Double Preposition

Definition with Examples

Double prepositions are a combination of two prepositions. Speaking about concept, a double preposition is similar to a compound preposition with one basic difference – a compound preposition is a combination of a simple preposition and a non preposition word while a double preposition is a combination of two simple prepositions made into one word. Some examples of double prepositions are – into, onto, throughout, upon, without, inside, out of, from within etc.

Consider the following sentences –

• He was too deeply engrossed into the activity.
• The prestige of a nation lay upon its citizens.
• He climbed onto the chair.
• She was laughing throughout the movie.
• He would not be able to make it without you.
• The book is inside my bag.
• We ran out of fuel.
• The voice that changed him came from within.

In the above examples words like – into, upon, onto, throughout, without, inside, out of and from within serve as double prepositions as they are formed by the combination of two prepositions i.e.

Into = in+to, similarly Upon = up+on, without = with+out etc.

List/Examples/Words

Into, upon, onto, throughout, inside, without, from within, out of, from behind, outside of, from above, up to, next to, according to, because of, as about, as above, as after, up  against, at about, at around, before considering, as inside, as outside, over to, over from, off on, off to etc.

You may practice forming as much double prepositions as you can by appropriately joining two simple prepositions.

Worksheet/Exercises/Activities with MCQs and Answers:

Find out the appropriate double preposition for the sentences from the choices given below them.

• It rained ________ the day.
  1. into
  2. upon
  3. throughout
  4. from above
• Having a pet is ________ having a child.
  1. as about
  2. like
  3. as against
  4. off on
• The tiger strategically attacks _________.
  1. from above
  2. from behind
  3. at around
  4. as against

• There will be no life ________ water.
  1. for
  2. within
  3. outside of
  4. without
• The principal was standing _________ the chief guest.
  1. against
  2. after
  3. next to
  4. for
• Weather inside is as pleasant _________.
  1. as outside
  2. of outside
  3. into
  4. off of
• There was silence after the commotion __________ a storm.
  1. as before
  2. as after
  3. as against
  4. as within
• Everyone was gathered ________ the auditorium.
  1. at around
  2. inside
  3. an inside
  4. into
• He readily agreed even __________ its consequences.
  1. at about
  2. at around
  3. before considering
  4. within
• __________ the weather report, it will rain for three to four days.
  1. Into
  2. according to
  3. because of
  4. out of

• The desire to help others comes _________.
  1. from within
  2. from outside
  3. from far
  4. from without
• New teacher has arrived to take ___________ present one.
  1. over take
  2. take off
  3. into
  4. over from
• The flight was delayed _________ the rain.
  1. as of
  2. because for
  3. over by
  4. because of
• He is as kind hearted ______ of a coconut.
  1. as off
  2. as inside
  3. as outside
  4. upon
• Indian soldiers bravely stood _________ the enemy.
  1. up against
  2. up for
  3. upon
  4. onto
• Sugar dissolves completely ______ the water.
  1. upto
  2. into
  3. upon
  4. inside
• Like the Sun rises ________ the mountains, the hull of the ship came into view.
  1. as above
  2. as far
  3. as below
  4. upto
• The player passed the ball ________ the next player.
  1. over to
  2. upto
  3. upon
  4. off on
• The rain falls ________.
  1. from under
  2. regularly
  3. from above
  4. at above
• He is ___________ the selection committee.
  1. outside of
  2. away from
  3. from under
  4. off of
• He is ________ town for few days.
  1. off of
  2. behind
  3. upon
  4. out of
• The conduct of a student depends ________ his teaher.
  1. upon
  2. upto
  3. on
  4. out of
• The teacher asked everyone to get ________ the class.
  1. off
  2. next to
  3. upto
  4. inside
• He will readily argue _________ anything.
  1. about
  2. at about
  3. for
  4. at above
• The ship sailed ______ its destination.
  1. off to
  2. off on
  3. off about
  4. for
• He put the book _______ the table.
  1. above
  2. below
  3. around
  4. onto
• I will walk ______ the supermarket.
  1. up from
  2. up around
  3. upto
  4. up along

Answers – 1)c, 2)a, 3)b, 4)d, 5)c, 6)a, 7)b, 8)a, 9)c, 10)b, 11)a, 12)d, 13)d, 14)b, 15)a, 16)b, 17)a, 18)a, 19)c, 20)a, 21)d, 22)a, 23)d, 24)b, 25)a, 26)d, 27)c

Related Links:

Participle Preposition
Phrase Preposition
Compound Preposition
Other Prepositions