List of multiple word prepositions

Two-word sequences that act as prepositions Three-word sequences that act as prepositions except for

in place of

1. Instead of.

but for

in quest of

in search of

In their quest for democracy the people of Burma explore not

only the political theories and practices of the world outside their

country but also the spiritual and intellectual values that have

given shape to their own environment.

apart from

ahead of

1. In front of.

A hill loomed ahead of them.

1. In advance of

2. Preceding; before

You have a long trip ahead of you.

He's giving a series of concerts in London ahead of his international tour.

I arrived at Jack's suite half an hour ahead of him.

in lieu of

1. instead; in place of; as a substitute for

They gave him a cash award, in lieu of the promised prize package.

Gumble sleeps in Joe's bed in lieu of sleeping in his own, at his own house.

We let our cat outside in lieu of having a litter box.

instead of

in consequence of

in consequence of, as a result of; on account of: A trial was held in consequence of the investigation.

because of

in favour of

The Council voted in favour of a Ł200 million housing development.

irrespective of

1. regardless of; without regard to; without considering

Irrespective of whether it is rural or urban, the reality is, poverty exists!

with respect to

Regarding; concerning; pertaining to

regardless of

1. Without attention to.

He smoked cigars regardless of the consequences.

in accordance with

We say "in accordance with" or "according to" in slightly different circumstances. According to makes a reference to a source of information, while in accordance with explains an action in reference to an authority. For example: According to the rules, this person should be fired; and in accordance with the rules, they fired him.

according to in comparison with due to

in compliance with

when people obey an order, rule or request:

It is the job of the inspectors to enforce compliance with the regulations.

The company said that it had always acted in compliance with environmental laws

owing to

1. Because of, on account of.

I will not be adding more entries owing to repetitive strain injury.

by virtue of

because of something; due to something. She's permitted to vote by virtue of her age. They are members of the club by virtue of their great wealth.

prior to

(formal) before

by means of

subsequent to

occurring or coming later or after (often fol. by to): subsequent events; Subsequent to their arrival in Chicago, they bought a new car.

on account of

1. Because of, due to, owing to.

   • 1842 August 29, Treaty of Nanking:

[…] and His Imperial Majesty further agrees to pay to the British Government the sum of Three Millions of dollars, on account of debts due to British subjects by some of the said Hong merchants (or Cohong), who have become insolvent, and who owe very large sums of money to subjects of Her Britannic Majesty.

contrary to

Contrary to Popular Wisdom, Expressing Anger Is Not Healthy

on behalf of

1. Speaking or acting for.