Prepositional Phrases for Formal Writing: B2–C1 Guide

Prepositional phrases for formal writing are essential for expressing ideas clearly in essays, reports, professional emails and academic discussions. They help you show relationships such as cause, contrast, purpose, condition, result and reference. In this lesson, you will learn useful formal prepositional phrases with meanings, examples and practice suitable for B2–C1 learners and Cambridge English exams.

In academic essays, reports, proposals and formal emails, these phrases can make your writing sound more precise and polished. Instead of using only simple words like because, but or about, you can use more formal expressions such as due to, in spite of, with regard to and in accordance with.

In this lesson, you will learn useful prepositional phrases for formal contexts, with meanings and examples suitable for B2–C1 learners.

What Is a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase usually begins with a preposition and is followed by a noun, noun phrase or pronoun.

Examples:

• because of the delay
• in spite of the difficulties
• with regard to your application
• in accordance with the rules
• as a result of poor planning

Prepositional phrases are especially useful in formal writing because they help you connect ideas smoothly and accurately.

Why Use Prepositional Phrases in Formal Writing?

Formal prepositional phrases help you:

• explain reasons and results
• compare and contrast ideas
• refer to specific topics politely
• organise information clearly
• sound more academic and professional
• avoid overly simple sentence structures

Compare these examples:

Simple:

• The meeting was cancelled because the weather was bad.

More formal:

• The meeting was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Simple:

• I am writing about your recent enquiry.

More formal:

• I am writing with regard to your recent enquiry.

The meaning is similar, but the second version sounds more suitable for a report, formal email or academic essay.

1. Prepositional Phrases for Cause and Reason

These phrases explain why something happens.

because of	for the reason of	The event was cancelled because of heavy rain.
due to	caused by	The delay was due to technical problems.
owing to	because of	The meeting was postponed owing to unforeseen circumstances.
on account of	because of	The match was delayed on account of poor weather.
as a result of	because of something that happened	Several changes were introduced as a result of the review.
as a consequence of	as a result of	The company lost customers as a consequence of poor service.
by virtue of	because of a particular quality or position	She gained respect by virtue of her experience and professionalism.

Examples in Formal Writing

• The project was delayed due to a lack of funding.
• The school introduced new safety measures as a result of recent concerns.
• The applicant was selected by virtue of her qualifications and experience.
• Several flights were cancelled owing to severe weather conditions.

Usage Note: Due to vs Owing to

Due to and owing to are both common in formal English.

Due to often follows the verb be:

• The delay was due to staff shortages.

Owing to is often used at the beginning of a sentence:

• Owing to staff shortages, the office will close early.

In modern English, however, both are widely used to express cause.

2. Prepositional Phrases for Contrast

These phrases show contrast, difference or unexpected results.

in contrast to	compared with something different	In contrast to previous studies, the results were inconclusive.
contrary to	opposite to what was expected or believed	Contrary to popular belief, the method is not always effective.
in spite of	although something exists or happens	In spite of the difficulties, the team completed the project.
despite	in spite of	Despite the high cost, the proposal was approved.
notwithstanding	despite	Notwithstanding several objections, the plan was accepted.
regardless of	without being affected by	All candidates will be considered regardless of age or background.
in opposition to	against something	The decision was made in opposition to public opinion.

Examples in Formal Writing

• In contrast to earlier research, this study suggests a different conclusion.
• Despite the economic challenges, the company continued to expand.
• Contrary to expectations, the new policy received strong public support.
• The law was passed notwithstanding strong criticism from opposition groups.

Usage Note: Despite and In Spite Of

Despite and in spite of have the same meaning. They are followed by a noun, noun phrase or gerund.

Correct:

• Despite the difficulties, they succeeded.
• In spite of the difficulties, they succeeded.
• Despite facing difficulties, they succeeded.

Incorrect:

• Despite they faced difficulties, they succeeded.

Use although or even though if you want to use a full clause:

• Although they faced difficulties, they succeeded.

