In vs. Of — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 14, 2024
"In" typically indicates location or position within something, focusing on spatial relationships, while "of" denotes belonging, origin, possession, or component parts, emphasizing connections or relationships.
Difference Between In and Of
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Key Differences
"In" is used to express the notion of being located within or surrounded by something else, often referring to spatial relationships. It signifies presence inside a physical space, time frame, or conceptual boundary. For example, "in the room" suggests being inside the room, while "in December" places an event within the month of December. On the other hand, "of" is primarily used to indicate relationships between things, such as possession, origin, component parts, or belonging. "The door of the car" implies ownership or part of the car, and "a piece of cake" denotes a portion that belongs to the cake.
While "in" can also denote participation or inclusion in activities or groups, suggesting engagement or involvement ("in a meeting"), "of" is used to express what something is made of, its characteristics, or its relationships to something else, providing a sense of connection or association ("made of gold"). "In" suggests a more immediate, physically defined relationship, whereas "of" can denote a more abstract, relational connection.
In the context of expressing time, "in" is used to indicate when something happens within a certain period ("in the morning"), suggesting a timeframe. Conversely, "of" does not directly relate to time but can indicate possession or parts of a whole in temporal contexts ("the first day of the week"), linking parts to a larger temporal entity.
In terms of usage in expressions, "in" is often part of phrasal verbs or idiomatic expressions that imply being enclosed or surrounded by something ("in love," "in danger"), emphasizing a state or condition. "Of," however, is used in expressions that define relationships or compositions ("of importance," "of interest"), highlighting how one thing relates to another.
In languages and grammar, "in" serves as a preposition that connects nouns or pronouns with other words in a sentence to indicate location, time, or manner. Meanwhile, "of" also functions as a preposition but primarily conveys the idea of belonging, origin, or composition, illustrating the link between different elements of a sentence.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Indicates location, position within something.
Denotes belonging, origin, possession, component parts.
Context
Spatial relationships, time frames, conceptual boundaries.
Relationships between things, composition, characteristics.
Example
"In the house" implies being inside the house.
"The leg of the table" indicates the table's part.
Expressions
"In trouble," "in a meeting" suggest a state or condition.
"Of interest," "a piece of cake" highlight relationships.
Relationship
Physical or conceptual enclosure or inclusion.
Connection, association, belonging, or composition.
Time
Used to denote when something happens.
Not directly related to time but indicates parts of a whole.
Abstract vs. Concrete
More often used with concrete, spatial contexts.
More abstract, denoting relational concepts.
Compare with Definitions
In
Denoting presence inside a physical or conceptual space.
In the garden, flowers bloom.
Of
Indicating possession or belonging.
The pages of the book are worn.
In
Expressing a state or condition.
He is in love.
Of
Specifying what something is made of.
A ring of gold and silver.
In
Part of idiomatic expressions.
In short, it's a complex issue.
Of
Used in expressions of quantity or relationship.
One of the best movies.
In
Indicating inclusion within a group or category.
She excels in sports.
Of
Expressing origin or source.
She is of French descent.
In
Specifying a moment within a time period.
In April, we plan to travel.
Of
Denoting a part or component.
A slice of pizza is enough.
In
(often followed by a noun without a determiner) expressing a state or condition
I've got to put my affairs in order
To be in love
A woman in her thirties
Of
Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole.
In
Expressing the situation of something that is or appears to be enclosed or surrounded by something else
Dressed in their Sunday best
She saw the bus in the rear-view mirror
I'm living in London
Of
Expressing the relationship between a direction and a point of reference
North of Watford
In
Expressing a period of time during which an event happens or a situation remains the case
They met in 1885
I hadn't seen him in years
At one o'clock in the morning
Of
Expressing the relationship between a scale or measure and a value
An increase of 5%
A height of 10 metres
In
Expressing the length of time before a future event is expected to happen
I'll see you in fifteen minutes
Of
Indicating an association between two entities, typically one of belonging, in which the first is the head of the phrase and the second is something associated with it
A photograph of the bride
The son of a friend
The government of India
A former colleague of John's
In
Expressing inclusion or involvement
I read it in a book
Acting in a film
Of
Expressing the relationship between a general category or type and the thing being specified which belongs to such a category
The idea of a just society
The population of interbreeding individuals
This type of book
The city of Prague
In
Indicating someone's occupation or profession
She works in publishing
Of
Following a noun derived from or related to a verb.
