Complex Prepositions

The complete guide to multi-word prepositional phrases in English

A complex preposition (also called compound or phrasal preposition) is a multi-word unit that functions as a single preposition, showing relationships between words in a sentence. These consist of two or more words (usually a preposition + noun + preposition) that act together as one grammatical unit.

Why Complex Prepositions Matter

Complex prepositions are essential for sophisticated academic and professional communication. They allow for precise expression of nuanced relationships and are heavily used in formal writing, legal documents, and technical manuals. Mastering them is crucial for high scores on standardized tests and for advanced English proficiency.

Quick Examples:

We made changes in accordance with the new regulations.
With regard to your inquiry, we'll respond shortly.
The project was completed on behalf of the entire team.
In addition to the main findings, we discovered...
This falls under the category of exceptional cases.

Key Characteristics:

Consist of two or more words functioning as a single preposition
Most follow the pattern: Preposition + Noun + Preposition
Used primarily in formal and academic contexts
Express precise, nuanced relationships
Often tested in advanced grammar exams

Categories of Complex Prepositions

1. Preposition + Noun + Preposition

The most common structure for complex prepositions:

Examples:

in accordance with
with regard to
on account of
in addition to
by means of
in front of
in spite of
on top of
in place of
with reference to

2. Adverb/Adjective + Preposition

Combinations where the first word modifies the preposition:

Examples:

along with
together with
apart from
as for
away from
close to
near to
next to
opposite to

3. Verb/Adjective + Preposition

Fixed phrases that function prepositionally:

Examples:

owing to
except for
but for
thanks to
contrary to
prior to
preparatory to
preliminary to

4. Three-Word Complex Prepositions

Longer fixed prepositional phrases:

Examples:

in comparison with
in connection with
in contrast to
in line with
in relation to
in terms of
on the basis of
with respect to
for the sake of
by virtue of

Detailed Usage Rules

1. Formal vs. Informal Usage

Complex prepositions are primarily used in formal contexts:

Formal:

With reference to your letter of June 15th...

Informal Equivalent:

About your June 15th letter...

2. Fixed Combinations

The words in complex prepositions cannot be changed or separated:

Correct:

In spite of the rain, we continued.

Incorrect:

✖ In spite the rain...
✖ In spite for the rain...

3. Grammatical Function

Complex prepositions function exactly like single-word prepositions:

They are followed by nouns/pronouns/gerunds
They can begin prepositional phrases
They can modify nouns or verbs

4. Common Patterns

Most complex prepositions follow these patterns:

Preposition + Noun + Preposition:

in (prep) + accordance (noun) + with (prep)

Adverb + Preposition:

along (adv) + with (prep)

Verb + Preposition:

owing (verb) + to (prep)

5. Position in Sentences

Complex prepositions can appear in different positions:

Beginning:

With regard to your question, we need more time.

Middle:

We acted in accordance with company policy.

End:

The decision was made on behalf of all members.

6. Common Collocations

Certain complex prepositions frequently pair with specific words:

In line with expectations/policy/regulations
With reference to your letter/email/inquiry
On the basis of evidence/research/findings
In terms of quality/quantity/performance
By means of communication/transportation

Advanced Usage: Nuances and Subtleties

1. "In accordance with" vs. "According to"

"In accordance with":

Used for compliance with rules/laws: "We acted in accordance with the contract."

"According to":

Used for reported information: "According to the report, sales increased."

2. "With regard to" vs. "Regarding"

"With regard to":

More formal, often used in official correspondence

"Regarding":

Less formal, more common in business communication

3. "On behalf of" vs. "For"

"On behalf of":

Used when representing someone officially: "I speak on behalf of the committee."

"For":

More general representation: "I bought this for my friend."

4. "In terms of" for Perspective

"In terms of cost, Option A is better; in terms of quality, Option B wins."

5. "By virtue of" for Legal Contexts

"By virtue of his position, he had access to confidential files."

