Place or Time, Quantity or Degree, Similarity or Contradiction and 8 More Topics · English Collocations: Compound Prepositions

used to indicate a position or location that is directly opposite or facing something else

"The bank is across from the school."

"The hotel is located across from the beach so guests have a beautiful ocean view."

together with something else

"He came along with his sister."

"She went to the party along with her best friend and they had a great time."

within a short distance of something or someone, suggesting a minimal physical separation between them

"The school is in close proximity to the park."

"The school is in close proximity to the library so students can walk there easily."

used to indicate a specific point in time or a reference point from which information or a situation is being considered

"As of Monday the store will close."

"As of today I am officially retired after working for the company for thirty five years."

used to express a timeframe or deadline that is expected to be met

"Finish inside of an hour."

"The urgent medical report needs to be completed and submitted inside of the next two business days."

used to indicate that something happens or is done before a particular event or point in time

"Prior to the meeting we ate lunch."

"Prior to the meeting please review the documents that were sent to you by email."

following in time or order

"Subsequent to the storm we cleaned up."

"Subsequent to the storm many homes were without power for several days."

used to describe a specific point or period of time that extends until a certain moment or event

"Up until yesterday I was happy."

"Up until last year he had never traveled outside of his hometown in his entire life."

referring to the period or duration during which something happens, develops, or takes place

"In the course of time."

"Over the course of the summer internship, she gained valuable experience in project management and teamwork."

used to indicate the extent or distance up to which something applies or reaches

"As far as I know."

"As far as the current regulations are concerned, all employees must adhere to the updated safety protocols."

used to indicate a limit or boundary, typically in terms of physical distance or location

"Up to the door."

"The water level rose rapidly, reaching up to the second floor of the riverside building."

suggesting a substantial contrast from what is expected or desired

"The store is far from my house."

"The restaurant is far from here so we will need to take a taxi or drive there."

used to add extra or supplementary information

"In addition to tea he likes coffee."

"In addition to his regular job he also volunteers at the local animal shelter on weekends."

used to indicate a quantity or amount that surpasses a specified limit

"He earned in excess of one million dollars."

"The car can reach speeds in excess of one hundred fifty miles per hour on a race track."

used to indicate the number or proportion of elements that meet a specific condition within a larger set

"Three out of five agreed."

"According to the survey, seven out of ten employees expressed satisfaction with the new workplace policies."

beyond what is expected, required, or usual

"Over and above his salary he gets bonuses."

"Over and above his regular duties he also helps with training new employees at work."

used to emphasize that something is minimal or not at all

"I am not tired in the least."

"I am not in the least worried about the exam because I have studied very hard for it."

with a very slow rate

"The traffic was moving at a snail's pace."

"The traffic was moving at a snail's pace because of the accident on the motorway ahead."

used to express the limit or extent of something, often indicating a range or scope

"As far as the eye can see."

"As far as the budget is concerned we have enough money to complete the project on time."

used to convey a significant level or quantity of something

"He loved her as much."

"As much as I like you I cannot give you any special treatment over the other candidates."

denoting the inclusion of something extra alongside existing tasks, responsibilities, or obligations

"Work on top of chores."

"She had to complete the urgent project on top of her already demanding workload and family responsibilities."

indicating that the quantity or count mentioned does not exceed a specified value

"You can choose up to three items."

"You can invite up to ten guests to the wedding so please send me the list soon."

in a similar style, manner, or genre as something else, often used to indicate inspiration or influence

"His art is in vein of Picasso."

"The author's latest novel is written in the vein of classic detective mysteries from the 1940s."

used to convay that one is strongly against someone or something

"Strong opposition to the plan."

"He spoke in opposition to the new law because he thought it was unfair."

regardless of a particular circumstance or obstacle

"In spite of the storm, they sailed."

"In spite of the challenging economic conditions, the small business managed to maintain steady growth throughout the year."

in comparison with something else, indicating a difference or distinction

"She wants water as opposed to juice."

"He preferred a quiet evening at home as opposed to attending the noisy, crowded party."

showing a difference when compared to something else

"In contrast to him, she is quiet."

"In contrast to the bustling city, the countryside offered a peaceful and tranquil escape for the weekend."

of the same type as something else or closely resembling it

"Something along those lines."

"He said something along the lines of I quit before storming out of the office angrily."

because of caring about someone or something and wanting to make a situation better for them

"He worked hard for the sake of his family."

"For the sake of your health you should stop smoking and start exercising regularly."

with the intention or aim of achieving a specific objective or goal

"This tool is for the purpose of cutting."