In
Indicating the language or medium used
Put it in writing
Say it in French
Of
Where the head of the phrase is a predicative adjective
I am certain of that
It was kind of you to ask
In
As an integral part of (an activity)
In planning public expenditure it is better to be prudent
Of
Indicating the relationship between a verb and an indirect object.
In
Expressing a value as a proportion of (a whole)
A local income tax running at six pence in the pound
Of
Indicating the material or substance constituting something
Walls of stone
The house was built of bricks
In
Expressing movement with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else
Come in
Presently the admiral breezed in
Of
Expressing time in relation to the following hour
It would be just a quarter of three in New York
In
Expressing the situation of being enclosed or surrounded by something
We were locked in
Of
Derived or coming from; originating at or from
Customs of the South.
In
Expressing arrival
The train got in very late
Of
Caused by; resulting from
A death of tuberculosis.
In
(of the tide) rising or at its highest level.
Of
Away from; at a distance from
A mile east of here.
In
Present at one's home or office
We knocked at the door but there was no one in
Of
So as to be separated or relieved from
Robbed of one's dignity.
Cured of distemper.
In
Fashionable
The in thing to do
Pastels and light colours are in this year
Of
From the total or group comprising
Give of one's time.
Two of my friends.
Most of the cases.
In
(of the ball in tennis and similar games) landing within the designated playing area.
Of
Composed or made from
A dress of silk.
In
Batting
Which side is in?
Of
Associated with or adhering to
People of your religion.
In
A position of influence with someone powerful or famous
She got an in with the promising new artist
Of
Belonging or connected to
The rungs of a ladder.
In
Within the limits, bounds, or area of
Was hit in the face.
Born in the spring.
A chair in the garden.
Of
Possessing; having
A person of honor.
In
From the outside to a point within; into
Threw the letter in the wastebasket.
Of
On one's part
Very nice of you.
In
To or at a situation or condition of
Was split in two.
In debt.
A woman in love.
Of
Containing or carrying
A basket of groceries.
In
Having the activity, occupation, or function of
A life in politics.
The officer in command.
Of
Specified as; named or called
A depth of ten feet.
The Garden of Eden.
In
During the act or process of
Tripped in racing for the bus.
Of
Centering on; directed toward
A love of horses.
In
With the arrangement or order of
Fabric that fell in luxuriant folds.
Arranged to purchase the car in equal payments.
Of
Produced by; issuing from
Products of the vine.
In
After the style or form of
A poem in iambic pentameter.
Of
Characterized or identified by
A year of famine.
In
With the characteristic, attribute, or property of
A tall man in an overcoat.
Of
With reference to; about
Think highly of her proposals.
Will speak of it later.
In
By means of
Paid in cash.
Of
In respect to
Slow of speech.
In
Made with or through the medium of
A statue in bronze.
A note written in German.
Of
Set aside for; taken up by
A day of rest.
In
With the aim or purpose of
Followed in pursuit.
Of
Before; until
Five minutes of two.
In
With reference to
Six inches in depth.
Has faith in your judgment.
Of
During or on a specified time
Of recent years.
In
Used to indicate the second and larger term of a ratio or proportion
Saved only one in ten.
Of
By
Beloved of the family.
In
To or toward the inside
Opened the door and stepped in.
Of
Used to indicate an appositive
That idiot of a driver.
In
To or toward a destination or goal
The mob closed in.
Of
(Archaic)On
"A plague of all cowards, I say" (Shakespeare).
In
(Sports) So as to score, as by crossing home plate in baseball
Singled the runner in.
Of
Expressing distance or motion.
In
Within a place, as of business or residence
The manager is in before anyone else.
Of
From (of distance, direction), "off".
In
So as to be available or under one's control
We can proceed when all the evidence is in.
Of
Since, from (a given time, earlier state etc.).
In
So as to include or incorporate
Fold in the egg whites.
Of
From, away from (a position, number, distance etc.).
