oxford_guide_to_english_grammar

PAGE 315 237 Noun + preposition
237 Noun + preposition
1 Some nouns can take a particular preposition.
a tax on tobacco time for lunch the price of bread
no pleasure in shopping feel pity for the victims
an example of what I mean room for lots of luggage
NOTE
a Sometimes we use the same preposition as with a related verb or adjective.
Verb/Adjective + preposition Noun + preposition
He objected to the idea.
his objection to the idea
It protects you from the cold. protection from the cold
I'm interested in art.
an interest in art
We were angry at what happened. our anger at what happened
Sometimes the verb takes a direct object but the noun takes a preposition.
Verb
Noun + preposition
I answered the question. my answer to the question
They demanded more money. their demand for more money
b Some nouns can take different prepositions.
a discussion of/about/on politics today
Sometimes the choice of preposition depends on the meaning.
his apology for being late his apology to the teacher
2 Here are some more examples of noun + preposition.
a
Advantage
England had the advantage of playing at home.
There's usually an advantage in playing at home.
b
Chance, possibility
the chance/opportunity of a quick profit
no possibility of an agreement
c
d
Connection, difference etc
a link/connection with another murder
a link/connection between the two murders
Jill's relationship with Hugo
the relationship between them
the contrast with the other side of town
the contrast between the two areas
the difference between American football and soccer
an alternative to conventional medicine
a substitute for wood
Effect, influence
The new law has had some effect on people's behaviour.
The Beatles had a great influence on/over their generation.
e
Increase etc
an increase/a rise in crime
a reduction/decrease in sales
a delay in approving the plan
an increase la rise of ten per cent
a reduction/decrease of four per cent
a delay of two months