3. Prepositional Phrases for Purpose and Intention

These phrases explain the aim or purpose of an action.

for the purpose of	in order to achieve something	The data was collected for the purpose of analysis.
with the aim of	with the intention of	The policy was introduced with the aim of reducing unemployment.
with a view to	with the intention of doing something	The company invested in training with a view to improving productivity.
in aid of	in order to support a cause	The event was organised in aid of local charities.
for the benefit of	to help or support someone	The guide was written for the benefit of new employees.

Examples in Formal Writing

• The survey was conducted for the purpose of identifying common problems.
• The course was created with the aim of improving students’ academic writing.
• The organisation launched a new campaign with a view to raising awareness.
• The charity event was held in aid of disadvantaged children.

Important Grammar Note: With a View To

After with a view to, use a noun or -ing form.

Correct:

• The school introduced the programme with a view to improving exam results.

Incorrect:

• The school introduced the programme with a view to improve exam results.

This is a common mistake.

4. Prepositional Phrases for Condition

These phrases explain the condition or situation in which something may happen.

in case of	if something happens	In case of fire, leave the building immediately.
in the event of	if something serious happens	In the event of an emergency, contact reception.
in the absence of	if something is not available or does not exist	In the absence of evidence, the claim cannot be accepted.
subject to	depending on something	The offer is subject to approval.
on condition of	only if something happens	The funding was granted on condition of regular progress reports.

Examples in Formal Writing

• In the event of a power failure, the system will shut down automatically.
• In the absence of reliable data, no final conclusion can be reached.
• The agreement is subject to final approval by the board.
• Access will be granted on condition of full compliance with the rules.

5. Prepositional Phrases for Addition and Inclusion

These phrases add information or introduce extra points.

in addition to	as well as	In addition to their salary, employees receive bonuses.
apart from	except for / in addition to	Apart from financial benefits, the scheme offers training opportunities.
as well as	and also	The course develops speaking skills as well as writing skills.
together with	along with	The report, together with the survey results, was submitted on Monday.
along with	together with	The proposal was sent along with supporting documents.

Examples in Formal Writing

• In addition to academic qualifications, candidates must have relevant experience.
• The course focuses on grammar as well as vocabulary development.
• The application form must be submitted together with proof of identity.
• Apart from its financial advantages, the project has clear social benefits.

6. Prepositional Phrases for Means and Method

These phrases explain how something is done.

by means of	by using a method or tool	The problem was solved by means of a new algorithm.
through the use of	by using	Efficiency was improved through the use of modern technology.
with the help of	with assistance from	The issue was resolved with the help of an external consultant.
by way of	as a form of	The company offered compensation by way of an apology.
in accordance with	following a rule, law or standard	The procedure was carried out in accordance with official guidelines.

Examples in Formal Writing

• The information was collected by means of an online questionnaire.
• The company reduced costs through the use of automated systems.
• The matter was resolved with the help of independent experts.
• All documents must be completed in accordance with the regulations.

7. Prepositional Phrases for Time and Sequence

These phrases help you organise events in time.

during	within a period of time	Several issues arose during the meeting.
in the course of	during a process or period	In the course of the investigation, new evidence was discovered.
at the time of	when something happened	At the time of the announcement, few details were available.
prior to	before	Prior to the interview, candidates must complete a written task.
subsequent to	after	Subsequent to the review, several changes were introduced.
following	after	Following the meeting, a report was prepared.

Examples in Formal Writing

• Prior to the meeting, all participants received a copy of the agenda.
• In the course of the research, several unexpected patterns emerged.
• Following the announcement, applications increased significantly.
• Subsequent to the investigation, the company revised its internal procedures.

Usage Note: Prior To and Subsequent To

Prior to means before.

Subsequent to means after.

They are formal, but do not overuse them. In many cases, before and after are clearer and more natural.

Good formal writing is not about making every sentence sound like a legal document written by a tired Victorian clerk.

8. Prepositional Phrases for Reference and Relation

These phrases are very useful in formal emails, reports and essays.

with regard to	about / concerning	With regard to your enquiry, we are pleased to provide further details.
in relation to	connected with	The study examines stress in relation to academic performance.
in connection with	related to	Two people were questioned in connection with the incident.
in reference to	referring to	I am writing in reference to your recent application.
with respect to	concerning	Further research is needed with respect to long-term effects.
in terms of	regarding a particular aspect	The plan is effective in terms of cost and accessibility.

