B2 Prepositions in English
At B2 level, learners use prepositions with greater precision. This includes dependent prepositions, complex phrases, contrast expressions, cause-and-effect language, and prepositions used in more advanced writing.
What changes at B2?
At B1, learners study common patterns like depend on and interested in. At B2, they meet more precise and formal combinations such as in addition to, according to, in spite of, in terms of, and with regard to.
🔗 B2 Dependent Prepositions
Some nouns, verbs, and adjectives naturally connect with fixed prepositions.
approve of
To think something is good or acceptable.
insist on
To say strongly that something must happen.
apologise for
To say sorry for something.
complain about
To say that something is wrong or annoying.
aware of
Knowing that something exists.
responsible for
Having a duty to deal with something.
increase in
A rise in number, amount, or level.
solution to
An answer to a problem.
attitude towards
The way someone thinks or feels about something.
🧱 Complex Prepositional Phrases
These phrases are useful in longer sentences, articles, essays, and explanations.
in addition to
Used to add extra information.
according to
Used to show where information comes from.
in terms of
Used to focus on one aspect.
with regard to
Used to introduce a topic formally.
for the purpose of
Used to explain why something is done.
as a result of
Used to explain a consequence.
in the middle of
Used for position or time.
apart from
Used to exclude or add information.
⚖️ Contrast and Concession
These prepositions help express contrast, especially in B2 writing and speaking.
despite
Used when something happens although there is a difficulty.
in spite of
Similar to despite.
unlike
Used to show difference.
instead of
One thing replaces another.
compared with
Used to compare two things.
except for
Used to mention one exception.
After despite and in spite of, use a noun or -ing form: despite the rain, in spite of feeling tired.
✍️ Prepositions for Better Writing
These phrases make writing sound more organised and mature.
in my opinion
Used to give a personal view.
from my point of view
Used to present your perspective.
on the one hand
Used to introduce one side of an argument.
on the other hand
Used to introduce the opposite side.
in conclusion
Used to finish a text or argument.
in general
Used to speak about most cases.
in particular
Used to focus on one specific thing.
as for
Used to introduce a topic.
B2 Prepositions Quick Table
| Expression | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| approve of | Accept or support something | They approve of the new rules. |
| insist on | Strongly demand something | He insisted on speaking to the manager. |
| responsible for | Having duty or control | She is responsible for customer support. |
| increase in | A rise in amount or level | There was an increase in demand. |
| solution to | Answer to a problem | We found a solution to the issue. |
| in addition to | Add extra information | In addition to grammar, we studied vocabulary. |
| according to | Show source of information | According to the article, prices rose. |
| in terms of | Focus on one aspect | In terms of quality, this one is better. |
| despite | Contrast | Despite the cold, they played outside. |
| in spite of | Contrast | In spite of being tired, she finished the work. |
| compared with | Comparison | Compared with last month, sales improved. |
| as a result of | Cause and effect | The road closed as a result of heavy snow. |
Easy B2 Memory Tips
Learn in addition to and as a result of as complete expressions.
After despite, use a noun or -ing form, not a full clause.
Expressions like in terms of and according to help organise ideas clearly.
B2 prepositions often work as part of longer expressions. They make sentences more precise, more formal, and easier to connect in essays, reports, and discussions.