"This meeting is for the purpose of discussing the new budget and upcoming projects."

with the goal of providing help or support to someone or something

"The concert was in aid of charity."

"The charity run was organized in aid of cancer research and raised thousands of dollars."

motivated by a feeling of worry, care, or consideration for someone or something

"Out of concern for you I stayed."

"Out of concern for your safety we have decided to cancel the trip to the mountains."

in the act of seeking, striving for, or trying to achieve something

"He ran in pursuit of the thief."

"He moved to New York in pursuit of his dream to become a famous actor."

with the expectation or desire for a particular outcome or result

"She called in hopes of getting help."

"She studied hard in hopes of getting a scholarship to study abroad next year."

with the expectation or desire for a positive outcome

"He went with hopes of finding work."

"He started his own business with hopes of becoming financially independent by age forty."

with consideration for the benefit, well-being, or advantage of someone or something

"Do it in my interest."

"The committee decided to postpone the decision in the interest of gathering more comprehensive data for review."

with the intention of achieving a specific goal or outcome

"He studied in order to pass the exam."

"She studied very hard in order to pass the exam and get into a good university."

with a deliberate purpose or plan to accomplish a specific objective

"He called with the intention of apologizing."

"She called him with the intention of apologizing for what she had said earlier."

used to indicate a connection or reference to something else

"As regards your question I will answer later."

"As regards your application we will contact you within two weeks to schedule an interview."

used to indicate a relationship or connection to something

"With reference to your email."

"With reference to your recent application, we would like to invite you for an interview."

with the intention of achieving or considering something

"He saved money with a view to traveling."

"We are saving money with a view to buying a house in the countryside next year."

as a transaction where one thing is given or done to receive another as compensation or consideration

"Goods in exchange for."

"She offered her valuable antique watch in exchange for a substantial amount of cash to pay her debts."

used to show that the following statement or discussion is about a specific topic, highlighting its importance and relevance

"With regard to your question."

"With regard to the recent complaints from customers, the company has decided to implement a new quality control system to address the issues."

referring to or concerning a particular topic, subject, or context

"With relation to your question."

"The committee will review all submitted proposals in relation to the overall goals and budget of the organization."

referring to or considering a specific aspect or factor

"In terms of price this is better."

"In terms of quality this product is much better than the cheaper alternative on the market."

used to indicate that someone is acting or speaking for another person or group

"He spoke on behalf of the team."

"On behalf of the entire team I would like to thank you for your hard work."

used to indicate the grounds, reasons, or foundation upon which a decision, judgment, or action is made

"He was hired on the basis of his experience."

"They made their decision on the basis of the evidence presented during the trial."

regarding a particular topic or issue

"On the subject of money I have none."

"On the subject of climate change there is still a lot of disagreement among scientists."

used to introduce a new topic

"As for me I am leaving."

"As for the food it was delicious but the service was very slow and disappointing."

concerning a specific topic or issue

"With respect to your request I agree."

"With respect to your opinion I think you have made some very good points today."

used to indicate that someone is free to do something in whichever way they prefer

"You can come as you please."

"You can arrange the furniture as you please because this is your room not mine."

following a specific law, regulation, or requirement

"Pursuant to the rules he was disqualified."

"Pursuant to the new regulations all employees must complete safety training by Friday."

considering a particular fact or circumstance

"In view of the facts."

"In view of recent events we have decided to increase security at all of our buildings."

because of a particular situation or information

"In the light of new evidence he was freed."

"In light of recent events we have decided to cancel the trip to the mountains."

from the perspective or responsibility of a particular individual or group

"It was a mistake on the part of the manager."

"There was a serious mistake on the part of the company and they apologized publicly."

if a specific situation or event occurs

"In case of fire leave the building."

"In case of fire please use the stairs and do not use the elevator."

as a reaction or answer to something

"In response to your letter I am writing back."

"In response to your question I can tell you that we are working on the problem."

if a particular situation occurs

"In the event of rain we will cancel."

"In the event of an emergency please remain calm and follow the instructions of the staff."

despite a challenging or difficult situation

"He smiled in the face of danger."

"She remained calm in the face of danger and helped everyone escape safely."

during a particular period or while something is happening

"He spoke in the midst of the chaos."

"In the midst of the storm they lost power and had to use candles for light."

at the starting point of a major development or change

"The company is on the cusp of success."

"The company is on the cusp of a major breakthrough that will change the industry."

very close to a particular state, situation, or event, often with the implication that it is about to happen or reach a certain point

"She was on the verge of tears."

"She was on the verge of tears when she heard the sad news about her friend."

in regard to what someone has said or written

"According to the teacher we have homework."

