Formal and Academic Prepositional Phrases Exercises

Formal and academic prepositional phrases help you introduce topics, explain methods, give reasons, discuss evidence, and define the perspective of an argument. The B2-C1 phrase set focuses on phrases such as with regard to, in terms of, by means of, for the sake of, on the grounds that, in light of, and in the event of. They are common in reports, essays, policy documents, applications, formal emails, and safety notices.

The phrase after the gap often tells you the function. With regard to introduces the topic of a message. In terms of limits discussion to a specific measure or perspective. By means of introduces the method used, while for the sake of gives a purpose or benefit. On the grounds that introduces an official reason followed by a clause. In light of means considering evidence, and in the event of means if a particular situation occurs. These choices depend on function more than on position in the sentence.