Learn English – “headquarters of” vs. “headquarters for”… is there a difference

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Is there a difference between "headquarters of" and "headquarters for"?

  • It is the headquarters of many branches.
  • It is the headquarters for many branches.
  • It is the headquarters of the party.
  • It is the headquarters for the party.

Intuitively, "for many branches" seems correct and "of the party" seems correct. I can explain the conceptual difference between branches and party, but I can't connect my intuition to any rules. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

Best Answer

Your intuition is correct. Speaking about a bank and its branches.

It is the headquarters for the United Bank of Ohio. Use for when speaking of the institution as a whole.

It is the headquarters of the northern district branches of the United Bank of Ohio. Use of when speaking of a part of the institution.