Learn English – Which preposition to use with “access”? “To” or “of”

prepositions

I read a sentence which was:

Social differences among men and women were increased because of the difference in access of resources or property.

Personally, I don't think "of" should be used there. Am I right? I also wanted to ask if "of" can be used with it in some or other context.

Best Answer

Both to and of can appear after access, but they have different meanings.

I need access to your office to install the phone connection.

Here, to indicates what is to be accessed.

We need to ensure access of the entire population to adequate healthcare.

Here, of indicated what will be doing or having the access. It's generally used when there's a to phrase as well, after the of phrase. You can all use for for the same purpose:

The university takes access for women seriously.

I agree that your example should use to, at least in the absence of other context.

Related Topic