Prepositions may seem small words, but they play a big role in how to express relationships between different parts of a sentence. Although there are many types of prepositions yet we will cover Compound prepositions here.
In this article, we will cover 10 most useful compound preposition examples in sentences, understand their meanings, and learn how to use them with ease.
What is compound preposition definition?
A compound preposition is a group of two or more words that function as a single preposition.
For example,
Instead of saying “in front of,” you can use the compound preposition “in front of” to show the position of something.
“The cat is in front of the house.”
It’s like using a shortcut to say the same thing in a simpler way!
Kinds of Prepositions
There are generally four kinds of prepositions in the English language.
1) Simple Prepositions: These are single-word prepositions that show a relationship in space and direction, etc. It also includes the preposition of time.
Examples include: at, in, on, under, over, by, with, for, from, to, etc.
2) Compound Prepositions: These prepositions are made up of two or more words.
For example: according to, because of, in spite of, next to, on behalf of, as well as, in addition to, etc.
3) Phrase Prepositions: These prepositions consist of multiple words acting together as a single preposition.
For example: in front of, on top of, in the middle of, due to, etc.
4) Prepositional Phrases: These are phrases consisting of a preposition and its object along with any modifiers.
For example: “at the store,” “under the table,” “by the river,” etc.
Compound Prepositions List
Here is the most useful compound prepositions list below with explanation and examples.
1) For the Sake of
Meaning: This phrase is used to indicate doing something for a particular purpose or benefit.
Example: He worked hard for the sake of his family’s future.
1) She sacrificed her career for the sake of her family’s well-being.
2) He apologized for the sake of maintaining peace in the office.
3) They donated generously for the sake of helping the community.
4) The artist painted tirelessly for the sake of perfecting her masterpiece.
5) He chose the healthier option for the sake of his own health.
2) On Account of
Meaning: It signifies the reason or cause for something.
Example: The game was canceled on account of the heavy rain.
1) The concert was canceled on account of the lead singer falling ill.
2) On account of the traffic, I arrived late for the meeting.
3) The event was rescheduled on account of unforeseen circumstances.
4) She missed the flight on account of the airline’s scheduling error.
5) The school closed early on account of the heavy snowfall.
3) In Lieu of
Meaning: Used to mean ‘instead of’ or ‘in place of.’
Example: She offered her help in lieu of a monetary donation.
1) She offered her skills in graphic design in lieu of a monetary donation.
2) We decided to have pizza in lieu of the usual pasta for dinner.
3) He presented a book voucher in lieu of a physical gift.
4) Roma wrote me a letter in lieu of her brother.
5) I offered my friend a coffee in lieu of tea.
4) With Regard to
Meaning: To refer to or concern something.
Example: With regard to your request, we’ll get back to you shortly.
Look at these compound preposition example in sentences here.
1) With regard to your question, I believe the answer lies in the previous discussion.
2) The policy change was made with regard to improving customer satisfaction.
3) With regard to your application, we’ll notify you of our decision soon.
4) He wanted to express his opinion with regard to the ongoing debate.
5) With regard to safety concerns, the new regulations have been implemented.
5) In Spite of
Meaning: Indicates something that happens despite a particular circumstance.
Example: In spite of the bad weather, they went ahead with the picnic.
1) In spite of the storm, they managed to finish the construction on time.
2) She succeeded in her exams in spite of facing various challenges.
3) In spite of his fear of heights, he climbed the mountain.
4) The team won the game in spite of being the underdogs.
5) In spite of the financial difficulties, they decided to start their own business.
6. By Means of
Meaning: Expresses the method or way something is achieved.
Example: The issue was resolved by means of effective communication.
1) They communicated with each other by means of handwritten letters.
2) The problem was resolved by means of innovative technology.
3) He conveyed his message by means of a subtle gesture.
4) She managed to succeed by means of hard work and dedication.
5) They navigated through the maze by means of a detailed map.
7. In Addition to
Meaning: Denotes something extra or supplementary to another.
Example: In addition to his job, he volunteers at the local shelter.
1) In addition to the cake, there were various other desserts at the party.
2) She speaks French fluently, in addition to her proficiency in Spanish.
3) He received a bonus in addition to his regular salary.
4) In addition to the book, the author also wrote a series of articles.
5) They offered free delivery in addition to a discount on the product.
8. In Front of
Meaning: Refers to the position of something ahead or facing.
Example: The park is located in front of the library.
1) The car was parked in front of the house.
2) She stood in front of the mirror, fixing her tie.
3) The children played in front of the school during recess.
4) There’s a beautiful garden in front of the city hall.
5) The store is located right in front of the bus stop.
9. On Behalf of
Meaning: Acting for someone else or representing them.
Example: She spoke on behalf of the entire team at the conference.
1) She accepted the award on behalf of the entire team.
2) The lawyer spoke on behalf of his client in court.
3) He donated money on behalf of his deceased friend’s family.
4) The manager apologized on behalf of the company for the inconvenience caused.
5) They signed the petition on behalf of the local community.
10. By Virtue of
Meaning: Indicates something is a result of a particular quality or circumstance.
Example: She obtained the scholarship by virtue of her hard work.
1) By virtue of her expertise, she was appointed as the team leader.
2) He gained respect in the community by virtue of his charitable acts.
3) By virtue of his dedication, he earned a promotion.
4) She secured the scholarship by virtue of her exceptional academic performance.
5) The team won the championship by virtue of their teamwork.
Conclusion
Learning compound prepositions can significantly improve your language skills. By including these phrases into your everyday conversations, writing, or presentations, you can express ideas with greater precision and clarity. Use these compound preposition examples in sentences and see how they make your language attractive in no time.
