Phrases like in charge of, on behalf of and in light of work as single units of meaning. Every word in them is fixed, so one wrong preposition or a missing the makes an otherwise advanced sentence sound off to a native speaker.
The pattern
Dana is in charge of the Denver office.
The startup is on the verge of closing a big deal.
In light of the storm, the game was postponed.
01Fixed means fixed
You can't swap the preposition or add or drop an article. It's in charge of, not in charge for. It's out of the question, not out of question. It's under pressure, not in pressure. When a phrase ends in a preposition, it's followed by a noun, a pronoun or an -ing form.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| in charge of | responsible for and managing |
| on behalf of | representing someone else |
| in favor of | supporting; or chosen instead of |
| at odds with | in conflict or disagreement with |
| in light of | because of something new |
| by means of | by using |
| on the verge of | very close to |
| out of the question | impossible, not allowed |
02People, roles and opinions
In charge of names a responsibility. On behalf of means you act or speak for someone: on behalf of the team, or with a possessive, on my behalf.
In favor of usually means supporting, but after verbs like reject or drop it means chosen instead: they dropped the logo in favor of a simpler one. At odds with describes people who disagree, or facts that don't match.
- I'm calling on behalf of Dr. Nguyen's office.
- Most voters are in favor of the new library.
- His account is at odds with the police report.
03Formal linking phrases
These are common in reports and business email. In terms of narrows the topic to one aspect: in terms of cost. With regard to means about; in speech, most people just say regarding or about. In light of means because of new information. By means of means by using, and it sounds formal.
In response to and in line with follow the same model: in response to your email, in line with company policy.
- In terms of salary, the offer is excellent.
- With regard to your invoice, payment was sent Monday.
- In light of the delay, we'll refund your fee.
04States and situations
On the verge of and on the brink of mean very close to a big change. Under pressure, under control and under construction describe a situation. At risk of means a bad result could happen. Out of the question closes a discussion politely but firmly.
05Common mistakes
Who is in charge for the Chicago office?
Who is in charge of the Chicago office?
The phrase is always in charge of.
A raise is out of question this year.
A raise is out of the question this year.
The fixed phrase needs the.
She's on the verge to quit.
She's on the verge of quitting.
Of is a preposition, so it's followed by an -ing form, not to + verb.
Everyone makes mistakes in pressure.
Everyone makes mistakes under pressure.
We say under pressure, like under control.