Complex Prepositions in Executive Communication

• Complex prepositions function as single prepositions, adding precision and formality to corporate discussions. They are vital when drafting official memos and discussing restructuring initiatives in New York or London boardrooms.
• Complex Preposition
• Meaning / Usage
• Example in Context
• in view of
• considering or taking into account
• In view of the recent merger in Seattle, we must revise our strategy.
• with regard to
• concerning or regarding a matter
• With regard to the Chicago branch, costs have risen.
• by virtue of
• as a result of or because of
• She secured the director role by virtue of her experience.
• in light of
• after considering new information
• In light of falling revenues in Boston, the board acted swiftly.
• notwithstanding
• despite or in spite of
• Notwithstanding the economic downturn, profits remained stable.
• on behalf of
• as the representative of someone
• Speaking on behalf of the executives in Dallas, I accept.
• Remember
• Always follow complex prepositions with a noun phrase, a pronoun, or an -ing clause.
• Place them at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, usually separated by a comma when initial.
• Use them in formal registers such as corporate reports, executive summaries, and legal disclosures.
• Examples
• In light of the findings from Austin, we are dissolving the regional hub.
• With regard to solid-line reporting, all managers must update their charts.
• Notwithstanding initial resistance in Philadelphia, the rollout continued.
• Common mistakes
• In light of that we should centralise.
• In light of the fact that we should centralise.
• With regard for the new matrix structure, let us meet.
• With regard to the new matrix structure, let us meet.

Complete the sentences

• ___ the recent drop in sales from our Miami office, we need to restructure. (light) ____
• Speaking ___ the board of directors in Atlanta, I approve this operating model. (behalf) ____
• ___ the overwhelming evidence gathered in Phoenix, the department must be closed. (virtue) ____
• ___ the upcoming changes in Seattle, several teams will relocate. (view) ____
• ___ our previous discussion concerning the London branch, here is the report. (regard) ____
• ___ the financial risks involved, the CEO decided to proceed. (standing) ____

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