Complex Prepositions

The prepositions which we have looked at so far have all consisted of a single word, such as in, of, at, and to. We refer to these as SIMPLE PREPOSITIONS.

COMPLEX PREPOSITIONS consist of two- or three-word combinations acting as a single unit. Here are some examples:

according to along with apart from because of contrary to

due to except for instead of prior to regardless of

Like simple prepositions, these two-word combinations come before a noun:

according to Shakespeare contrary to my advice due to illness

Three-word combinations often have the following pattern:

Simple Preposition + Noun + Simple Preposition

We can see this pattern in the following examples:

in aid of on behalf of in front of in accordance with in line with

in line with in relation to with reference to with respect to by means of

Again, these combinations come before a noun:

in aid of charity in front of the window in line with inflation

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Marginal Prepositions

A number of prepositions have affinities with other word classes. In particular, some prepositions are verbal in form:

Following his resignation, the minister moved to the country I am writing to you regarding your overdraft The whole team was there, including John

We refer to these as MARGINAL PREPOSITIONS. Other marginal prepositions include:

concerning, considering, excluding, given, granted, pending

Non-verbal marginal prepositions include worth (it's worth ten pounds) and minus (ten minus two is eight).

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