"According to the weather forecast it will rain tomorrow so bring an umbrella."

used to discuss the relationship or rights of parties involved in a legal matter or contract

"As between us, it's fine."

"The contract clearly outlined the responsibilities as between the landlord and the tenant regarding property maintenance."

used to indicate accordance with a particular standard, rule, or instruction

"As per your request I have sent the file."

"As per your request I have attached the documents to this email for your review."

causing a negative consequence or cost to someone or something in order to benefit another

"He succeeded at the expense of his health."

"He achieved success at the expense of his health because he worked too hard."

in agreement with a particular standard, guideline, or objective

"His views are in alignment with mine."

"The company goals are in alignment with our personal values and beliefs about sustainability."

in partnership with a particular person, organization, or entity

"The event is in association with the museum."

"The concert was organized in association with a local charity that helps homeless children."

in harmony with a particular idea, principle, or concept

"The data is in coherence with the theory."

"His statement was not in coherence with the evidence presented during the trial."

together with something else

"The drug works in combination with exercise."

"The medicine works best in combination with regular exercise and a healthy diet."

used to covey that two or more people or things are working together to achieve a common goal

"He acted in concert with his partner."

"The two companies are working in concert with each other to develop a new product."

in agreement with something else, indicating that two or more things are happening simultaneously

"His plan in concurrence with mine."

"The scientist's findings were in concurrence with previous research, strengthening the overall validity of the hypothesis."

in combination or partnership with another

"The event is in conjunction with the festival."

"The event is being organized in conjunction with the local government and several businesses."

used to indicate a relationship or association between two or more things

"He was arrested in connection with the crime."

"The police arrested two men in connection with the robbery that happened last week."

in alignment with a particular idea, principle, or concept

"He lives in harmony with nature."

"We should live in harmony with nature and protect the environment for future generations."

in accordance with a particular style, tradition, or expectation

"In keeping with the theme."

"In keeping with the festive spirit, the entire neighborhood decorated their houses with colorful lights and ornaments."

with a similar attitude, mindset, or intention as a particular concept or principle

"He acted in the spirit of cooperation."

"In the spirit of cooperation we have decided to accept their proposal and work together."

following a specific rule, command, or authority

"In obedience to the law he stopped."

"In obedience to the law they paid all of their taxes on time every year."

in addition to or along with

"He came together with his brother."

"Together with his team he developed a new software program that revolutionized the industry."

used to convey that someone or something is conforming to a particular standard, guideline, or expectation

"His actions in line with policy."

"The new regulations are in line with international standards for environmental protection and sustainability."

occurring simultaneously or alongside something else

"The road runs in parallel with the river."

"The two projects are running in parallel with each other and will finish at the same time."

moving at the same pace, rhythm, or level as someone or something else

"He is in step with the times."

"The dancers moved in step with the music and their performance was perfectly synchronized."

in perfect alignment or harmony with something

"The music is in sync with the dance."

"The video is not in sync with the audio so the actors lips do not match the words."

used to show that two or more people or things are working together or happening at the same time to achieve a common goal

"He worked in tandem with his colleague."

"The new software works in tandem with the existing system to improve efficiency."

acting or happening together in perfect agreement or harmony

"They moved in unison."

"The choir sang in unison with the conductor, creating a powerful and harmonious sound that filled the hall."

in accordance with a specific rule, guideline, or standard

"He acted in adherence to the rules."

"The workers acted in adherence to the safety guidelines and no one was injured."

in harmony with a particular idea, opinion, or viewpoint

"I am in agreement with you."

"I am in agreement with your proposal and I think we should move forward with it."

adhering to a specific rule, regulation, or requirement

"He acted in compliance with the rules."

"The building was constructed in compliance with all local safety regulations and codes."

in accordance with a particular standard, expectation, or norm

"The building is in conformity with codes."

"The product is made in conformity with international quality standards and has been certified."

in harmony with a particular concept or idea

"His actions are in congruence with his beliefs."

"The results are in congruence with previous studies and confirm the original hypothesis."

used to indicate a matching or parallel relationship with something else

"We are in correspondence via email."

"We have been in correspondence for several months but have never met in person."

having characteristics or qualities similar to a particular type or category

"It was in nature of help."

"The problem is administrative in nature and can be solved by the office manager easily."

used to show compliance with a specific rule, guideline, or standard

"We acted in accordance with the rules."

"We acted in accordance with the rules and completed all the required paperwork."

in the act of carrying out or achieving a task, duty, or obligation as required or expected

"In fulfillment of his promise he returned."

"In fulfillment of his promise he donated a large sum of money to the local children hospital."

used to indicate exclusion of a particular thing or person

"Aside from rain, we went."