Examples in Formal Writing

• With regard to your recent enquiry, please find the requested information attached.
• The report examines student motivation in relation to exam performance.
• Several questions were raised with respect to the accuracy of the data.
• In terms of cost, the second option is more practical.

Formal Email Examples

These phrases are especially useful in professional emails:

• I am writing with regard to your recent request.
• I am contacting you in reference to your application.
• Please find attached the documents in connection with your enquiry.
• With respect to the proposed changes, we would like to raise several concerns.

9. Prepositional Phrases for Result and Effect

These phrases describe consequences.

as a result of	because of	The event was cancelled as a result of poor weather.
as a consequence of	because of / resulting from	The company lost money as a consequence of falling demand.
in consequence of	as a result of	The contract was terminated in consequence of repeated delays.
in response to	as a reaction to	New measures were introduced in response to public criticism.
in light of	considering	The policy was changed in light of recent evidence.

Examples in Formal Writing

• Several changes were made in response to customer feedback.
• The school revised its policy in light of recent inspection results.
• The project was cancelled as a result of budget restrictions.
• The organisation changed its strategy as a consequence of falling sales.

Usage Note: In Light Of

In light of means considering or because of new information.

Example:

• In light of the recent evidence, the committee decided to review its decision.

This is a very useful phrase for essays, reports and formal discussions.

10. Prepositional Phrases for Agreement, Rules and Standards

These phrases are common in legal, business and official English.

in accordance with	following rules or standards	The work was completed in accordance with safety regulations.
in compliance with	obeying rules or laws	The company acted in compliance with environmental law.
in line with	consistent with	The proposal is in line with current government policy.
in keeping with	suitable for / consistent with	The design is in keeping with the character of the building.
pursuant to	according to / under a law or rule	The information was disclosed pursuant to the agreement.

Examples in Formal Writing

• All procedures must be carried out in accordance with official guidelines.
• The organisation operates in compliance with international standards.
• The recommendation is in line with recent research.
• The new building is in keeping with the style of the surrounding area.

Usage Note: Pursuant To

Pursuant to is very formal and mainly used in legal or official documents.

For most learners, in accordance with or under will usually sound more natural.

11. Prepositional Phrases for Exception and Limitation

These phrases show that something is excluded or limited.

except for	not including	The report was complete except for a few minor details.
apart from	except for / besides	Apart from one error, the essay was well written.
with the exception of	except for	All members attended, with the exception of Mr Brown.
save for	except for	The building remained intact, save for a few cracks.
subject to	limited by / dependent on	The decision is subject to further review.

Examples in Formal Writing

• All applicants were accepted with the exception of those who failed to provide documents.
• The proposal was approved, subject to several minor changes.
• The building was largely undamaged, save for a few broken windows.
• The report is accurate except for one small error in the final section.

Usage Note: Save For

Save for is formal and literary. It is useful to recognise, but learners should use it carefully.

In most formal writing, except for or with the exception of will sound clearer.

12. Prepositional Phrases for Viewpoint and Perspective

These phrases help you introduce an opinion, viewpoint or analytical angle.

from the perspective of	from a particular point of view	From the perspective of students, the system is too complicated.
from the point of view of	considering one group’s opinion	From the point of view of employers, soft skills are essential.
in the opinion of	according to someone’s view	In the opinion of many experts, further research is needed.
according to	as stated by	According to the report, the figures have improved.
in the view of	in someone’s opinion	In the view of the committee, the proposal is practical.

Examples in Formal Writing

• From the perspective of young people, online learning offers greater flexibility.
• According to recent research, regular reading improves vocabulary.
• In the view of many educators, critical thinking should be taught explicitly.
• From the point of view of employers, communication skills are extremely important.

Common Mistakes with Formal Prepositional Phrases

1. Using a Full Clause after Despite

Incorrect:

• Despite the project was expensive, it was approved.

Correct:

• Despite the cost, the project was approved.
• Although the project was expensive, it was approved.

