In two of my previous articles I discussed the most important two-word and three-word complex prepositions. I also promised to cover four-word prepositions in a separate article, which I’m going to right now.
Four-word prepositions are similar to three-word prepositions, so they usually consist of two simple prepositions separated by a noun or adjective. Additionally they usually contain the definite or the indefinite article. The second simple preposition, so the one at the end of the complex prepositions, is usually the preposition OF.
There aren’t many four-word prepositions, so let me cover them without subdividing them into smaller groups. Here they are:
AS A RESULT OF: As a result of the accident, I was late for the meeting. (= because of the accident)
AT THE EXPENSE OF: He got a better job at the expense of his family life. (= in a way that harms his family life)
FOR THE SAKE OF: He had to do it for the sake of his country. (= to help his country)
IN THE EVENT OF: In the event of emergency, you can use this phone number. (= if there happens to be an emergency)
IN THE LIGHT OF: This problem can’t be solved in the light of the knowledge we have. (= while thinking about the knowledge we have)
ON THE GROUND(S) OF: You can’t discriminate people on the grounds of race. (= because of their race)
ON THE PART OF: There was even some sympathy for him on the part of his opponents. (= from his opponents)
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF: Everything you bought is in the car, with the exception of the bike. (= not including the bike)
Here’s the video version of the article: