Complex Prepositions

Syllabus tag: Kenya CBC | Grade 9 English | Theme 8.0 Tourism | Strand 8.3 Grammar | Sub-Strand 8.3.1 Complex Prepositions (2 Lessons)

Lesson objectives

By the end of this sub-strand, you should be able to:

• Distinguish simple from complex prepositions.
• Identify two-word and three-word complex prepositions.
• Use complex prepositions correctly in speech and writing.
• Appreciate the precision complex prepositions add to formal writing.

Summary

A preposition shows the relationship between a noun and another element in the sentence. Simple prepositions are single words such as in, on and by. Complex prepositions are groups of two or three words functioning as a single preposition, such as according to, because of, in spite of and with regard to. They matter because they express relationships that single words cannot, and because formal writing, including tourism reports and official correspondence, relies on them heavily.