Collocation refers to the combination of two or more words. In the case of noun-preposition collocation, we commonly see what is referred to as a preposition sandwich. This is when a noun + preposition (ie. experience + with) is followed by another noun or a phrase which contains a noun (ie. His experience with engineers).

In the examples below, there is a preposition sandwich (a noun, followed by a preposition, followed by another noun). This is what is known as noun-preposition collocation.

Here are some examples:

- Everyone was surprised by his lack of remorse.

- I will call an expert in architecture to design my house.

- I am totally against cruelty towards animals.

✅ Nouns that go together with ‘of’

Examples:

- The use of telephones for personal calls is strictly prohibited.

- The cost of hiring is becoming very expensive.

- The price of telemarketing has gone down.

- Job satisfaction is a characteristic of good employment. - I believe my qualifications are a result of hard work.

✅ Nouns that go together with ‘in’:

Examples:

- We have seen an increase in online services this year.

- I have experience in marketing.

- Sorry for the delay in answering your emails.

- If you hire me, I guarantee a reduction in staff turnover.

✅ Nouns that go together with ‘on’:

Examples:

-  I think that office politics have an effect on job satisfaction.

-  We don’t know who is responsible for the attack on Main Street.

- Managers have a significant influence on the morale of their workforce.

- I am working on my personal development.

✅ Nouns that go together with ‘with’:

Examples:

-  I have difficulties with accounting.

-  What is the matter with David?

-  It is against company policy to have a relationship with someone in a senior position.

-  I believe my approach to be in direct contrast with that of my predecessor.

✅ Nouns that go together with ‘to’:

Examples:

-  I have access to a large network of contacts.

-  I see this position as a link to my personal development.

- In an interview your reactions to questions are very important.

- I think computer hackers are the biggest threat to the banking system.

Let’s practice!

Correct the mistakes by crossing out the incorrect preposition and rewriting the sentence with the correct preposition. Be careful, not all sentences have a mistake.

1. I think the cost at jewellery is too high.

2. She has difficulties of paying attention.

3. Global warming is having an effect on sea levels.

4. What is the price in those shoes?

5. 2014 has seen an increase in the amount of rain in England.

6. Scientists are working on a cure for cancer.

7. They have a lot of experience on finding criminals.

8. There isn’t enough access with clean water in this region.

9. I really don’t like the smell to rotting fruit. 

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