+25 Compound Prepositions To Improve Your Writing

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and some other word or element in a sentence.

If there are two or more words (a preposition and a non-preposition word), it is a compound preposition.

They can consist of two-word combinations (instead of) or three-word (in addition to) combinations.

List of Compound Prepositions

Here are some examples of compound prepositions:

• In front of
• According to (meaning: as stated by)
• Instead of (meaning: as an alternative)
• Ahead of (meaning: in front of or before)
• In view of (meaning: because of)
• As of (meaning: indicates the time/date when something starts)
• On top of
• On account of (meaning: because of)
• In lieu of (meaning: instead)
• In accordance with (meaning: something we are complying to)
• Because of
• Along with (meaning: together with)
• By means of (meaning: a particular method or process of)
• In addition to (meaning: when you want to say another item connected to what you are talking to)
• Rather than (meaning: a contrary choice or wish)
• Relating to
• As a result of
• Out of (meaning: from)
• In spite of (meaning: despite; without being affected by something)
• Next to
• Apart from (meaning: except for; when you are making an exception)
• On behalf of (meaning: used when speaking for someone)

Examples of Compound Prepositions in Sentences

1. My house is in front of the supermarket.
2. According to the weather report, it is going to rain tomorrow.
3. Instead of going to the beach, we went shopping.
4. The plane is ahead of schedule.
5. She was sick, so her friend stood in place of her.
6. The store is open as of today.
7. She stacked the heavy boxes on top of each other.
8. She bought a new dress in addition to the shoes.
9. In spite of his parents’ protests, he went to the concert.
10. I couldn’t go to school on account of the blizzard.
11. The business gave their employees bonuses in lieu of holiday time.
12. The project was completed in accordance with the guidelines.
13. The show was cancelled because of the snowstorm.
14. The date was postponed on account of the speaker’s illness.
15. We went to the movies along with our friends.
16. She paid the bills by means of snail mail.
17. He bought the new video game in addition to the old ones.
18. He enjoys meeting friends rather than staying home.
19. My assignment is related to geometry.
20. The examinations have been rescheduled as a result of the extreme weather conditions.
21. He stood out of his friend’s way.
22. In spite of the weather, they went out.
23. In addition to studying hard, he played video games all night long.
24. Instead of going to the movies, we stayed home and watched TV.
25. I bought the book on account of it being cheap.
26. The book is next to the table.
27. Apart from the high prices, it was an enjoyable experience.
28. On behalf of the students, I would like to say thank you for everything you’ve done.

Useful Links

• 45 Pronoun Examples in Sentences
• 55 Official Symbol Names in English
• 41 Flower Names in English with Pictures (Flower List)
• 3D Shape Names in English (Beginner Friendly)
• 103 Common Nouns List in English You Should Know (Alphabetized)

Other Common Questions

Some other useful things to know related to our topic on compound preposition examples.

Compound Preposition Vs Double Preposition

There is a small difference between compound and double prepositions.

A double preposition consists of two or more preposition words made into one word, for example, inside, upon, into and throughout.

A compound preposition consists of a simple preposition and a non-preposition word as discussed.

Compound Prepositions Test with Answers

1. We went outside __________ the rain.

Ahead of

In spite of

In place of

2. I’ll have tea __________ coffee, please.

In lieu of

Apart from

Instead of

3. The car is parked __________ the station.

In front of

Along with

By means of

4. __________ going to the movies, we stayed home and watched TV.

Rather than

In spite of

As a result of

5. They teach the course __________ live weekly classes and continuous expert support.

According to

On account of

By means of

Answers:

1. in spite of
2. instead of
3. in front of
4. rather than
5. by means of

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