There are no shops within twenty miles of the cottage.
In
So as to occupy a position of success or favor
Campaigned hard and was voted in.
Of
Expressing separation.
In
In a particular relationship
Got in bad with their supervisor.
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.
In
Located inside; inner.
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with resulting state indicated by an adjective.
He seemed devoid of human feelings.
In
Incoming; inward
Took the in bus.
Of
(obsolete) Indicating removal, absence or separation, construed with an intransitive verb.
In
Holding office; having power
The in party.
Of
Expressing origin.
In
Currently fashionable
The in thing to wear this season.
Of
Indicating an ancestral source or origin of descent.
The word is believed to be of Japanese origin.
In
Concerned with or attuned to the latest fashions
The in crowd.
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)
In
Relating to, understandable to, or coming from an exclusive group
An in reference.
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.
In
One that has position, influence, or power
The ins against the outs.
Of
(following an intransitive verb) Indicates the source or cause of the verb.
It is said that she died of a broken heart.
In
(Informal) Influence; power
Had an in with the authorities.
Of
(following an adjective) Indicates the subject or cause of the adjective.
I am tired of all this nonsense.
In
Used to indicate location, inclusion, or position within spatial, temporal or other limits.
Of
Expressing agency.
In
Contained by.
The dog is in the kennel.
There were three pickles in a jar.
Of
(following a passive verb) Indicates the agent (for most verbs, now usually expressed with by).
I am not particularly enamoured of this idea.
In
Within the bounds or limits of.
I like living in the city.
There are lots of trees in the park.
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.
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!
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.
In
Wearing (an item of clothing).
I glanced over at the pretty girl in the red dress.
Of
Expressing composition, substance.
In
Part of; a member of; out of; from among.
You are one in a million.
She's in an orchestra.
Of
(after a verb expressing construction, making etc.) Used to indicate the material or substance used.
Many 'corks' are now actually made of plastic.
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.
Of
(directly following a noun) Used to indicate the material of the just-mentioned object.
She wore a dress of silk.
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.
Of
Indicating the composition of a given collective or quantitative noun.
What a lot of nonsense!
In
At the end of (a period of time).
They said they would call us in a week.
Of
Used to link a given class of things with a specific example of that class.
Welcome to the historic town of Harwich.
In
Characterized by.
Many English nouns in -is form their plurals in -es.
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.
In
Into.
Less water gets in your boots this way.
She stood there looking in the window longingly.
Of
Introducing subject matter.
In
Used to indicate limit, qualification, condition, or circumstance.
In replacing the faucet washers, he felt he was making his contribution to the environment.
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.
In
Indicating an order or arrangement.
My fat rolls around in folds.
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.
In
Denoting a state of the subject.
He stalked away in anger.
John is in a coma.
Of
(following an adjective) Introduces its subject matter.
This behaviour is typical of teenagers.
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.
Of
Having partitive effect.
In
Pertaining to; with regard to.
There has been no change in his condition.
What grade did he get in English?
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.
In
Used to indicate means, medium, format, genre, or instrumentality.
Of
(following a noun) Indicates a given part.
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.
Of
Some, an amount of, one of.
On the whole, they seem to be of the decent sort.
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.
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.
In
To enclose.
Of
Expressing possession.
In
To take in; to harvest.
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.
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.
Of
Belonging to (a place) through having title, ownership or control over it.
The owner of the nightclub was arrested.
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.
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.
In
So as to be enclosed or surrounded by something.
Bring the water to the boil and drop the vegetables in.
Of
Forming the "objective genitive".
In
After the beginning of something.
The show still didn't become interesting 20 minutes in.
Of
Follows an agent noun, verbal noun or noun of action.
She had a profound distrust of the police.
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.
Of
Expressing qualities or characteristics.
In
A position of power or influence, or a way to get it.
His parents got him an in with the company.
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.
In
One who, or that which, is in; especially, one who is in office.
Of
Indicates a quality or characteristic; "characterized by".
Pooh was said to be a bear of very little brain.
In
(sport) The state of a batter/batsman who is currently batting; see innings.
Of
Indicates quantity, age, price, etc.
We have been paying interest at a rate of 10%.
