Basic English Usage
Nouns
A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. A noun phrase is a noun combined with other words that modify it, including prepositions. It's the prepositions that cause the most confusion, so we will concentrate on them:
noun phrase:
( [noun] [prep] [object phrase] )
Example:
( [author] [of] [short stories] )
The most common prepositions used in noun phrases are of, for, in, and with.
advantage of X :
What is the advantage of using this machine?
The disadvantages of that proposal should be considered.
analysis of X :
Their analysis of the device was flawed.
I had to write an analysis of the failure.
application for X :
She submitted her application for the job.
My application for a driver's license got lost in the mail.
confidence in X :
We have confidence in your ability to get the job done.
He lost confidence in the prospects for the project.
association with X :
My association with them has lasted many years.
For the past year, I have enjoyed my association with the team.
Note: These noun phrases are not always constructed with only these prepositions. They are just the most common combinations.
Lesson: Prepositions in Noun Phrases
Module: Nouns
Course: Basic English Usage