2. Using “With a View To” + Infinitive

Incorrect:

• The course was designed with a view to improve writing skills.

Correct:

• The course was designed with a view to improving writing skills.

3. Overusing Very Formal Phrases

Some expressions are useful, but too many of them can make your writing sound heavy.

Too heavy:

• Subsequent to the meeting, and in consequence of the concerns raised therein, the policy was revised in accordance with the recommendations.

Better:

• Following the meeting, the policy was revised in line with the recommendations.

Clear writing is usually stronger than unnecessarily complicated writing.

4. Confusing “In Relation To” and “With Regard To”

Both can mean about, but they are often used slightly differently.

With regard to is common in formal emails:

• With regard to your application, we require further information.

In relation to is common when discussing connections between ideas:

• The study examines motivation in relation to exam performance.

Useful Formal Prepositional Phrases by Function

The table below gives you a quick overview of the most useful prepositional phrases for formal writing, organised by function. You can use it when planning essays, reports or formal emails.

Cause	due to, owing to, because of, as a result of, by virtue of
Contrast	despite, in spite of, in contrast to, contrary to, notwithstanding
Purpose	for the purpose of, with the aim of, with a view to
Condition	in case of, in the event of, in the absence of, subject to
Addition	in addition to, as well as, apart from, together with
Means	by means of, through the use of, with the help of
Time	prior to, following, subsequent to, in the course of
Reference	with regard to, in relation to, in connection with, with respect to
Result	as a result of, as a consequence of, in response to, in light of
Rules	in accordance with, in compliance with, in line with
Exception	except for, with the exception of, save for
Viewpoint	from the perspective of, according to, in the view of

Formal Writing Examples

Essay Example

In light of recent technological developments, many schools have reconsidered their approach to digital learning. In contrast to traditional classroom methods, online education offers greater flexibility. However, in the absence of clear guidance, students may struggle to manage their time effectively.

Report Example

This report was prepared for the purpose of evaluating the current training programme. In the course of the review, several areas for improvement were identified. As a result of these findings, a number of recommendations have been made in accordance with current professional standards.

Formal Email Example

Dear Ms Taylor,

I am writing with regard to your recent enquiry about the training course. In addition to the information provided on our website, please find attached a detailed schedule. In the event of any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

James Wilson

Download the Prepositional Phrases for Formal Contexts Practice Worksheet in PDF here  

Now practise using prepositional phrases for formal writing in the exercises below.

Final Thought

Prepositional phrases for formal writing help you express ideas more clearly in essays, reports, formal emails and academic discussions. Phrases such as due to, in spite of, with regard to, in accordance with and as a result of are especially useful for B2–C1 learners. They help you show cause, contrast, purpose, condition, result and reference in a more polished and professional way.

These prepositional phrases for formal writing will help you make your essays, reports and professional emails sound clearer, more organised and more advanced.

Related posts:

100 Formal and Informal Noun Pairs 

50 Formal and Informal Verb Pairs 

How to Write an Essay for CAE 

In spite of, Despite, However, Although 

Linking Words to Express Opinion 

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FAQ

What are prepositional phrases in formal English?

Prepositional phrases in formal English are phrases that begin with a preposition and help express relationships between ideas. Examples include due to, in spite of, with regard to, in accordance with and as a result of.

Why are prepositional phrases useful in essays?

Prepositional phrases are useful in essays because they help you connect ideas clearly. They can show cause, contrast, purpose, condition, result and reference, which makes your writing more organised and academic.

What are examples of formal prepositional phrases?

Examples of formal prepositional phrases include due to, owing to, in contrast to, with regard to, in relation to, in accordance with, in light of, in the event of and with the exception of.

Can I use prepositional phrases in Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced writing?

Yes. Prepositional phrases are very useful in Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced writing, especially in essays, reports and formal letters or emails. They help you show control of register and organise your ideas more effectively.

Which prepositional phrases are very formal?

Phrases such as notwithstanding, pursuant to, save for and subsequent to are very formal. They are useful to recognise, but in most learner writing, simpler alternatives are often clearer.