Abstract Prepositional Phrases: 30 Useful Expressions

Hello English learners! Prepositional phrases do not always describe a physical place or position. Expressions such as in terms of, in light of, at the expense of and in accordance with express more abstract ideas such as cause, contrast, purpose, condition, agreement, opposition and reference. These are often called abstract prepositional phrases.

Compare:

• The keys are on the table.
  → physical position
• In terms of cost, the second option is better.
  → abstract idea: considering one particular aspect

Abstract prepositional phrases are especially common in formal English, academic writing, reports, professional communication, and Cambridge exams such as B2 First and C1 Advanced.

Learning them as complete phrases can help you express relationships between ideas more precisely and avoid repeating basic linkers such as because of, about, against and instead of.

Let’s look at some of the most useful ones.

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1. Talking about a Topic or Subject

These phrases mean about, concerning or regarding something.

in terms of	considering a particular aspect	In terms of cost, the new plan is much more efficient.
with respect to	concerning; regarding	With respect to your request, we will respond tomorrow.
with regard to	concerning; about	With regard to your application, we will contact you shortly.
in connection with	related to; concerning	He was questioned in connection with the incident.

In terms of

This phrase is particularly useful when comparing one aspect of something.

• In terms of quality, the two products are very similar.
• The course was excellent in terms of organisation and content.

It is common in essays, reports and discussions.

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2. Cause, Reason and Circumstances

These phrases explain why something happens or the circumstances behind it.

by virtue of	because of a particular quality or fact	She was selected by virtue of her experience.
in light of	considering new information or circumstances	In light of recent developments, the meeting was postponed.
for want of	because something is lacking	The project failed for want of sufficient funding.
in the absence of	because something is not present or available	In the absence of clear evidence, no action was taken.

By virtue of

This is fairly formal.

• He qualified for the position by virtue of his professional experience.

It often refers to a quality, status or circumstance that gives someone a particular advantage or right.

For want of

This expression is formal and less common in everyday conversation.

• The plan was abandoned for want of support.

In ordinary English, we would often say:

• The plan was abandoned because of a lack of support.

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3. Rules, Agreement and Consistency

These expressions show that something follows, matches or complies with a rule, policy, standard or expectation.

in accordance with	following a rule, law or agreement	The company acted in accordance with the law.
in compliance with	following a rule or requirement	The building was designed in compliance with safety regulations.
in line with	consistent with; matching	The decision was in line with company policy.

In accordance with

This is common in formal and legal English.

• All applications must be completed in accordance with the instructions.

In line with

This is slightly less formal and very common in business English.

• Salaries have increased in line with inflation.
• The changes are in line with our long-term strategy.

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4. Support, Opposition and Contrast

These phrases help us show agreement, disagreement or difference.

in favour of	supporting or preferring something	The committee voted in favour of the proposal.
in opposition to	against something	Several organisations spoke in opposition to the plan.
at odds with	in disagreement or conflict with	His views are at odds with company policy.
in contrast to	showing a clear difference	In contrast to her brother, she is very outgoing.
in defiance of	deliberately acting against rules or authority	They continued in defiance of the ban.

At odds with

This is particularly useful at B2–C1 level.

• His behaviour was at odds with his earlier promises.
• The findings are at odds with previous research.

It means that two ideas, actions or positions do not agree.

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5. Purpose, Benefit and Sacrifice

These phrases explain why something is done or what is gained or lost as a result.

for the sake of	for the benefit of something or someone	They stayed calm for the sake of the children.
in pursuit of	trying to achieve or obtain something	She moved abroad in pursuit of better opportunities.
at the expense of	by harming or sacrificing something else	He built his career at the expense of his health.
in recognition of	to acknowledge or reward something	She received an award in recognition of her achievements.
in anticipation of	expecting something to happen	Extra staff were hired in anticipation of increased demand.

At the expense of

This phrase is especially useful when showing a negative consequence.

• Economic growth should not come at the expense of the environment.
• He focused on work at the expense of his personal life.

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6. Conditions and Possible Situations

These phrases describe what happens if a particular situation occurs.

in the event of	if something happens	In the event of an emergency, leave the building immediately.
in the absence of	when something is not present	In the absence of further information, we cannot make a decision.

In the event of

This is a formal alternative to if.

Compare:

• If there is a fire, use the emergency exit.
• In the event of a fire, use the emergency exit.

The second sounds more formal and is common in instructions, policies and notices.

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7. Exchange and Substitution

These expressions describe giving one thing for another or using something instead.

in exchange for	as a trade for something else	He offered his services in exchange for accommodation.
in lieu of	instead of	Employees were given extra leave in lieu of additional pay.

In lieu of

This is a formal expression meaning instead of.

• She received additional holiday in lieu of payment.

In everyday conversation, instead of is usually more natural.

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8. Representation and Means

These phrases tell us who someone represents or how something is done.

on behalf of	representing another person or group	Sara accepted the award on behalf of her team.
by means of	using a particular method	The information was transmitted by means of encrypted software.

On behalf of

This is extremely common in formal speaking and writing.

• I would like to thank you on behalf of everyone in the department.
• The lawyer spoke on behalf of her client.

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9. Amount, Degree and Proportion

These expressions help us describe quantity or comparison.

in excess of	more than	The repairs cost in excess of £10,000.
in proportion to	corresponding in amount, size or degree	Payment is made in proportion to the work completed.

In excess of

This is a formal way of saying more than.

• Temperatures reached in excess of 40°C.

It is common in reports, news writing and official documents.

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10. Time and Process

In the course of

In the course of means during a period, activity or process.

• In the course of our discussion, several new ideas emerged.
• Several problems became apparent in the course of the investigation.

It is more formal than simply saying during.

Compare:

• During the meeting, several problems were discussed.
• In the course of the meeting, several problems were discussed.

Both are correct, but the second sounds more formal.

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Why Are Abstract Prepositional Phrases Useful for B2 First and C1 Advanced?

Abstract prepositional phrases can be particularly useful when you need to express relationships between ideas clearly.

They can help you:

• organise arguments in essays
• compare and contrast ideas
• explain causes and consequences
• describe conditions
• discuss rules and policies
• write reports and formal emails
• understand formal texts in Reading and Use of English

For example, instead of writing:

Considering the recent changes, the company has decided to revise its policy.

you could write:

In light of the recent changes, the company has decided to revise its policy.

Or instead of:

The plan improved efficiency, but it harmed staff morale.

you could write:

The plan improved efficiency at the expense of staff morale.

These expressions allow you to express complex relationships between ideas more concisely.

Abstract Prepositional Phrases Quiz

Related posts: 

• Prepositional Phrases for Formal Writing
• Showing  Reference in English 
• Prepositional Phrases of Contrast 
• 50 Prepositional Phrases Related to Time
• Linking Words and Phrases 
• C1 Advanced Grammar