English Grammar • C2

C2 Prepositions in English

Learn advanced C2 meanings of English prepositions. At this level, familiar prepositions can express more abstract, precise, and nuanced relationships.

What changes at C2?

C2 prepositions are not necessarily unusual words. A familiar preposition such as on, to, or over can have an advanced meaning that is different from its basic uses.

The important thing is therefore to learn the specific C2 sense, not simply the word itself.

Meaning Learn the exact advanced meaning of the preposition.

Context Notice which nouns, pronouns, and situations naturally follow it.

Precision Distinguish the C2 sense from more common meanings of the same word.

Important: the C2 label on this page refers to the particular meaning shown on each card. It does not mean that every meaning of that preposition is C2.

Advanced C2 Preposition Uses

Study the meaning and example together. The same preposition may have much easier meanings at lower CEFR levels.

preposition C2

on

possession

Used when someone has or is carrying something with them, for example in a pocket or bag.

Do you have any money on you?

preposition C2

to

causing a feeling

Used to introduce the feeling or reaction that an event causes in someone.

To my surprise, everyone agreed with the proposal.

preposition C2

unlike

not typical

Used to say that behaviour or an action is not typical or characteristic of someone.

It is unlike him to arrive late.

preposition C2

beneath

not good enough

Used to say that someone considers an activity, position, or behaviour too unimportant or undignified for them.

He considered such routine work beneath him.

preposition C2

above

too important or good for

Used to say that someone is considered too important, good, or respectable to be affected by something.

No member of the organisation is above criticism.

preposition C2

over

connected with / about

Used when something is the subject or cause of interest, disagreement, worry, or discussion.

They disagreed over how the money should be spent.

One Preposition, Two C2 Meanings

Over is especially useful at C2 because Cambridge lists more than one advanced prepositional meaning.

preposition C2

over

connected with

Connected with or about a subject that causes discussion, disagreement, interest, or concern.

The two sides are arguing over the new regulations.

preposition C2

over

control / authority

Used to show that someone has control, authority, or a higher position in relation to another person or group.

The board has full control over editorial matters.

Basic Word, Advanced Meaning

One of the most important C2 skills is recognising advanced meanings of words you already know.

Basic: position or contact
The book is on the table.

C2 sense: possession
Do you have your passport on you?

over

Basic: position above something
The lamp is over the table.

C2 sense: about / connected with
They argued over the decision.

Basic: direction
She went to school.

C2 sense: emotional reaction
To my relief, nobody was hurt.

unlike

Common comparison:
Unlike his brother, he enjoys cooking.

C2 sense: not characteristic of someone
It is unlike her to complain.

C2 Prepositions Quick Table

Review the advanced meaning of each preposition.

Preposition	C2 meaning	Example
on	having or carrying something with you	Do you have your ID on you?
to	introducing a feeling or reaction caused by an event	To my relief, the results were positive.
unlike	not typical or characteristic of someone	It is unlike her to give up so quickly.
beneath	not considered good or important enough for someone	He considered the task beneath him.
above	too important or good to be affected by something	Nobody is above criticism.
over	connected with or about a subject	They argued over the decision.
over	control or authority in relation to someone	She has authority over the department.

Easy C2 Memory Tips

Learn meanings, not lists

Knowing that on is a preposition is easy. Knowing its advanced possession meaning is the C2 skill.

Use the context

Words around the preposition often reveal whether an advanced meaning is being used.

Compare meanings

Compare familiar meanings with advanced ones. This makes polysemous prepositions easier to remember.

C2 rule

Advanced prepositions are often familiar words used with unfamiliar meanings. Focus on the exact sense, context, and grammatical relationship.

English Vocabulary Library

English Vocabulary from A1 to C2

Learn English vocabulary by CEFR level. Choose a topic and start with A1 beginner words or continue toward advanced C2 vocabulary.

Vocabulary Topic	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2
Verbs	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2
Nouns	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2
Adjectives	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2
Adverbs	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2
Prepositions	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2
Phrasal Verbs	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2
Idioms	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2

All links in this table point only to vocabulary pages already listed on Gogu Education.