What Are Compound Prepositions? Definition, Types, Examples & Usage

Introduction

Prepositions are small but powerful words that connect nouns or pronouns to the rest of the sentence. To communicate ideas clearly, it is important to understand all types of prepositions—especially compound prepositions, which are widely used in both spoken and written English.

Compound prepositions make your sentences more precise, more expressive, and more natural. Whether you are preparing for school exams, competitive exams, or improving your communication skills, learning compound prepositions will greatly enhance your English.

What Is a Compound Preposition?

A compound preposition is a preposition made up of two or more words that work together as a single unit. Although they have multiple words, they function exactly like simple prepositions.

Examples:

• because of
  
• according to
  
• in front of
  
• due to
  
• in addition to
  

In a sentence, these word groups act as one prepositional phrase, helping to show relationships such as cause, position, time, or comparison.

How Are Compound Prepositions Formed? / Types of Compound Prepositions

Compound prepositions can be grouped into three main types:

A. Two-Word Compound Prepositions

These consist of two words—often an adverb or adjective followed by a preposition.
Examples: according to, because of, due to, next to, instead of, apart from.

B. Three-Word (or More) Compound Prepositions

These prepositions contain three or more words that together act as a single connecting phrase.
Examples: in front of, on account of, in addition to, in spite of, on behalf of.

C. Closed (Single-Word) Compound Prepositions

Some prepositions were originally compound words but are now written as one word.
Examples: within, without, inside, throughout, upon, into, onto.

Each type allows speakers to express more detailed and specific meanings in English.

Examples of Common Compound Prepositions

Compound prepositions are used in everyday English. Below is a clear and organized list for quick understanding:

A. Two-Word Compound Prepositions

• according to
  
• because of
  
• due to
  
• next to
  
• instead of
  
• apart from
  
• close to
  
• as per
  

Examples in sentences:

• According to the report, sales increased.
  
• The match was canceled because of heavy rain.
  
• She sat next to her best friend.
  

B. Three-Word (or More) Compound Prepositions

• in front of
  
• in addition to
  
• in spite of
  
• on account of
  
• in regard to
  
• on behalf of
  
• in case of
  

Examples in sentences:

• The car was parked in front of the gate.
  
• In addition to studies, he also plays sports.
  
• She attended the meeting on behalf of her manager.
  

C. Closed (Single-Word) Compound Prepositions

• within
  
• without
  
• inside
  
• throughout
  
• upon
  
• into
  
• onto
  

Examples in sentences:

• Please submit the form within two days.
  
• He looked inside the box.
  
• The news spread throughout the village.
  

Functions / Uses of Compound Prepositions

Compound prepositions help express specific relationships in sentences. They make ideas clearer and more detailed.

A. Reason / Cause

• because of
  
• due to
  Example: The school was closed due to bad weather.
  

B. Place / Location

• in front of
  
• next to
  
• close to
  Example: Their house is close to the park.
  

C. Time

• in the middle of
  
• in the course of
  Example: He called in the middle of the night.
  

D. Addition / Exception / Substitution

• in addition to
  
• apart from
  
• instead of
  Example: In addition to English, she teaches Science.
  

E. Reference / Relation

• according to
  
• in regard to
  
• with respect to
  Example: According to experts, this method is effective.
  

These functions allow compound prepositions to express complex meanings that simple prepositions cannot convey as precisely.

Compound vs. Simple Prepositions – What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference helps learners choose the correct form in writing and speaking.

Simple Prepositions

• Single words
  
• Examples: in, on, at, by, to, of
  

Compound Prepositions

• Two or more words acting as one preposition
  
• Examples: because of, in front of, due to
  

Key Differences

1. Structure
   
   • Simple = one word
     
   • Compound = two or more words
     
2. Precision
   
   • Compound prepositions often provide more specific and clearer meaning.
     Example:
     
   • due to (shows reason clearly)
     
   • compared to simple for, which may be vague.
     
3. Usage in Formal English
   
   • Compound prepositions like in spite of, on behalf of, in regard to are often used in formal writing.
     

Example Comparison

• Simple: He left because he was tired.
  
• Compound: He left because of tiredness.
  The compound structure adds clarity and formality.

Common Mistakes / Tips for Learners

Many students misuse compound prepositions because they look similar to simple prepositions or phrasal verbs. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:

A. Treating the Words Separately

Mistake:
✗ She stood in front the class.
Correct:
✓ She stood in front of the class.

Tip:
Always remember that the entire group of words acts together as one preposition.

B. Confusing Similar Prepositions

Mistake:
✗ The meeting was postponed because heavy rain.
Correct:
✓ The meeting was postponed because of heavy rain.

Tip:
Use because of before a noun, and because before a clause.

Example:

• The match was canceled because of rain.
  
• The match was canceled because it was raining.

C. Mixing Up Phrasal Verbs and Prepositions

Mistake:
✗ He looked up to the sky. (Incorrect meaning)
Correct:
✓ He looked up at the sky.

Tip:
Not all combinations are compound prepositions—some are phrasal verbs with different meanings.

D. Using Unnecessary Prepositions

Mistake:
✗ In spite of of his efforts…
Correct:
✓ In spite of his efforts…

Tip:
Compound prepositions already contain “of” where necessary—don’t add more.

Exercises / Practice for Students

Here are some easy classroom-friendly exercises to help students master compound prepositions:

A. Fill in the Blanks

Use the correct compound preposition:

1. The car is parked ________ the building. (in front of / because of)
   
2. She succeeded ________ her hard work. (because of / instead of)
   
3. ________ the rain, the match was cancelled. (In spite of / Because of)
   

B. Rewrite the Sentences

Change the sentences using compound prepositions:

1. He came late as he was stuck in traffic.
   → _______________________________
   
2. She sat near me.
   → _______________________________
   
3. The ticket was cancelled due to an error.
   → _______________________________
   

C. Identify the Compound Prepositions

Find and underline the compound preposition in the following sentences:

1. In addition to singing, she also dances.
   
2. He walked in front of the bus.
   
3. We must finish this within two hours.
   

D. Translate into English (Useful for Indian Students)

Translate using compound prepositions:

1. तिच्या मेहनतीमुळे ती पास झाली.
   
2. पाऊस असूनही आम्ही गेलो.
   
3. तुमचे दुकान शाळेच्या पुढे आहे.
   

Summary / Conclusion

Compound prepositions are an essential part of English grammar because they allow us to express clear, detailed, and specific meanings. They may consist of two, three, or even more words, but they function as one single preposition.

By understanding their types, functions, and correct usage, students can:

• write more accurate sentences
  
• express ideas more naturally
  
• avoid common grammar mistakes
  
• perform better in exams and communication
  

Mastering compound prepositions is a strong step toward confident and fluent English.