List Of All Common Complex Prepositions With Examples

This article is all about complex preposition. Unlike simple prepositions (e.g., in, on, at), complex prepositions are usually formed with a preposition + noun/adjective + preposition or preposition + preposition. A complex preposition is a phrase (two or more words) that functions as a single preposition in a sentence. If you want to learn about complex preposition you must read this article. In this article we have discussed the structure of complex preposition and each of preposition is explained with example.

Structure of Complex Prepositions

Preposition + Noun + Preposition

in front of
in spite of
on behalf of
in accordance with

Preposition + Adjective + Preposition

in charge of
in need of
in favor of

Preposition + Preposition

because of
due to
out of

List of Common Complex Prepositions

according to
because of
in addition to
in front of
in place of
in spite of
instead of
in favor of
on behalf of
with reference to
by means of
in accordance with
in the course of
in case of
in regard to
on account of
out of

Complex Prepositions with Sentences

According to

According to the teacher, the exam will be next week.
The story was written according to real events.

Because of

The match was cancelled because of heavy rain.
She was late because of traffic.

In addition to

In addition to football, he also plays cricket.
In addition to milk, please buy some bread.

In front of

The children are playing in front of the school.
A car is parked in front of my house.

In place of

He spoke in place of his absent friend.
Use honey in place of sugar.

In spite of

He passed the exam in spite of his illness.
They enjoyed the trip in spite of the bad weather.

Instead of

Drink water instead of soda.
He walked to school instead of taking the bus.

In favor of

Everyone voted in favor of the proposal.
The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff.

On behalf of

She accepted the prize on behalf of her team.
He spoke on behalf of his younger brother.

With reference to

I am writing this letter with reference to your complaint.
The manager spoke with reference to the new policy.

By means of

The problem was solved by means of discussion.
The news spread by means of social media.

In accordance with

Everything was done in accordance with the rules.
The contract was signed in accordance with the law.

In the course of

She met many people in the course of her journey.
Important changes occurred in the course of the year.

In case of

Call me in case of an emergency.
Keep calm in case of a fire.

In regard to

He made a statement in regard to the issue.
The teacher spoke in regard to student discipline.

On account of

The flight was delayed on account of bad weather.
She missed the party on account of illness.

Out of

He did it out of kindness.
She shouted out of fear.

Complex Prepositions Worksheet

Fill in the blanks with the correct complex preposition.

(according to, because of, in addition to, in front of, in place of, in spite of, instead of, in favor of, on behalf of, with reference to, by means of, in accordance with, in the course of, in case of, in regard to, on account of, out of).

The meeting was postponed __ heavy rain.
__ the rules, students must wear uniforms.
He came late __ traffic jam.
The dog is sitting __ the gate.
__ her illness, she went to school.
The manager signed the papers __ the company.
The news spread quickly __ social media.
I bought apples __ oranges.
__ your suggestion, we changed the plan.
He spoke __ his absent friend.
He succeeded __ all the difficulties.
Please use this chair __ the broken one.
She is working hard __ her promotion.
Keep calm __ a fire.
I am writing this letter __ your complaint.
The teacher spoke __ student discipline.
She did it __ kindness.
They voted __ the new proposal.
The journey was exciting __ the heavy rain.
The flight was delayed __ fog.
The children are playing __ the park.
He studied medicine __ his parents’ wish.
The decision was taken __ the law.
I met many friends __ my college days.
The shop was closed __ strike.
The boy shouted __ fear.
__ the timetable, the train leaves at 7 a.m.
She walked to school __ taking the bus.
__ English, she also speaks French.
He solved the puzzle __ logic.
The award was accepted __ the whole team.
The rules were made __ government order.
The project was cancelled __ lack of funds.
We travelled a lot __ the summer holidays.
She missed the concert __ her illness.
He acted bravely __ danger.
He explained the problem __ the syllabus.
Please bring milk __ bread.
He was punished __ breaking the rules.
She worked hard __ success.
__ the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
She got the job __ her experience.
He kept smiling __ pain.
The hall was decorated __ flowers.
The players trained __ the coach’s instructions.
He sent a letter __ your order.
The team played well __ bad weather.
He borrowed money __ necessity.
The manager acted __ the company’s policy.
She spoke __ the upcoming examination.

Answer Key

because of
in accordance with
because of
in front of
in spite of
on behalf of
by means of
in addition to
according to
on behalf of
in spite of
in place of
in favor of
in case of
with reference to
in regard to
out of
in favor of
in spite of
on account of
in front of
against / in spite of ( better: in spite of)
in accordance with
in the course of
on account of
out of
according to
instead of
in addition to
by means of
on behalf of
in accordance with
because of
in the course of
on account of
in spite of
with reference to
in addition to
for breaking / on account of breaking (on account of)
in favor of
according to
because of
in spite of
by means of
in accordance with
with reference to
in spite of
out of
in accordance with
in regard to