Complex Prepositions: Definitions, Lists, And Examples

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Complex prepositions are phrases made up of two or more words that provide precise details about position, time, cause, and relationship between elements in a sentence. Unlike simple prepositions, they give extra clarity, making sentences more descriptive and easier to understand.

Common examples include in front of, due to, and on behalf of. Mastering complex prepositions enhances both writing and speaking, helping to convey ideas with accuracy and depth.

What Are Complex Prepositions?

Complex Prepositions are phrases made of two or more words that function like a single preposition, linking nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other parts of the sentence for added clarity.

Examples :
In addition to the project, she also completed the presentation.
He’s staying on top of his assignments to avoid falling behind.
In spite of the rain, they went ahead with the outdoor event.

Types of Complex Prepositions

There are three main types of complex prepositions. These are:

Prepositional Phrases with Two or More Words
Prepositions with Nouns and Modifiers
Prepositions with Adjectives or Adverbs

1. Prepositional Phrases with Two or More Words

These are complex prepositions formed by combining multiple words, such as a preposition plus a noun or an adjective.

Example Sentences:

In front of: The car is parked in front of the house.
Out of: She jumped out of the window.
On behalf of: He spoke on behalf of the team.
In spite of: They continued the game in spite of the rain.

Example Words:

in front of
on top of
next to
Out of
on behalf of
in spite of
with respect to
in view of
as for
on account of
by means of
with regard to
in case of
apart from
by virtue of
in light of
in line with
with reference to

2. Prepositions with Nouns and Modifiers

This type involves a complex preposition that includes a noun and its modifier (usually an adjective).

Example Sentences:

In addition to: She is talented in addition to being hardworking.
In front of: They stood in front of the door.
In case of: Please contact me in case of any emergency.

Example Words:

in addition to
in front of
in case of
in charge of
in the middle of
in connection with
in favor of
in honor of
in search of
for the sake of
in need of
in opposition to
at the expense of
at the mercy of
in accordance with
in response to

3. Prepositions with Adjectives or Adverbs

This type combines adjectives or adverbs with a preposition. These combinations form more specific complex prepositions.

Example Sentences:

Due to: The match was cancelled due to bad weather.
According to: According to the report, the project was successful.
Because of: The game was postponed because of the rain.

Example Words:

due to
according to
because of
prior to
contrary to
subsequent to
similar to
far from
different from
opposed to
consistent with
regardless of
dependent on
relative to
akin to
essential to
comparable to

Usage of Complex Prepositions

Complex prepositions are used to add detail or clarify relationships in sentences. They consist of two or more words working together to form a single meaning, helping to explain position, reason, time, or relationship. Let’s discuss their usage with examples.

1. Complex Prepositions Showing Position

These prepositions indicate where something is located in relation to something else. They add clarity about the location or placement of an object or person.

Example Sentences:

in front of: The sign is in front of the building.
next to: She sits next to her friend.
on top of: Place the book on top of the shelf.
in the middle of: We parked in the middle of the lot.
beside: He stood beside the car.
underneath: The keys are underneath the table.

2. Complex Prepositions Showing Cause or Reason

These prepositions are used to explain why something happens, providing the cause or reason behind an action or situation.

Example Sentences:

because of: The meeting was postponed because of the weather.
due to: She was absent due to illness.
on account of: The event was cancelled on account of rain.
in view of: In view of recent events, changes were made.
for the sake of: He works hard for the sake of his family.
owing to: The flight was delayed owing to fog.

3. Complex Prepositions Showing Time

These prepositions are used to indicate when something happens. They help to establish the timing of events in relation to each other.

Example Sentences:

prior to: He called prior to the meeting.
in the course of: In the course of the week, we will discuss the project.
at the time of: She was at home at the time of the incident.
during: She rested during the afternoon.
in the middle of: The call came in the middle of the night.
subsequent to: The meeting was scheduled subsequent to lunch.

4. Complex Prepositions Showing Relationship or Comparison

These prepositions compare or link two things to show their relationship or similarity. They clarify how one thing relates to another.

Example Sentences:

according to: According to the report, sales are up.
in relation to: This decision was made in relation to market trends.
in comparison with: His results were good in comparison with others.
in contrast to: Her style is simple in contrast to his.
similar to: The new phone is similar to the older model.
different from: His approach is different from mine.

Complex Prepositions Definitions, Lists, and Examples

Simple vs. Complex Prepositions

Simple Prepositions

Simple prepositions consist of one word and are generally used to show basic relationships in terms of place, time, direction, or position. They are straightforward and often easier to use because they convey a clear and concise relationship.

in: The book is in the bag.
on: She placed the vase on the table.
at: They will meet at noon.
under: The cat is hiding under the bed.
near: The school is near the park.
by: He stood by the window.