Prepositional Phrases

Prepositions introduce prepositional phrases (preposition + object) that function as modifiers (adjective or adverb).

Below are the additional preposition types with definitions, usage notes, and examples.

11. Compound and complex prepositions

Definition: Multi-word prepositions (prepositional phrases acting as single prepositions).

Common examples:
in front of, next to, due to, because of, in spite of, on behalf of, in accordance with, along with, out of, up to

Sentences:
In spite of the rain, they continued.
She spoke on behalf of the committee.

12. Prepositions introducing agent or instrument (passive voice)

Definition:
Indicate the agent performing an action or the instrument used.

Common examples:
by (agent), with (instrument)

Sentences:
The book was written by the author.
The window was broken with a rock.

13. Prepositions used in idiomatic expressions

Definition: Fixed phrases where prepositions combine with verbs/adjectives/nouns to form idioms.

Examples & sentences:
depend on — I depend on you.
look forward to — She looks forward to the trip.
take care of — Please take care of him.
interested in — He’s interested in history.

14. Prepositions that differ by register or dialect

Note:
Some prepositions or constructions vary by formality or regional usage.

Examples:
different preposition with “different”: different from (preferred in American English), different to (common in British English), different than (used informally in some varieties).

Sentence:
This situation is different from what we expected.

15. Prepositional verbs (verb + preposition) and particle verbs

Definition:
Verbs followed by prepositions that change meaning (often called phrasal verbs when particle-like). They require the specific preposition to convey the intended meaning.

Examples & sentences:

look after (care for):
Can you look after the dog?

rely on:
You can rely on her.

put up with (tolerate):
I won’t put up with that behavior.

16. Objects of prepositions and pronoun forms

Rules:

• A preposition must be followed by an object.
• Use object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them, whom) after prepositions, never subject pronouns (I, he, she, we, they, who).

Examples:

• Between you and me (not I).
• To whom did you speak?
• She sat beside him.

17. Preposition placement and sentence position

General rules:

• Prepositional phrases can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences:

  In the morning, we left.
  She placed the vase on the table.

• In questions and relative clauses, the preposition can come before the object pronoun or appear at the end of the clause:

  To whom did you speak?
  The house (that) I grew up in.

• Avoid unnecessary splitting of prepositional phrases; prefer natural, clear placement.

Example sentences with detailed explanation

In Questions

Formal:

To whom did you speak? (preposition at the beginning)

Informal:

Who did you speak to? (preposition at the end)

In Relative Clauses

Formal:

The house in which I grew up… (preposition at the beginning)

Informal:

The house (that) I grew up in. (preposition at the end)

Detailed Examples