”

Why? Because “answer” typically collocates with to, showing the relationship or link between question and answer.

• ✅ The answer to the question
• ❌ The answer of the question

Always watch for common collocations (word + preposition patterns).

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9. How do we choose between “of” and “with” when we describe a noun?

Answer:

• Use of if you mean that something belongs to or is part of something.
  • The roof of the car
  • The name of the building
• Use with if you mean someone has or carries something.
  • The man with a suitcase
  • The girl with red hair

Example to compare:

• The picture of my sister → shows the picture represents my sister.
• The picture with my sister → she appears in the picture with me.

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10. Are there other prepositions (besides of, to, with) that express possession?

Answer:
Yes. Some other prepositions can carry a sense of possession or relation in certain contexts:

• For → responsibility for the project, gift for a friend
• Over → control over the company, authority over staff
• About → a book about history (connects topic)
• By → a novel by an author (authorship)

But these are not “pure” possession prepositions — their usage depends more on context and meaning.

---

11. Why do some learners say “the man of red car” instead of “the man with a red car”?

Answer:
This error often comes from direct translation from other languages where a preposition equivalent to “of” is used for many relationships. In English, though, we use with to describe having, especially for physical possessions or features.

• ✅ The man with a red car
• ❌ The man of a red car

When you describe someone having something, think “with,” not “of.”

---

12. Can pronouns follow prepositions of possession? How?

Answer:
Yes. After prepositions, you must use the object form of pronouns: me, him, her, us, them.

Examples:

• A gift to me
• A story about him
• The picture of her
• A friend with them

Never say “to I”, “of he”, or “with she”.

---

13. Can we use “of” when there’s no article before the noun?

Answer:
Yes. Sometimes “of” attaches directly to a noun without an article.

Examples:

• Kings of England
• Members of society
• Beauty of nature

But if the noun is countable and specific, you often add an article or determiner:

• The roof of the building, not roof of building (unless in poetic or headline style).

---

14. Does the meaning change if I swap prepositions of possession?

Answer:
Yes, often dramatically. Changing the preposition can change the relationship entirely.

Examples:

• The friend of the teacher → the teacher has a friend.
• The teacher with the friend → the teacher is together with the friend.
• The picture of my sister → my sister is represented in the picture.
• The picture with my sister → she is present in the picture along with me.

So always check meaning before choosing.

---

15. When should I not use “of” even though it seems like possession?

Answer:
You should avoid “of” with certain nouns that commonly take “to,” “for,” or “with,” or with verbs that pair with particular prepositions.

Examples:

• The access to the system (not of).
• The dedication to his work.
• A reason for the delay.
• The blame for the accident.

If you find a noun or verb already paired with a preposition, use that standard combination in natural English.

---

16. How do articles (a, an, the) work with prepositions of possession?

Answer:
Articles modify the nouns before or after the preposition. The choice depends on whether you refer to a specific or general thing.

Examples:

• A book of knowledge (any book)
• The book of knowledge I bought (a particular one)
• The roof of the house — here, “the house” is specific.
• A friend of mine — indefinite friend from among many.

Sometimes “of + pronoun” replaces article + noun:

• A friend of mine, the leader of ours, etc.

---

17. Can we use “to” for possession when giving or receiving?

Answer:
Yes. When “to” indicates transfer, assigning, or giving ownership, it works well.

Examples:

• I gave the gift to her
• The title to the land was transferred
• Ownership to him

In such cases, “to” emphasizes the direction or transfer of possession.

---

18. Why do some phrases like “a house of cards” or “a cup of tea” not really show possession?

Answer:
These phrases are idiomatic or figurative. Though they use “of,” they don’t express real ownership. Instead, they form fixed expressions:

• A house of cards (a fragile structure)
• A cup of tea (literally tea in a cup)
• A piece of cake

Learners sometimes misinterpret every “of” as representing possession. But not all “of” phrases are about possession.

---

19. Are there exceptions or irregular uses in possession prepositions?

Answer:
Yes, some phrases are irregular or fixed, and must be memorized:

• The right to vote
• Access to information
• Part of the problem
• Control over the situation

Also, idioms like “a friend of mine”, “a matter of fact”, “one of those days” do not always follow the literal logic but are standard usage.

---

20. How can I practice choosing the right preposition of possession?

Answer:
Here are practical methods:

1. Read native texts (articles, stories, blogs) and notice how “of,” “to,” and “with” are used with nouns.
2. Make your own sentences using everyday objects: the leg of the chair, the key to the room, the man with a hat.
3. Create mini dialogues and try both “of” and “to” to see which sounds right.
   • “Whose bag is this?” → “It’s the bag of my brother.” vs “It’s the bag of my brother.”
4. Use fill-in-the-blank exercises (like in this blog).
5. Check collocation lists or dictionaries (Cambridge, Oxford) to learn which nouns naturally pair with which prepositions.

With regular practice and awareness, you’ll gain confidence in using prepositions of possession correctly.

Prepositions of Possession in English: Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick summary of the most important things to remember about prepositions of possession in English:

• Definition: Prepositions of possession show ownership, belonging, or connection between two nouns or a noun and a pronoun.
• Main Prepositions: The three most common are of, to, and with.
• “Of”: Used for ownership, parts, qualities, or roles.
  • Example: The roof of the house, The courage of a hero.
• “To”: Used for strong connection, belonging in a relational sense, direction, or transfer.
  • Example: The key to the door, The solution to the problem.
• “With”: Used for describing features, possessions, or someone carrying/including something.
  • Example: The girl with blue eyes, The man with a hat.
• Other Prepositions: Sometimes for, over, about, by can express possession or relation in special contexts.
• Common Mistakes: Learners often confuse “of” and “to” (solution to not solution of), or use “of” where “with” is needed (girl with blue eyes not girl of blue eyes).
• Pronoun Rule: Always use object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) after prepositions.
• Formal vs Informal: “Of” is more formal, while possessive ’s (my friend’s car) is common in everyday English.
• Key Collocations: Learn fixed pairings like the answer to, the cause of, the man with.
• Practical Tip: Think visually—
  • “Of” = label of ownership.
  • “To” = arrow of connection/direction.
  • “With” = carrying or having.

👉 If you remember these quick points, you’ll confidently use prepositions of possession in English in both writing and speaking.

Conclusion: Prepositions of Possession in English – Rules, Examples, and Practice

Prepositions of possession in English may look small, but they carry big meaning. They are the bridge between nouns, helping us explain who owns something, what belongs where, and how people or things are connected. Whether it’s the roof of the house, the key to the door, or the man with a smile, these prepositions make our sentences clear and natural.

Here’s what we learned in this guide:

• Of shows belonging, qualities, and parts (the courage of a hero).
• To shows connection, direction, or transfer (the answer to the question).
• With shows having or carrying (the girl with curly hair).
• Extended prepositions like for, over, and about also express possession in special contexts (responsibility for a task, control over a project).
• Using the wrong preposition can change the meaning of your sentence, so it’s important to choose carefully.

The good news? Once you understand the patterns and practice daily, these prepositions become second nature. Start by describing the things around you—the door of the car, the road to school, the boy with a red backpack. With time, you’ll notice how naturally they flow into your speech and writing.

Language learning is a journey. Every small detail you master—like prepositions of possession—brings you one step closer to fluency and confidence in English.

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