Two Word Prepositions Used in IELTS Speaking and Writing

There are a few prepositions that are not so frequently used in IELTS but are important for academic writing and speaking. Comprehending these prepositions and using them in IELTS writing & speaking will help candidates boost their IELTS score as well as contribute to their academic goals.

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What are Prepositions?

A preposition is defined as a word or group of words that can be used before any noun, pronoun, or phrase in order to show its relation with some other word in the sentence. It is used to describe the time, place, location, and direction of movement. Prepositions can also be utilized to introduce an object. Using prepositions to answer IELTS writing, reading, and IELTS speaking sections, the candidates must have a good knowledge of the different types of prepositions that can be used. This article will help you learn how to use prepositions for IELTS.

Some of the most commonly used two word prepositions have been mentioned below:

According to

Meaning 1: As expressed or reported by somebody or something
Example: You were absent thrice this week according to our catalogs.
Example: There is a new rule according to which you need to wear formals in the office.

Meaning 2: Following, agreeing with, or depending on something
Example: The salary in this company is fixed according to qualifications and experience.
Example: I cooked the meal according to the directions on the manual.

Ahead of

Meaning 1: To be in front or before something or someone with respect to time or space.
Example: He is ahead of all of us by 10 kilometers.
Example: His thinking is way ahead of time.

Meaning 2: Earlier than
Example: I depleted his work several days ahead of the deadline.
Example: The company is working hard to be ahead of the challengers.

Meaning 3: Additional progression than somebody or something(for instance- in a race or competition)
Example: She is always ahead of every chapter the teacher discusses in the class.
Example: The work has been done ahead of time, so we can rest for some time.

Apart from/Aside from

Meaning: See Except
Example: Apart from him, everyone else was present in the seminar.
Example: Apart from that night, he is never late coming back home.

As for

Meaning: Alternative to Regarding
Example: As for now, you can reply to me, but you will have to come prepared for the next exam.
Example: As for the time being please cooperate with our team for the interview.

Owing to

Meaning: Because of/ due to
Example: All the flights were canceled owing to the bad weather conditions.
Example: I missed my important meeting today at 10 am owing to a traffic hold-up.

Prior to

Meaning: Before something
Example: This meeting was arranged prior to a week.
Example: You must have informed me about these necessary changes in the project prior to the meeting.

Regardless of

Meaning: Paying no attention to something or somebody; treating something or somebody as less important
Example: Susan shopped regardless of expense.
Example: Simon could always make her giggle regardless of her despair.

Subsequent to

Meaning: After, following
Example: There must be some improvements subsequent to our new changes in the project.
Example: They only lost one match subsequent to their Cup semi-final win last year.