A preposition relates the noun or pronoun following it to another word in the sentence. Compound prepositions are also known as complex prepositions and are, as the name implies, made up of more than one word. Some of the more common compound prepositions are used frequently in the English Language and they will always (or, most probably) be found together. In this post I wrote a helper list for understanding compound prepositions meaning as follow:
Compound preposition
following by description: and an example.
According to
In a manner, correspond to, in proportion: This list is sort according to the Alphabet.
Along with
In addition to someone or something; together with someone or something
Jane went to the mall along with David. I ate some chocolates along with some fruit.
Apart from
With the exception of: Apart from a few scratches, the car was undamaged.
As for
Considering or speaking about: I am still working, and as for my health, it is very good.
As of
On: The project was terminated as of January 1.
Aside from
Excluding; except for: Aside from a mild fever, the patient feels fine.
Because of
By reason of: I didn't go out because of the rain.
By means of.
Owing to: He'll succeed by means of sheer persistence.
By way of
Passing through something (as a place); via something: He came home by way of Toledo.
Except for
Apart from; with the exception of: Except for this mistake, you did very well
In addition to
As well as; besides: In addition to directing the play, she designed most of the scenery.
In back of
Means behind: The trash is kept in back of the store.
In case of
If there should happen to be: A number to call in case of emergency.
In front of
At or near the front part of (something): Not in front of the children!
In place of
Instead of someone or something; as a substitute for someone or something:
I changed my mind. I want a red one in place of the blue one.
In spite of
In opposition to all efforts of: He still loves her in spite of everything.
Instead of
Rather than: He walked to school instead of taking the car.
Next to
Beside; alongside: A adventure playground is located next to the main building.
On account of
Due to and owing to: He was kept in after school on account of his bad behaviour.
On behalf of
Speaking or acting for: On behalf of all those present, may I thank you for a well executed presentation.
On top of
Fully informed about: A senator who is always on top of the issues.
Out for
Definition: To be + out for Searching: I'm looking out for some new door handles.
Owing to
Because of; on account of: I couldn't attend, owing to illness.
Prior to
Preceding; before: Prior to the changes of ownership and editorship
Regardless of
In spite of: We will persevere regardless of past failures.
With regard to
Concerning; about: I spoke to him with regard to his future
Compound preposition
following by description: and an example.
According to
In a manner, correspond to, in proportion: This list is sort according to the Alphabet.
Along with
In addition to someone or something; together with someone or something
Jane went to the mall along with David. I ate some chocolates along with some fruit.
Apart from
With the exception of: Apart from a few scratches, the car was undamaged.
As for
Considering or speaking about: I am still working, and as for my health, it is very good.
As of
On: The project was terminated as of January 1.
Aside from
Excluding; except for: Aside from a mild fever, the patient feels fine.
Because of
By reason of: I didn't go out because of the rain.
By means of.
Owing to: He'll succeed by means of sheer persistence.
By way of
Passing through something (as a place); via something: He came home by way of Toledo.
Except for
Apart from; with the exception of: Except for this mistake, you did very well
In addition to
As well as; besides: In addition to directing the play, she designed most of the scenery.
In back of
Means behind: The trash is kept in back of the store.
In case of
If there should happen to be: A number to call in case of emergency.
In front of
At or near the front part of (something): Not in front of the children!
In place of
Instead of someone or something; as a substitute for someone or something:
I changed my mind. I want a red one in place of the blue one.
In spite of
In opposition to all efforts of: He still loves her in spite of everything.
Instead of
Rather than: He walked to school instead of taking the car.
Next to
Beside; alongside: A adventure playground is located next to the main building.
On account of
Due to and owing to: He was kept in after school on account of his bad behaviour.
On behalf of
Speaking or acting for: On behalf of all those present, may I thank you for a well executed presentation.
On top of
Fully informed about: A senator who is always on top of the issues.
Out for
Definition: To be + out for Searching: I'm looking out for some new door handles.
Owing to
Because of; on account of: I couldn't attend, owing to illness.
Prior to
Preceding; before: Prior to the changes of ownership and editorship
Regardless of
In spite of: We will persevere regardless of past failures.
With regard to
Concerning; about: I spoke to him with regard to his future
