C1 Advanced Academic language and cohesion
Academic prepositional phrases
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can use the fixed prepositional phrases of formal writing instead of translating word for word.
When to use it
- Letters, applications and official documents: With regard to your application…
- Essays and reports: In light of these findings…
- Terms and rules: subject to approval, in accordance with the rules.
Form
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| with / in regard to | With regard to your letter… |
| in accordance with | in accordance with the rules |
| in light of | In light of new evidence… |
| subject to | Prices are subject to change. |
| in terms of | In terms of cost… |
| in contrast to | In contrast to last year… |
| consistent with | The data are consistent with earlier work. |
Step by step
- Recognise these as fixed phrases — the meaning is not built from the parts.
- Memorise the whole phrase, preposition included.
- Watch the confusable pairs: consistent with (not to), in regard to (not of).
- When the phrase opens a sentence, add a comma after it.
Confusable prepositions
| Wrong | Correct | Remember |
|---|---|---|
| consistent to | consistent with | consistent with something |
| in regard of | in regard to · with regard to | |
| in accordance to | in accordance with | |
| subject of change | subject to change |
Examples
With regard to your request, we will reply next week.
The work was carried out in accordance with the safety rules.
In light of the new evidence, the decision was changed.
All prices are subject to change without notice.
In terms of cost, the plan is realistic.
The findings are consistent with previous research.
Common mistakes
The results are consistent to previous research. → The results are consistent with previous research.
consistent with is a fixed collocation. Learners slip to to by analogy with similar to.
In regard of your application, we will reply soon. → In regard to your application, we will reply soon.
The phrase is in regard to or with regard to — never of.
The work was done in accordance to the rules. → The work was done in accordance with the rules.
in accordance with — the preposition is with.
Memory tip
These phrases cannot be worked out; they must be learned. The fastest way is to write each one into a sentence about your own work and say it aloud.
Summary
- with / in regard to · in accordance with · in light of · subject to · in terms of.
- Learn the preposition too: consistent with, in regard to, in accordance with.
- A comma follows when the phrase opens the sentence.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.