Compound Prepositions For Intermediate learners

What Are Compound Prepositions?

A compound preposition (locucion preposicional) is a multi-word expression that functions as a single preposition; that is, it links a noun, pronoun, or clause to another element in the sentence. In Spanish, compound prepositions are formed using two structures:

Preposition + Noun + Preposition

Adverb + Preposition

Preposition + Noun + Preposition

This is a common structure for forming compound prepositions where a simple preposition introduces a noun, which is then followed by another preposition (usually de or a) connecting it to the object of the phrase. For example:

a causa de → because of

de acuerdo con → in accordance with

en base a → based on

en vista de → in view of

por medio de → by means of

por culpa de → because of (negative cause)

a pesar de → in spite of

a favor de → in favor of

en relación con → in relation to

en lugar de → instead of

Here are some example sentences:

Example

No fuimos a la playa a causa de la lluvia.

We didn't go to the beach because of the rain.

Actúa de acuerdo con sus principios.

He acts in accordance with his principles.

A pesar de la lluvia, salimos a caminar.

In spite of the rain, we went for a walk.

En lugar de quejarte, trabaja más.

Instead of complaining, work harder.

Adverb + Preposition

This groups of prepositions are mainly made of an adverb of place or time followed by a preposition (usually de or a). They mainly express spatial or temporal relations. Some of the most common examples include:

debajo de → under

encima de → on top of

dentro de → inside (of)

fuera de → outside (of)

delante de → in front of

detrás de → behind

cerca de → near

lejos de → far from

junto a → next to

alrededor de → around

antes de → before

después de → after