of / in / with / to

Question

Hi,Which of the sentences below sounds most natural to you? Are there any - however subtle - differences between the sentences?1. Steve's uncle was a medic of the 13th Battalion.2. Steve's uncle was a medic in the 13th Battalion.3. Steve's uncle was a medic with the 13th Battalion.4. Steve's uncle was a medic to the 13th Battalion.I think I'd use #2 most often. #4 with the preposition "to" in this context sounds (a bit) odd to me.Thanks in advance.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Which of the sentences below sounds most natural to you? Are there any - however subtle - differences between the sentences?

1. Steve's uncle was a medic of the 13th Battalion.
2. Steve's uncle was a medic in the 13th Battalion.
3. Steve's uncle was a medic with the 13th Battalion.
4. Steve's uncle was a medic to the 13th Battalion.

I think I'd use #2 most often. #4 with the preposition "to" in this context sounds (a bit) odd to me.
Yes, #2 is the most natural, but you'll also hear #3 a lot. To me, #3 suggests a slight possibility that he was not a permanent member of the battalion, but may have been temporarily assigned to it.

Best wishes, Clive

BarbaraPA · Answer

I agree with Clive. You could also say he was assigned to he 13th Battalion instead of #3.

Anonymous · Answer

these all could be used, it depends on context and personal choice

BarbaraPA · Answer

How would you use #1 and #4, Anon?

of / in / with / to

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