Complex Prepositions for Legal English

Never stop learning about a language.

One of the most important tools for clear legal writing is to master the use of complex prepositions.

The are word pairs or trios that will give to the reader a sense of place and time. Some prepositions might even give some extra notions.

Remember! Prepositions are links between verbs and nouns in a clause. Familiarity with complex prepositions might make your work much easier.

Mind the list below.

according to
ahead of
along with
apart from
as for
as well as
aside from
away from
because of
but for
by means of
by virtue of
by way of
close to
contrary to
due to
except for
far from
for lack of
in accordance with
in addition to
in back of
in between
in (the) case of
in charge of
in exchange for
in front of
in light of
in line with
in place of
in (the) process of
in regard to
inside of
in spite of
instead of
in view of
near to
next to
on account of
on behalf of
on top of
out of
outside of
owing to
prior to
subsequent to
such as
thanks to
together with
up against
up to
up until
with respect to

Now, some examples of constructions using some of the prepositions listed.

. As of January all directors must report to the shareholders monthly.

. In addition to all rules prescribed by this instruments, all parties have the duty to comply with the all laws related to the business.

. The directors must report to the shareholders by means of an informative memo.

. We must call the attention of all workers with respect to our general assembly to be held on September 6th.

There are more complex prepositions besides the ones listed herein. My advice is to practice writing using each of them and search for more. To master the use of complex prepositions you must apply them to your writing regularly.

Finally, if you have any questions about this topic, please fell free to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Prof. Thiago Gomes Calmon