WREN & MARTIN's English grammar-10 MCQs on compound prepositions
10 MCQs on compound prepositions
1. Which of the following best defines a compound preposition? A) A preposition that is used only with verbs B) A preposition made up of a single word only C) A preposition used only to show time relationships D) A preposition formed by combining two or more words to function as a single preposition
✅ Answer: D) A preposition formed by combining two or more words to function as a single preposition A compound preposition is made up of two or more words that together act as a single preposition. Examples include: in front of, on top of, in spite of, because of, instead of, out of, next to, according to, along with, apart from, due to, by means of, in addition to, with regard to. They are also called complex prepositions or phrasal prepositions.
2. Choose the correct compound preposition: "She stood _______ the building, waiting for her friend." A) on top of B) out of C) because of D) in front of
✅ Answer: D) in front of "In front of" is a compound preposition of place meaning directly before or facing something. She is positioned at the front of the building. "On top of" means above, "out of" means outside, and "because of" shows reason — none of which describe her position correctly.
3. "He passed the exam _______ studying very hard every day." A) in front of B) in spite of C) instead of D) by means of
✅ Answer: D) by means of "By means of" is a compound preposition meaning through the use of; using a particular method. Studying hard was the method or means by which he passed. "In spite of" implies overcoming an obstacle, "instead of" implies substitution, and "in front of" is positional.
4. "_______ the heavy rain, they decided to continue the outdoor event." A) Because of B) Instead of C) According to D) In spite of
✅ Answer: D) In spite of "In spite of" is a compound preposition meaning regardless of; without being affected by; notwithstanding. It shows that the heavy rain was an obstacle that was ignored or overcome. "Because of" would show the rain as a reason for a decision — the opposite meaning.
5. "_______ the weather forecast, it will rain heavily this afternoon." A) In spite of B) In front of C) Instead of D) According to
✅ Answer: D) According to "According to" is a compound preposition meaning as stated by; in agreement with a source of information. It is used to introduce information from an external source — here, the weather forecast. It is never used to introduce personal opinions.
6. "She took her umbrella _______ her raincoat to stay dry." A) because of B) in spite of C) according to D) in addition to
✅ Answer: D) in addition to "In addition to" is a compound preposition meaning as well as; besides; along with something else. She took both items — the umbrella AND the raincoat. "Because of" shows reason, "in spite of" shows contrast, and "according to" introduces a source — none of which fit the idea of adding one thing to another.
7. "He chose to walk _______ taking the bus because the weather was fine." A) in addition to B) in spite of C) according to D) instead of
✅ Answer: D) instead of "Instead of" is a compound preposition meaning in place of; as a substitute or alternative to. He chose walking as a replacement for taking the bus. It always introduces the option that was NOT chosen in favour of something else.
8. "The accident happened _______ the driver's negligence." A) in spite of B) instead of C) in addition to D) because of
✅ Answer: D) because of "Because of" is a compound preposition meaning as a result of; owing to; on account of. It introduces the reason or cause of something. The driver's negligence was the direct cause of the accident. "In spite of" would mean the accident happened regardless of the negligence — the opposite meaning.
9. "The cat jumped _______ the cupboard and knocked everything over." A) in front of B) because of C) in spite of D) on top of
✅ Answer: D) on top of "On top of" is a compound preposition meaning on the upper surface of; above and resting on. The cat jumped and landed on the upper surface of the cupboard. "In front of" describes position facing something, not above it. This is a preposition of place showing vertical position.
10. Which sentence uses a compound preposition INCORRECTLY? A) She succeeded in spite of all the difficulties she faced. B) According to the report, sales have increased significantly. C) He sat in front of the fireplace to keep warm. D) They went out instead of the bad weather.
✅ Answer: D) They went out instead of the bad weather. This is incorrect because "instead of" means in place of / as a substitute for — you cannot go out "as a substitute for" bad weather. The correct compound preposition here would be "in spite of": "They went out in spite of the bad weather" — meaning they went out regardless of it. This is a very common confusion between "instead of" and "in spite of."
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