Preposition Patterns

B2 · Upper IntermediatePrepositions

Because of, due to, in spite of — complex prepositions made of two or three words that function as a single connecting unit.

What you'll learn

  • A complex preposition is made of two or more words that function together as a single preposition: because of, due to, in spite of, according to
  • Complex prepositions are always followed by a noun phrase (a noun, pronoun, or -ing form) — never a full clause with its own subject and verb
  • Their single-word relatives (although, because) are conjunctions and are followed by a full clause instead
  • Common complex prepositions: because of / due to / owing to (cause), in spite of / despite (contrast), according to (source), in terms of / as regards (topic), as a result of (consequence)

What is a complex preposition

A complex preposition is a fixed group of two or three words that behaves like a single preposition. Even though it looks like more than one word, it takes only a noun phrase after it — just like a simple, one-word preposition does.

"because of the rain (not a full clause)"
"in spite of the delay (not a full clause)"

Preposition + noun phrase vs. conjunction + clause

Many complex prepositions have a related conjunction that means almost the same thing but works differently: because of (preposition, + noun phrase) vs. because (conjunction, + full clause with subject and verb); despite / in spite of (preposition) vs. although / even though (conjunction).

"because of the traffic (noun phrase) / because the traffic was bad (clause)"
"despite the rain (noun phrase) / although it rained (clause)"

Common complex prepositions by meaning

Cause: because of, due to, owing to, as a result of. Contrast: despite, in spite of. Source: according to. Topic: in terms of, as regards, with regard to. These are especially common in formal writing and reports.

"According to the report, sales rose by 10%."
"In terms of cost, this option is cheaper."
"The delay was due to a technical fault."

Real English

"The match went ahead despite the heavy rain."
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event has been postponed."
"According to the latest data, unemployment has fallen."
"In terms of quality, this is by far the best option."

Watch out

✗Despite of the rain, we went for a walk.
✓Despite the rain, we went for a walk.

despite is never followed by of — only its synonym in spite of includes 'of'.

✗The trip was cancelled because of it was raining.
✓The trip was cancelled because it was raining.

because of takes a noun phrase, not a full clause — use the conjunction because (no 'of') before a subject + verb.

✗Due to the storm, they arrived home late.
✓Because of the storm, they arrived home late.

In careful formal writing, due to modifies a noun (usually after 'be'); because of or owing to is the safer choice at the start of a sentence describing a reason for an action.

Real life — Explaining a delay

"Why was the flight delayed?"

"Apparently it was due to a technical issue with the plane."

"That's frustrating. Did they say anything else?"

"Just that, according to the airline, it should leave within the hour, despite the delay."

Practice

Exercise 1 · Choose the correct form

The trip was cancelled ___ the bad weather.

Exercise 2 · Choose the correct form

___ the rain, the match went ahead as planned.

Exercise 3 · Choose the correct form

The flight was delayed ___ a technical problem.

Exercise 4 · Choose the correct form

___ the report, sales increased by 10% last year.

Exercise 5 · Choose the correct form

___ of price, this is the better option.

Exercise 6 · Choose the correct form

The event was postponed ___ low ticket sales.

Exercise 7 · Identify the complex preposition

Which of these is a two-word complex preposition?

Exercise 8 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 9 · Complete the sentence

Fill in the missing word: The game continued ___ spite of the storm. (one word)

Exercise 10 · Complete the sentence

Fill in the missing word: The delay was ___ to a strike. (one word)

Exercise 11 · Sort the expressions into groups

because of
despite
in spite of
due to
as a result of
although
owing to
even though

0 / 8 sorted

Quick challenge

Five quick questions to check what stuck.

Question 1 / 5

Score: 0/0

___ the traffic, we made it to the airport in time.

You learned

  • A complex preposition is a fixed group of words (because of, due to, in spite of) that functions as a single preposition.
  • Complex prepositions take a noun phrase, never a full clause — their conjunction relatives (because, although) take a clause instead.
  • Common groups: cause (because of, due to, owing to), contrast (despite, in spite of), source (according to), topic (in terms of).
  • despite is never followed by of — only in spite of includes it.

Related grammar lessons

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Learn one of English's most reliable grammar rules: a verb that comes directly after a preposition always takes the -ing form, never the infinitive.

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Learn the fixed prepositions that go with common verbs like listen to, wait for, depend on, and apologize for — each verb has its own required partner.

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