Two-word Prepositions with examples and meaning

Mastering Two-Word Prepositions

Introduction to Two-Word Prepositions

Two-word prepositions are essential for creating clear and coherent sentences in English. These prepositions consist of two words that work together to show the relationship between different elements within a sentence. This lesson will explore a variety of two-word prepositions, their meanings, and provide over 101 examples to help you understand and use them effectively in your writing and speech.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a thorough understanding of two-word prepositions and how to incorporate them into your sentences to enhance clarity and coherence. Let's begin by exploring the useful vocabulary for this topic and understand how these prepositions function in various contexts.

Useful Vocabulary for Two-Word Prepositions

Two-Word Prepositions List and Examples

1. According to

   • Meaning: As stated or reported by
   • Examples:
     1. "According to John, no one enjoyed the party very much."
     2. "According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow."
     3. "According to the report, the project is on track."

2. Affection for

   • Meaning: A liking or fondness for someone or something
   • Examples:
     1. "She has a deep affection for her pets."
     2. "His affection for music is evident."
     3. "They have a strong affection for each other."

3. Affectionate to

   • Meaning: Showing fondness or tenderness towards someone
   • Examples:
     1. "She is always affectionate to her children."
     2. "He is very affectionate to his dog."
     3. "They are affectionate to each other."

4. Along with

   • Meaning: In addition to; together with
   • Examples:
     1. "She brought her friend along with her."
     2. "Along with the main course, we had dessert."
     3. "He attended the meeting along with his colleagues."

5. Alternate with

   • Meaning: To take turns with; to interchange with
   • Examples:
     1. "The two teams will alternate with each other during the match."
     2. "You can alternate with your partner to complete the task."
     3. "They alternate with each other every week."

6. Alternative to

   • Meaning: Another option or choice instead of something else
   • Examples:
     1. "There is no alternative to hard work."
     2. "She suggested an alternative to the original plan."
     3. "Finding an alternative to the problem was challenging."

7. Ambition to

   • Meaning: A strong desire to achieve something
   • Examples:
     1. "His ambition to become a doctor is commendable."
     2. "She has an ambition to travel the world."
     3. "Their ambition to win the competition drives them."

8. Ambitious of

   • Meaning: Having a strong desire for success or achievement
   • Examples:
     1. "He is ambitious of gaining a promotion."
     2. "She is ambitious of completing her degree with honors."
     3. "They are ambitious of expanding their business."

9. Apart from

   • Meaning: Except for; besides
   • Examples:
     1. "Apart from his habit of talking too much, I have nothing against him."
     2. "Apart from the weather, the trip was enjoyable."
     3. "Apart from a few minor errors, the report was excellent."

10. As for

    • Meaning: Concerning; regarding
    • Examples:
      1. "As for the project, we need to discuss the timeline."
      2. "As for John, he will join us later."
      3. "As for the budget, we need to be cautious."

11. As of

    • Meaning: Starting from a particular time
    • Examples:
      1. "As of next week, the new policy will be in effect."
      2. "As of now, we have no further updates."
      3. "As of January, she will be the new manager."

12. As to

    • Meaning: With respect to; regarding
    • Examples:
      1. "There were no objections as to the proposal."
      2. "As to your question, I will need more time to answer."
      3. "As to the arrangements, everything is set."

13. Aside from

    • Meaning: Apart from; in addition to
    • Examples:
      1. "Aside from the main points, there are a few details to consider."
      2. "Aside from his duties, he volunteers in the community."
      3. "Aside from studying, she enjoys reading novels."

14. Because of

    • Meaning: Due to; on account of
    • Examples:
      1. "Because of the bad weather, we stayed at home."
      2. "She was late because of the traffic."
      3. "They canceled the event because of unforeseen circumstances."

15. But for

    • Meaning: Except for; if not for
    • Examples:
      1. "But for the rain, the picnic would have been perfect."
      2. "But for her help, I wouldn't have finished on time."
      3. "But for the last-minute changes, everything went smoothly."

16. Capable of

    • Meaning: Having the ability to do something
    • Examples:
      1. "She is capable of handling the situation."
      2. "He is capable of great things."
      3. "They are capable of solving complex problems."

17. Capacity for

    • Meaning: The ability to hold, receive, or absorb
    • Examples:
      1. "The hall has a capacity for 500 people."
      2. "She has a great capacity for learning."
      3. "He has the capacity for understanding difficult concepts."

18. Confidence in

    • Meaning: Trust or belief in someone or something
    • Examples:
      1. "I have confidence in his abilities."
      2. "She has confidence in her team."
      3. "They have confidence in their plan."

19. Away from

    • Meaning: At a distance from
    • Examples:
      1. "Keep away from the edge of the cliff."
      2. "She moved away from her hometown."
      3. "Stay away from danger."

