Compound Prepositions in English: List with Meaning and Examples

Compound prepositions are groups of two or more words that work together as a single preposition in a sentence. You will often see compound prepositions in everyday English. Phrases like because of, in front of, according to, and instead of appear frequently in conversations, articles, and formal writing.

Compound prepositions are also known as multi-word prepositions. Recognizing them as fixed expressions helps you understand their meaning and use them more accurately in sentences.

What Are Compound Prepositions?

A compound preposition is a group of two or more words that function together as a single preposition. These expressions connect a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence and show relationships such as cause, place, time, purpose, or method.

Although compound prepositions contain multiple words, they act as a single grammatical unit. This means the entire phrase works like a normal preposition and is followed by an object.

Example: The meeting was canceled because of the storm.

In this sentence, because of works as one preposition and introduces the reason for the cancellation.

Compound prepositions usually form from combinations such as:

• preposition + noun + preposition
• adjective + preposition
• preposition + preposition

Examples:

• The café is in front of the hotel.
• The results were announced according to the official report.
• She chose tea instead of coffee.

List of Common Compound Prepositions in English

According to

Meaning: based on someone’s opinion, report, or authority
Example: According to the latest company report, sales increased this quarter.

Ahead of

Meaning: earlier than something or before a particular time
Example: The research team completed the project ahead of the deadline.

Along with

Meaning: together with someone or something
Example: She submitted the application along with all the required documents.

Apart from

Meaning: except for or in addition to something
Example: Apart from a few minor errors, the report was well prepared.

As for

Meaning: regarding or concerning something
Example: As for the travel arrangements, the manager will handle them tomorrow.

As per

Meaning: in accordance with something
Example: As per the agreement, the payment must be completed by Friday.

As to

Meaning: about or concerning a particular matter
Example: There was some confusion as to the exact time of the meeting.

As well as

Meaning: in addition to something
Example: The seminar covers grammar as well as academic writing skills.

Because of

Meaning: due to or caused by something
Example: The outdoor event was postponed because of heavy rain.

By means of

Meaning: using a particular method or system
Example: The message was delivered by means of a secure communication channel.

Due to

Meaning: caused by or resulting from something
Example: Several flights were delayed due to heavy fog.

Depending on

Meaning: determined by or influenced by something
Example: The final schedule may change depending on weather conditions.

Except for

Meaning: excluding a particular person or thing
Example: The office was quiet except for the sound of typing.

Exclusive of

Meaning: not including something
Example: The price listed is exclusive of taxes.

In accordance with

Meaning: following a rule, agreement, or standard
Example: The policy was updated in accordance with new regulations.

In addition to

Meaning: besides or along with something
Example: In addition to teaching, she conducts language research.

In case of

Meaning: if a particular situation happens
Example: In case of emergency, follow the evacuation instructions.

In charge of

Meaning: responsible for something
Example: Maria is in charge of organizing the conference.

In comparison with

Meaning: when compared with something else
Example: In comparison with last year, sales have improved significantly.

In connection with

Meaning: related to or associated with something
Example: The police questioned several witnesses in connection with the investigation.

On account of

Meaning: because of something
Example: The flight was delayed on account of strong winds.

On behalf of

Meaning: representing someone else
Example: She accepted the award on behalf of the entire research team.

On top of

Meaning: in addition to or physically above something
Example: He placed the documents on top of the folder.

Out of

Meaning: from inside something or motivated by something
Example: She volunteered to help out of genuine concern.

Owing to

Meaning: because of something
Example: The event was postponed owing to unexpected technical issues.

Prior to

Meaning: before a particular time or event
Example: All applications must be submitted prior to the deadline.

Thanks to

Meaning: because of something, often expressing appreciation
Example: The project succeeded thanks to careful planning.

Together with

Meaning: along with or accompanied by something
Example: The manager arrived together with the new team members.

With regard to

Meaning: concerning or relating to something
Example: The company issued new guidelines with regard to remote work.

With respect to

Meaning: concerning or regarding something
Example: The policy changes apply with respect to international employees.

How Compound Prepositions Work in Sentences

Like all prepositions, a compound preposition is followed by its object, which is usually a noun phrase or pronoun. Together, they form a prepositional phrase that adds information about cause, place, time, reason, or relationship.

Example: The meeting was postponed because of the storm.

In this sentence, because of is the compound preposition, and the storm is its object.

Structure of a Compound Prepositional Phrase

Most compound prepositions follow a simple pattern:

compound preposition + object

Examples:

• She completed the report in spite of the short deadline.
• The announcement was made on behalf of the director.
• The team finished the task ahead of schedule.

In each example, the compound preposition introduces additional information that helps explain the relationship within the sentence.

Role in Sentence Meaning

Compound prepositions often express relationships such as:

• Cause or reason: The match was canceled because of heavy rain.
• Time or sequence: The documents were submitted prior to the interview.
• Position or relationship: The café is located in front of the library.

Understanding these patterns helps you recognize compound prepositions quickly and use them naturally in writing and speech.

Tips for Learning Compound Prepositions

Learn Them as Complete Phrases

Compound prepositions should be memorized as single units. Trying to interpret each word individually can lead to confusion because the meaning often depends on the entire phrase.

Example: The event was postponed because of bad weather.

Here, because of works together to express the reason.

Notice Them in Real Sentences

Reading articles, emails, and books helps you recognize compound prepositions naturally. When you see phrases like according to, in front of, or instead of, pay attention to how they connect ideas within the sentence.

Example: According to the official report, the policy will change next year.

Practice Writing Your Own Examples

Using compound prepositions in your own sentences helps reinforce how they work. Writing simple examples improves familiarity and confidence.

Example: The documents were submitted prior to the interview.

Pay Attention to Common Usage

Some compound prepositions appear frequently in everyday communication. Becoming familiar with commonly used phrases will make them easier to understand and use correctly.

Examples:

• in addition to
• on behalf of
• because of
• in front of

Regular exposure and practice will help you recognize these expressions quickly and apply them naturally in both speaking and writing.

Frequently Asked Questions