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Interactive Grammar: Complex Prepositions quiz

Use multi-word prepositions — despite, because of, due to, in addition to, as a result of — in formal writing.

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Lesson progressNot started
Duration
~36 min
Questions
24
Level
Intermediate

Overview

Complex prepositions are multi-word phrases that function as a single preposition: in spite of, as a result of, with regard to, on behalf of, in addition to, due to, owing to. They are common in formal, academic, and business English.

Cause and Reason

  • because ofbecause of + noun: cancelled because of bad weather
  • due todue to + noun: delayed due to technical issues (formal)
  • owing toowing to + noun: postponed owing to unforeseen circumstances
  • as a result ofas a result of + noun: improved as a result of the reforms

Contrast and Addition

  • despitedespite + noun/gerund: succeeded despite the difficulties
  • in spite ofin spite of: completed in spite of the setbacks
  • in addition toin addition to the report, she prepared slides
  • on behalf ofsigned on behalf of the company by its legal representative

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ because of he was late → ✅ because he was late (clause) OR because of his lateness (noun)
  • ❌ due to he failed → ✅ due to his failure (+ noun phrase only)
  • ❌ despite of → ✅ despite the difficulties (no 'of')

When to use

Business writing

The project was delayed owing to supply chain disruptions.

Academic essays

Despite considerable opposition, the bill was passed.

News reports

In addition to the arrests, three suspects remain at large.

Formal reports

As a result of the review, several recommendations were issued.

Complex Prepositions: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct complex preposition for each formal sentence

Multiple Choice10 questionsB1 — Intermediate~15 min
1The project was cancelled budget constraints.
2 the heavy rain, the event proceeded as planned.
3The delay occurred a software failure.
4 the main report, she submitted a supplementary note.
5The contract was signed the legal team.
6Profits rose the implementation of cost-cutting measures.
7 considerable setbacks, the team delivered on time.
8Which is incorrect?
9' his expertise' meaning = because he has expertise:
10'Because of' can only be followed by a .
Progress0 of 10 answered

Complete with a Complex Preposition

Fill in: due to / owing to / despite / in spite of / as a result of / in addition to / on behalf of / because of

Fill in the Blanks8 questionsB1 — Intermediate~12 min
1(formal cause)the findings, a full audit was commissioned.
2(concession)strong opposition, the bill was passed.
3The delays were(formal cause)a fault in the supply chain.
4(addition)the costs, the timeline was also problematic.
5He signed(acting for)the entire management board.
6(formal cause alt)unforeseen circumstances, the launch was postponed.
7(concession + noun)the setbacks, the team maintained its schedule.
8Costs rose(cause: informal OK here)rising energy prices.
Progress0 of 8 answered

Fix the Complex Preposition Error

Correct the error in each sentence

Error Fix6 questionsB1 — Intermediate~9 min

1Despite of the difficulties, the project succeeded.

2Due to he was late, the meeting was rescheduled.

3The loss was because of they mismanaged the funds.

4In spite of all the setbacks, but they succeeded.

5As a result of the reforms, were significant improvements.

6He signed the contract in behalf of the company.

Progress0 of 6 answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on complex Prepositions cover?

Use multi-word prepositions — despite, because of, due to, in addition to, as a result of — in formal writing.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Intermediate (B1) learners and forms part of the Prepositions section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying complex Prepositions?

Start with the definition above, then work through the examples to see how complex Prepositions behaves in context. Since this is a Intermediate (B1) topic within prepositions, focus on using the structure accurately in context and noticing the mistakes learners typically make with it — this is the level where small errors start to matter for fluency. Finish with the quiz below to check what's actually sticking.

How does complex Prepositions relate to the rest of prepositions?

Complex Prepositions is one of the Intermediate–level topics grouped under Prepositions on Grammartier. Understanding it well makes the related lessons in the same category easier to follow — use the related-lessons links on this page to keep building on it once you've completed this quiz.

Your Grammar Learning Path

Follow the CEFR progression for this topic cluster.

  1. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Prepositions of Time quiz
  2. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Since vs For quiz
  3. B1
    Interactive Grammar: Complex Prepositions quizYou are here
  4. B1
    Interactive Grammar: During vs While quiz
  5. B1
    Interactive Grammar: Like vs As quiz
  6. B1
    Interactive Grammar: Prepositions After Adjectives quiz
  7. B1
    Interactive Grammar: Prepositions of Movement quiz

Before You Start

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Related Concepts

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