in the+名詞+of是英語裏的一種表達結構，或者説是一種固定用法。比較典型的in the+名詞+of類複合介詞有以下這些：
1. in the absence of 缺乏，不在，無……時
In the absence of anybody more experienced, I took command. 由於找不到其他更有經驗的人，只好由我來指揮。
2. in the act of 正在做……時
In the act of picking up the ball, he slipped and fell. 他在揀球時滑了一跤。
3. in the case of 就……來説，至於……
Poverty depresses most people; in the case of my father it was otherwise. 貧困使多數人消沉，但我父親卻並不這樣。
4. in the direction of 朝……方向
A woman was seen running in the direction of the station. 有人看見一名女子朝着車站的方向奔去。
5. in the event of 如果發生……，萬一
In the event of rain, the party will be held indoors. 如果天下雨，聚會在室內進行。
6. in the eyes of 有……看來
In the eyes of the public, the price is too high. 在公眾看來，物價太高了。
7. in the face of 在……面前，不顧
He was brave in the face of danger. 面對危險他表現得很勇敢。
7. in the form of 以……的形式
The novel is cast in the form of a diary. 這部小説是以日記的形式寫的。
8. in the habit of 有……的習慣
I am in the habit of brushing my teeth twice daily. 我習慣每天刷兩次牙。