"Aside from a few minor issues the project was a complete success and finished on time."

not including a specific item, person, or condition

"Everyone passed except for John."

"Except for John everyone came to the party and we had a wonderful time together."

in replacement of something that is typically expected or required

"He gave milk in lieu of cream."

"He received a cash payment in lieu of vacation days because he could not take time off."

as a substitute for someone or something

"He used honey in place of sugar."

"The teacher used a marker in place of chalk because the chalkboard was broken."

as a substitute for someone or something else

"He drank water instead of soda."

"I will have tea instead of coffee because coffee keeps me awake at night."

excluding a particular thing, person, or condition

"Outside of work he is very quiet."

"Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf on weekends."

without taking into consideration or being influenced by a particular factor or condition

"He went regardless of the danger."

"Regardless of the cost we must buy the best equipment for the hospital."

beyond the distance or capability of someone or something to access or attain

"The toy is out of reach of the child."

"Keep the medicine out of reach of children and store it in a locked cabinet."

not including a specific item, person, or condition

"With the exception of John everyone passed."

"With the exception of one student everyone passed the final exam easily."

used to indicate an exception or exclusion from something or someone

"Apart from John everyone came."

"Apart from the broken window the house was in perfect condition and very clean."

through the force, effort, or influence of someone or something

"He succeeded by dint of hard work."

"By dint of hard work and determination she finally achieved her goal of becoming a doctor."

by using or with the help of something

"He escaped by means of a tunnel."

"The thief entered the house by means of an unlocked window at the back of the building."

through a particular method, route, or means

"He explained by way of an example."

"He explained the concept by way of an example so everyone could understand it clearly."

because of a particular quality, attribute, or right possessed by someone or something

"By virtue of his rank."

"She was granted access to the restricted archives by virtue of her position as the lead researcher on the project."

utilizing a particular method, tool, or technique

"He solved it through the use of math."

"Through the use of modern technology doctors can perform surgeries with great precision."

used to convey that something is happening or exists after and often due to another event or action

"In the wake of the storm many trees fell."

"In the wake of the scandal the CEO resigned from his position at the company."

used to introduce the reason of something happening

"He was late because of traffic."

"Because of his illness he was unable to attend the meeting and had to stay home."

because of a particular cause or reason

"He was excused by reason of illness."

"He was excused from jury duty by reason of his medical condition and age."

as a result of a specific cause or reason

"The game was canceled due to rain."

"Due to the bad weather the flight was delayed for over three hours at the airport."

because of a specific reason or cause

"On account of the rain we stayed inside."

"On account of the holiday the store will be closed all day tomorrow."

as a result of a particular cause or circumstance

"Owing to the storm we stayed home."

"Owing to the high cost of materials we had to increase the price of our products."

as a result of actions or treatment carried out by a particular person or group

"He suffered at the hands of his enemy."

"The prisoner suffered cruel treatment at the hands of his captors for many months."

used to express the cause or reason for a particular outcome

"Thanks to his help we finished early."

"Thanks to your help we were able to finish the project before the deadline."

used to indicate the necessary condition or requirement that must be fulfilled for a particular goal or outcome to be achieved

"In order for you to pass you must study."

"In order for the plant to grow it needs sunlight water and good soil to thrive."

having control or responsibility for someone or something

"She is in charge of the project."

"She is in charge of the marketing department and manages a team of ten people."

having received something, such as a document or communication

"We are in receipt of your payment."

"We are in receipt of your letter and will respond within ten business days."

used to show that someone has control or ownership of a particular object or item

"He is in possession of stolen goods."

"The suspect was found in possession of stolen goods and was arrested by the police."

in close proximity, available, or ready for use

"The documents are to hand."

"The documents are to hand and I will review them carefully before the meeting."

in one's favor compared to other options

"He chose tea in preference to coffee."

"She chose the blue dress in preference to the red one because it suited her better."

in accordance with one's desire or liking

"Out of preference for blue."

"She chose the red dress out of preference for bright colors rather than dark ones."

used to show support for or agreement with someone or something

"I am in favor of the new rule."

"Everyone voted in favor of the new policy because it would benefit all employees."

used to show that something is available for someone to use whenever necessary

"You have a whole library at your disposal."

"You have all the resources at your disposal so please use them to complete the project successfully."

used when a person is not concerned about something or someone

"You can leave for all I care."

"You can do whatever you want for all I care because I am leaving this company tomorrow."

in close proximity, available, or ready for use

"It is close at hand."

"With the deadline rapidly approaching, all necessary resources should be kept close at hand for immediate deployment."