Complex Prepositions and Conjunctions

What Are Complex Prepositions?

Simple prepositions consist of a single word in, on, at, by, etc. Complex (or compound) prepositions are phrases that function as a single prepositional unit. They often combine a simple preposition with a noun, adjective, or another preposition.

Common Groups

• Preposition + Article + Noun: in spite of, because of, apart from, out of, on behalf of
• Preposition + Gerund: in addition to, with regard to, in terms of
• Adverbial + Preposition: according to, due to, owing to
• Phrase with a Verb: as far as, as long as, as soon as, as if, as though

Why They Matter

Complex prepositions give speakers and writers a concise way to express relationships that would otherwise need a full clause. Using them correctly can make sentences sound more natural and avoid awkward wordiness.

Examples

What Are Complex Conjunctions?

Conjunctions link words, phrases, or clauses. Simple coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) and subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when) are familiar to most learners. Complex conjunctions are multiword expressions that serve the same linking function but convey a more precise logical relationship.

Categories

• Correlative Conjunctions: both and, either or, neither nor, not only but also
• Conjunctional Phrases: as long as, as though, even though, provided that, in case of, in order that
• Conjunctive Adverbs (function like conjunctions): however, therefore, nevertheless, consequently, otherwise
• Prepositionallike Conjunctions: because of, due to, thanks to, owing to (these can act as both prepositions and conjunctions depending on context)

Examples

Using Complex Prepositions and Conjunctions Effectively

Placement

Because these expressions often act as a single unit, they should be kept together. Splitting them with unrelated words creates errors.

Correct: We postponed the trip because of the storm.
Incorrect: We postponed the trip because of the storm.

Parallelism

When a complex conjunction introduces a clause, the clause that follows should match the grammatical form expected by the conjunction.

Correct: She will attend the meeting provided that she finishes her report.
Incorrect: She will attend the meeting provided that finishing her report.

Choosing Between a Clause and a Phrase

Often a writer can use either a complex preposition or a full clause. The phrase is shorter and more formal; the clause adds emphasis.

• Phrase: He succeeded in spite of the odds.
• Clause: He succeeded although the odds were against him.

Common Pitfalls

• Redundancy: Avoid stacking two complex prepositions that mean the same thing due to because of is incorrect.
• Mismatching subjects: When a correlative conjunction is used, both elements must be grammatically parallel She likes both swimming and to run is wrong; it should be She likes both swimming and running.
• Improper punctuation: Conjunctive adverbs usually need a semicolon or a period before them He was late; however, he still finished the test.

Practice Exercises

1. Choose the correct complex preposition

1. We arrived ___ (in spite of / despite of) the heavy traffic.
2. The report was prepared ___ (on account of / because of) insufficient data.
3. She completed the marathon ___ (in addition to / together with) her fulltime job.

2. Identify the type of conjunction

Underline the conjunction and label it as Coordinating, Subordinating, Correlative, Conjunctional Phrase, or Conjunctive Adverb.

• He wanted to travel, but he didnt have the money.
• She will join us as long as she finishes her shift.
• Neither the manager nor the staff were aware of the change.
• The weather was bad; therefore, the flight was cancelled.

3. Rewrite the sentences using a complex preposition instead of a clause

1. Because he was ill, he missed the conference.
2. Although she was tired, she continued working.

Answers

Exercise 1: 1) in spite of 2) because of 3) in addition to

Exercise 2: 1) Subordinating but is coordinating (linking two independent clauses). 2) Conjunctional Phrase as long as. 3) Correlative neither nor. 4) Conjunctive Adverb therefore.

Exercise 3: 1) He missed the conference because of illness.
2) She continued working in spite of her fatigue.