How it works
Noun-preposition combinations are lexical patterns: a reason for, an increase in, an effect on. The preposition takes a noun or -ing form. A related verb may require a different pattern, so learn the noun phrase as a unit. The reference list below contains 50 combinations with examples.
Examples in context
Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.
- There is a solution to this problem.
- We noticed an increase in demand.
- What was the reason for leaving?
- The change had an effect on sales.
- There is a lack of evidence.
access to
Students have access to the library.
an advantage of
An advantage of walking is the exercise.
an alternative to
Cycling is an alternative to driving.
an answer to
We need an answer to this question.
an apology for
She offered an apology for the delay.
an application for
He submitted an application for the job.
an approach to
We need a new approach to teaching.
an argument about
They had an argument about the schedule.
an arrangement for
We made an arrangement for the delivery.
an attitude towards
Her attitude towards change is positive.
awareness of
The campaign raised awareness of the problem.
a ban on
There is a ban on parking here.
a belief in
She has a strong belief in cooperation.
a cause of
Noise is a cause of stress.
a change in
We noticed a change in his behaviour.
a choice between
There is a choice between two routes.
a comment on
He made a comment on the report.
a comparison with
A comparison with last year shows progress.
a complaint about
We received a complaint about the noise.
a connection with
The incident has a connection with the earlier case.
a decrease in
There has been a decrease in traffic.
a delay in
There was a delay in processing the application.
a demand for
There is a demand for affordable housing.
a difference between
There is a difference between the two models.
difficulty with
She has difficulty with the new software.
an effect on
The weather has an effect on sales.
an example of
This is an example of careful planning.
an exception to
There is an exception to this rule.
experience in
He has experience in project management.
a fear of
She has a fear of heights.
a focus on
The course has a focus on speaking.
an increase in
There has been an increase in demand.
an influence on
Her teacher had an influence on her career.
an interest in
He has an interest in photography.
an invitation to
We received an invitation to the ceremony.
knowledge of
The role requires knowledge of local history.
a lack of
A lack of sleep affects concentration.
a need for
There is a need for more information.
an objection to
They raised an objection to the proposal.
a preference for
She expressed a preference for an early start.
a reason for
What is the reason for the change?
a reduction in
The aim is a reduction in waste.
a relationship with
They have a good relationship with their neighbours.
a reply to
I am waiting for a reply to my email.
a report on
She wrote a report on the trial.
a request for
We received a request for assistance.
responsibility for
He took responsibility for the mistake.
a rise in
There has been a rise in prices.
a solution to
We found a solution to the problem.
a threat to
Pollution is a threat to wildlife.
