English Vocabulary C2 – Prepositions

What changes at C2?

At C1, prepositions help create formal and academic language. At C2, they become tools for style: but for, notwithstanding, in lieu of, in deference to, on pain of, and with a nod to. These expressions are less common, but they add precision, authority, or literary colour.

A1Basic place, time, and movement

A2Everyday phrases and simple combinations

B1Common verb and adjective patterns

B2Dependent prepositions and complex phrases

C1Formal, academic, and nuanced usage

C2Rare, literary, legal, and idiomatic usage

📚 Literary and Stylistic Prepositions

These expressions often appear in literature, essays, speeches, reviews, and high-level commentary.

condition

but for

If it were not for someone or something.

But for her help, the project would have failed.

respect

in deference to

Out of respect for someone or something.

In deference to local tradition, the ceremony was shortened.

influence

with a nod to

Showing a small sign of influence or respect.

The design was modern, with a nod to classic architecture.

memory

in memory of

To honour someone who has died or something from the past.

The garden was created in memory of the town’s founder.

style

in the manner of

In the style of a person, period, or tradition.

The poem is written in the manner of early Romantic verse.

viewpoint

through the lens of

Considering something from a particular perspective.

The novel can be read through the lens of social change.

⚖️ Legal, Official, and Highly Formal Prepositions

These expressions appear in legal texts, policies, contracts, official letters, and formal argumentation.

contrast

notwithstanding

Despite something; without being prevented by it.

Notwithstanding the delay, the agreement remains valid.

replacement

in lieu of

Instead of something.

Employees received extra leave in lieu of payment.

penalty

on pain of

With the threat of punishment if something is not done.

The documents must be submitted on pain of rejection.

authority

under the auspices of

With the support, protection, or authority of an organisation.

The event was held under the auspices of the university.

rules

pursuant to

According to a law, rule, or agreement.

The decision was taken pursuant to Article 5.

exception

save for

Except for.

The proposal was complete, save for one missing appendix.

comparison

vis-à-vis

In relation to; compared with.

The policy was reviewed vis-à-vis international standards.

respect

with due regard to

While properly considering something.

The plan was prepared with due regard to safety concerns.

🧩 Idiomatic and High-Level Expressions

These expressions are idiomatic. Their meaning is not always obvious from the individual words.

idiom

at odds with

In disagreement with something.

His explanation is at odds with the evidence.

idiom

on the brink of

Very close to a major event, often negative.

The company was on the brink of collapse.

idiom

in the wake of

After and as a result of an event.

New laws were introduced in the wake of the crisis.

idiom

at the behest of

Because someone asked or ordered it.

The review was launched at the behest of the board.

idiom

in keeping with

Suitable for or matching something.

The new logo is in keeping with the brand’s identity.

idiom

out of step with

Not matching current ideas, standards, or behaviour.

The policy is out of step with modern expectations.

🪶 Rare and Precise Prepositional Uses

These are less common, but they add exact meaning in advanced writing.

cause

owing to

Because of.

The match was postponed owing to heavy rain.

cause

thanks to

Because of something positive or sometimes ironic.

Thanks to careful planning, the event ran smoothly.

means

by means of

Using a particular method.

The data was collected by means of interviews.

focus

in respect of

Concerning or relating to something.

The rules apply in respect of online payments.

time

pending

Until something happens or is decided.

The employee was suspended pending investigation.

addition

over and above

In addition to something.

The role requires skills over and above basic training.

sequence

subsequent to

After something.

Subsequent to the meeting, the plan was revised.

purpose

for want of

Because something is lacking.

The project failed for want of funding.

🎭 Style, Register, and Tone

C2 is not only about knowing rare phrases. It is about choosing the right phrase for the right situation.

neutral

because of

Clear and common in most situations.

The flight was delayed because of fog.

formal

owing to

More formal than because of.

The flight was delayed owing to adverse weather.

legal/formal

notwithstanding

Very formal and often legal.

Notwithstanding previous objections, the measure passed.

literary

but for

Elegant, concise conditional meaning.

But for one error, the performance was flawless.

academic

through the lens of

Used to frame analysis.

The issue is examined through the lens of inequality.

official

in respect of

Formal way to say concerning.

Further details are required in respect of the claim.

C2 Prepositions Quick Table

Expression	Register	Meaning	Example
but for	Literary / formal	If it were not for	But for her support, we would not have finished.
notwithstanding	Legal / formal	Despite	Notwithstanding the risks, the plan continued.
in lieu of	Formal	Instead of	They offered time off in lieu of payment.
on pain of	Legal / severe	With threat of penalty	Forms must be submitted on pain of rejection.
at odds with	Advanced idiomatic	In disagreement with	The statement is at odds with the facts.
in the wake of	Formal / journalistic	After and because of	Rules changed in the wake of the scandal.
at the behest of	Formal	At someone’s request or order	The inquiry began at the behest of officials.
under the auspices of	Official	With support or authority of	The project ran under the auspices of UNESCO.
vis-à-vis	Formal	In relation to / compared with	The policy was assessed vis-à-vis EU standards.
pending	Formal	Until something is decided	The case was paused pending review.
for want of	Literary / formal	Because of a lack of	The plan collapsed for want of support.
through the lens of	Academic	From a particular perspective	The film is analysed through the lens of memory.

Easy C2 Memory Tips

Control register

Do not use legal or literary phrases everywhere. Match the phrase to the context.

Learn exact meaning

In lieu of means instead of, while in the wake of means after and because of.

Use rare phrases carefully

C2 language is powerful when precise, but heavy when overused.

Useful C2 rule:

C2 prepositions are not just grammar. They are style tools. They help writers sound literary, legal, academic, ironic, diplomatic, severe, or elegant depending on the situation.