In favour of means supporting something: most residents are in favour of a new crossing. The second meaning is choosing one thing instead of another: we dropped the dinner in favour of a picnic, so the picnic won. In American spelling it's in favor of.
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be / vote / speak in favour of something or doing something; reject A in favour of B; US in favor of
- Most residents were in favour of adding a crossing near the school.
- She spoke in favour of the quieter route.
- We dropped the formal dinner in favour of a picnic.
What changed
First versionThey are in favour of extend the library's opening hours.
RevisionThey are in favour of extending the library's opening hours.
Supporting an action sounds like we want to extend, so the base verb slips in. But of is a preposition, and after prepositions English uses -ing: in favour of extending. The verb changed form; the meaning stayed the same.
On behalf of means representing someone: I'm speaking on behalf of the team, even if I personally disagree. In favour of is your own support. In someone's favour means to their advantage: the score was 3-1 in our favour.
Your turn
The committee supports repairing the roof: It is in favour of ___ it.
Show the answer
repairing — Of is a preposition, so the verb after it takes -ing: in favour of repairing. Repair without -ing doesn't fit here.
Support a specific change at school, at work or in your town, and briefly say why. Use in favour of with an -ing form.
I'm in favour of moving the noticeboard closer to the entrance because more people will see it.
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