Prepositions are small but mighty words in the English language, often signaling relationships between other words in a sentence. While simple prepositions like “in,” “on,” and “at” are familiar to most learners, complex prepositions can be more elusive. These multi-word prepositions add nuance and specificity to our sentences and can greatly enhance your fluency in English.
What Are Complex Prepositions?
Complex prepositions, also known as compound prepositions or phrasal prepositions, are phrases made up of two or more words that function as a single preposition. They often consist of a preposition followed by a noun, adjective, or another preposition. Examples include “in front of,” “in spite of,” “according to,” and “due to.”
These prepositions serve the same basic function as simple prepositions, but they allow for more detailed and specific expressions. Understanding and using complex prepositions correctly can significantly improve your English proficiency and make your speech and writing more precise and sophisticated.
Common Complex Prepositions
Let’s look at some common complex prepositions and their uses:
1. In Front Of
This complex preposition indicates a position directly before something or someone.
– The car parked in front of the house.
– She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress.
2. In Spite Of
“In spite of” is used to indicate that something happened or is true despite a particular obstacle or contrary condition.
– He went for a run in spite of the rain.
– They continued their journey in spite of the warnings.
3. According To
This preposition phrase is often used to attribute information or to indicate that something is in agreement with a source.
– According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
– According to the rules, you must submit your assignment by Friday.
4. Due To
“Due to” is used to indicate the reason for something.
– The game was canceled due to the heavy snow.
– She was late due to traffic.
Usage and Placement
Correct usage and placement of complex prepositions are crucial for clarity and accuracy in communication. Here are some guidelines:
Subject-Verb Agreement
Ensure that the subject and verb in your sentence agree even when using complex prepositions.
– Incorrect: The results in front of the committee is promising.
– Correct: The results in front of the committee are promising.
Prepositional Phrases
Complex prepositions often introduce prepositional phrases, which provide additional information about time, place, direction, or reason.
– The children played in front of the school.
– She completed her project in spite of many challenges.
Complex Prepositions in Writing
Using complex prepositions in writing can add depth and clarity. However, they should be used judiciously to avoid making sentences cumbersome. Here are some examples of how to incorporate them effectively:
Professional Writing
In professional writing, complex prepositions can help specify details and provide clear, concise information.
– The meeting will be held in accordance with the company’s new policy.
– All reports must be submitted by means of the online portal.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, complex prepositions can help articulate nuanced arguments and detailed descriptions.
– The experiment was conducted in compliance with ethical guidelines.
– The findings were analyzed in light of recent research.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Complex prepositions can be tricky, and even native speakers sometimes misuse them. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
Misplacement
Placing the complex preposition incorrectly in the sentence can confuse the reader.
– Incorrect: He sat the book in front of him on the table.
– Correct: He sat the book on the table in front of him.
Redundancy
Using complex prepositions unnecessarily can make sentences wordy.
– Incorrect: She arrived at the time when the meeting was starting.
– Correct: She arrived when the meeting was starting.
Exercises for Practice
To master complex prepositions, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you practice:
Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct complex preposition to complete the sentences.
1. The cat is hiding __________ the sofa.
2. They succeeded __________ many obstacles.
3. The decision was made __________ the committee’s recommendations.
Answers:
1. in front of
2. in spite of
3. in accordance with
Sentence Rewriting
Rewrite the sentences using the given complex prepositions.
1. The project was delayed because of the weather. (due to)
2. We will proceed despite the risks. (in spite of)
3. She prepared the report according to the guidelines. (in accordance with)
Answers:
1. The project was delayed due to the weather.
2. We will proceed in spite of the risks.
3. She prepared the report in accordance with the guidelines.
Conclusion
Mastering complex prepositions is a significant step toward achieving fluency in English. These multi-word prepositions add depth and precision to your language, allowing you to express complex ideas more clearly. Remember, the key to mastering them is practice and paying close attention to how they are used in different contexts.
Whether you’re writing a formal report, engaging in an academic discussion, or simply having a casual conversation, the correct use of complex prepositions will enhance your communication skills. So, take the time to learn them, practice regularly, and watch as your proficiency in English reaches new heights.