6. "For the sake of" for Purpose

"We compromised for the sake of harmony."

Complex Prepositions in Academic Writing

1. Research Papers

"In contrast to previous studies, our results show..."
"With respect to the first hypothesis..."
"Data was analyzed by means of SPSS software."

2. Legal and Policy Documents

"In accordance with Section 5.2 of the contract..."
"With reference to the aforementioned clause..."
"By virtue of the authority vested in me..."

3. Business Communication

"With regard to your recent inquiry..."
"In line with company policy..."
"On behalf of the entire team..."

4. Common Academic Collocations

in connection with previous research
in relation to the main theory
on the basis of empirical evidence
in terms of statistical significance
in comparison with control groups

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect Word Order

Incorrect:

✖ In accordance to the rules

Correct:

✔ In accordance with the rules

2. Wrong Preposition Choice

Incorrect:

✖ With regard of your email

Correct:

✔ With regard to your email

3. Separating Components

Incorrect:

✖ In addition, to the main course

Correct:

✔ In addition to the main course

4. Overuse in Informal Contexts

Overly Formal:

"With reference to our lunch plans..."

Natural:

"About our lunch plans..."

5. Confusing Similar Forms

Confused:

✖ In spite to the weather

Correct:

✔ In spite of the weather

Standardized Test Focus (IELTS, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.)

1. Error Identification Questions

Identify the error:

"The decision was made (A) in accordance to (B) company policy (C) and federal regulations (D)."

Answer: (B) - should be "in accordance with"

2. Sentence Completion Questions

Choose the correct phrase:

"______ your request, we are unable to process your application at this time."

A) With regard to
B) In regard of
C) By regard to
D) For regard with

Answer: A) "With regard to"

3. Writing Section Tips

Use complex prepositions appropriately in formal essays
Vary your usage for sophisticated expression
Ensure proper collocations and word order

4. Speaking Test Tips

Use simpler equivalents in casual speaking parts
Demonstrate range in formal discussion parts
Practice natural-sounding formal expressions

Practice Activities

1. Fill-in-the-Blank

Complete with correct complex prepositions:

______ the committee, I'd like to thank our guests.
The results were surprising ______ previous findings.
______ cost, this option is more economical.

Answers:

On behalf of
in contrast to
In terms of

2. Error Correction

Correct these sentences:

In accordance to the guidelines, we must reject this application.
With regard of your complaint, we have launched an investigation.
In terms for quality, this product is superior.

Answers:

In accordance with the guidelines, we must reject this application.
With regard to your complaint, we have launched an investigation.
In terms of quality, this product is superior.

3. Formal Writing Practice

Rewrite this paragraph using appropriate complex prepositions:

"About your recent email, we have reviewed your case. Because of the circumstances, we will make an exception. Following our policy, we require additional documentation."

Answer:

"With reference to your recent email, we have reviewed your case. On account of the circumstances, we will make an exception. In line with our policy, we require additional documentation."

Comprehensive Reference Table

Complex Preposition	Meaning	Formality Level	Common Contexts
in accordance with	Following rules/laws	Very formal	Legal, policy, regulations
with regard to	About, concerning	Formal	Business correspondence
on behalf of	Representing someone	Formal	Speeches, official acts
in addition to	Besides, also	Neutral	Academic, business
in terms of	Regarding aspect	Neutral	Analyses, comparisons
by means of	Using, through	Formal	Technical, academic
in spite of	Despite	Neutral	General writing
on account of	Because of	Formal	Official explanations

Final Checklist for Mastery

✓ Understand the structure of complex prepositions
✓ Know the most common complex prepositions
✓ Can use them appropriately in formal contexts
✓ Recognize and avoid common errors
✓ Apply knowledge to test questions
✓ Use appropriately in academic writing
✓ Can distinguish formal vs. informal usage

Pro Tip:

When learning complex prepositions, memorize them as complete units rather than separate words. Pay special attention to the specific prepositions used in each phrase.