20. Confident of

    • Meaning: Having a strong belief or full assurance
    • Examples:
      1. "She is confident of her success."
      2. "He is confident of winning the match."
      3. "They are confident of achieving their goals."

21. Contrast to

    • Meaning: To compare in order to show differences
    • Examples:
      1. "Her attitude is in contrast to her brother's."
      2. "The painting is a contrast to the others in the gallery."
      3. "His approach is a contrast to mine."

22. Derogate from

    • Meaning: To detract or deviate from
    • Examples:
      1. "His actions derogate from his reputation."
      2. "The comment did not derogate from her achievements."
      3. "Their behavior does not derogate from their character."

23. Derogatory to

    • Meaning: Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude
    • Examples:
      1. "His remarks were derogatory to the staff."
      2. "She made a derogatory comment about the project."
      3. "The review was derogatory to the film."

24. Descendant of

    • Meaning: A person, plant, or animal that is descended from a particular ancestor
    • Examples:
      1. "She is a descendant of a famous poet."
      2. "He is a descendant of royalty."
      3. "They are descendants of early settlers."

25. Descended from

    • Meaning: To have come from a particular ancestor
    • Examples:
      1. "He is descended from a noble family."
      2. "They are descended from immigrants."
      3. "She is descended from a long line of musicians."

26. Desires of

    • Meaning: Strongly wishing for or wanting something
    • Examples:
      1. "He is desirous of success."
      2. "She is desirous of a peaceful life."
      3. "They are desirous of change."

27. Desirous of

    • Meaning: Having a strong desire for something
    • Examples:
      1. "He is desirous of wealth."
      2. "She is desirous of recognition."
      3. "They are desirous of winning."

28. Dislike to

    • Meaning: A feeling of not liking something or someone
    • Examples:
      1. "He has a strong dislike to loud noises."
      2. "She expressed her dislike to the plan."
      3. "They have a dislike to spicy food."

29. Disqualified from

    • Meaning: To be declared ineligible or unfit
    • Examples:
      1. "He was disqualified from the competition."
      2. "She is disqualified from driving."
      3. "They were disqualified from the contest."

30. Due to

    • Meaning: Because of; caused by
    • Examples:
      1. "The game was canceled due to rain."
      2. "He was late due to traffic."
      3. "She missed the meeting due to illness."

31. Equal to

    • Meaning: Having the same value, measure, or quantity
    • Examples:
      1. "Two plus two is equal to four."
      2. "She is equal to the task."
      3. "They are equal to their competitors."

32. Equally with

    • Meaning: In equal measure with; the same as
    • Examples:
      1. "She shares the responsibilities equally with her colleagues."
      2. "He works equally with his team."
      3. "They divided the profits equally with their partners."

33. Except for

    • Meaning: Not including; other than
    • Examples:
      1. "Everyone attended the meeting except for John."
      2. "The house was quiet except for the ticking clock."
      3. "She likes all fruits except for bananas."

34. Exception to

    • Meaning: A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement
    • Examples:
      1. "There is an exception to every rule."
      2. "He is an exception to the usual candidates."
      3. "They made an exception to the policy."

35. Fond of

    • Meaning: Having an affection or liking for
    • Examples:
      1. "She is fond of reading."
      2. "He is fond of his dog."
      3. "They are fond of traveling."

36. Fondness for

    • Meaning: A liking or affection for something or someone
    • Examples:
      1. "She has a fondness for chocolate."
      2. "He has a fondness for classical music."
      3. "They have a fondness for hiking."

37. Forward of

    • Meaning: Ahead of; in front of
    • Examples:
      1. "The car is forward of the house."
      2. "He moved forward of the line."
      3. "She is sitting forward of the others."

38. Foundation in

    • Meaning: The basis or groundwork of something
    • Examples:
      1. "The theory has its foundation in research."
      2. "She has a strong foundation in mathematics."
      3. "Their argument has no foundation in fact."

39. Relative to

    • Meaning: In comparison with; concerning
    • Examples:
      1. "He made some interesting observations relative to life in the tropics."
      2. "The costs are high relative to the benefits."
      3. "Her skills are advanced relative to her peers."

Summary and Takeaways

Lesson Overview

This lesson on two-word prepositions covered essential vocabulary and examples to help you understand and use these terms effectively. You learned about various two-word prepositions and how to incorporate them into your sentences to enhance clarity and coherence.

Key Phrases Learnt

You have learned over 101 key phrases, including "According to," "Affection for," "Along with," "Because of," and "Due to." These prepositions are crucial for structuring your writing and making your sentences clear and connected.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your learning, practice using these two-word prepositions in sentences. Write a short essay incorporating several prepositions for different purposes, such as showing cause, comparison, and addition.

Tips for Remembering

To remember these two-word prepositions, create flashcards with the phrases and their meanings. Practice regularly by quizzing yourself or with a study partner. Using these prepositions in daily writing tasks will also help reinforce your memory.

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