In
A re-entrant angle; a nook or corner.
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.
In
Abbreviation of inch; inches
Of
Expressing a point in time.
In
(not comparable) Located indoors, especially at home or at one's office or place of work.
Is Mr. Smith in?
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.
In
(not comparable) Located inside something.
Little by little I pushed the snake into the basket, until finally all of it was in.
Of
For (a given length of time).
I’ve not tekken her out of a goodly long while.
In
Falling or remaining within the bounds of the playing area.
If the tennis ball bounces on the line then it's in.
Of
(after a noun) Indicates duration of a state, activity etc.
After a delay of three hours, the plane finally took off.
In
Inserted or fitted into something.
I've discovered why the TV wasn't working – the plug wasn't in!
Of
Denotes the number of minutes before the hour;Before (the hour); to.
What's the time? / Nearly a quarter of three.
In
Having been collected or received.
The replies to the questionnaires are now all in.
Of
(usually in modal perfect constructions) have, chiefly in depictions of colloquial speech.
In
In fashion; popular.
Skirts are in this year.
Of
In a general sense, from, or out from; proceeding from; belonging to; relating to; concerning; - used in a variety of applications; as:
In
Incoming.
The in train
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.
In
Furled or stowed.
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.
In
Of the tide, at or near its highest level.
You can't get round the headland when the tide's in.
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.
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
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.
In
(cricket) Currently batting.
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?
In
Having familiarity or involvement with somebody.
He is very in with the Joneses.
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.
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!
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.
In
(of fire or fuel) Burning; ablaze.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Of
Denoting passage from one state to another; from.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
In
With reference to a limit of time; as, in an hour; it happened in the last century; in all my life.
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.
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.
In
One who is in office; - the opposite of out.
In
A reëntrant angle; a nook or corner.
All the ins and outs of this neighborhood.
In
To inclose; to take in; to harvest.
He that ears my land spares my team and gives me leave to in the crop.
In
A unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
In
A rare soft silvery metallic element; occurs in small quantities in sphalerite
In
A state in midwestern United States
In
Holding office;
The in party
In
Directed or bound inward;
Took the in bus
The in basket
In
Currently fashionable;
The in thing to do
Large shoulder pads are in
In
To or toward the inside of;
Come in
Smash in the door
In
Inside an enclosed space
Common Curiosities
What does "in" indicate in a sentence?
"In" primarily indicates the location or position within a physical or conceptual space, time frame, or condition.
Can "in" and "of" be used interchangeably?
Generally, no. "In" and "of" serve different purposes and convey different relationships or positions in context.
How does "in" relate to time?
"In" specifies moments within certain periods, such as days, months, or years, indicating when something happens.
What does "of" convey in terms of composition?
"Of" expresses what something is made of or the elements that constitute something, highlighting its composition or parts.
Is "in" used with abstract concepts?
Yes, "in" can be used with abstract concepts to denote inclusion or state, such as "in love" or "in danger."
Can "in" denote participation?
Yes, "in" can indicate participation or involvement in an activity or group, like "in a meeting" or "in the project."
How is "of" used in expressing relationships?
"Of" is used to indicate a relationship where one thing belongs to, originates from, or is part of another, illustrating a connection.
What kind of space does "in" refer to?
"In" refers to both physical spaces (like rooms or buildings) and conceptual spaces (like situations or conditions).
How does context affect the use of "in" and "of"?
The context determines how "in" and "of" are used, with "in" focusing on spatial or temporal placement and "of" on relationships or composition.
How is "of" used to show relationships?
"Of" is used to denote belonging, origin, possession, or the components that make up something, emphasizing connections or associations.
Is "in" used in expressions?
Yes, "in" is part of many idiomatic expressions, implying a particular state, condition, or manner, such as "in short" or "in essence."
Can "of" show possession?
Yes, "of" is commonly used to indicate possession or belonging, as in "the title of the book" or "the sound of the ocean."
How does "of" express origin?
"Of" specifies the source or background of something or someone, like "of Italian heritage," indicating lineage or origin.
How does "of" work in indicating quantity?
"Of" can express a specific quantity related to a whole, as in "a cup of tea," showing the relation between the part and the whole.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
