Exercise for complex preposition

Test your English preposition prowess by filling in the gaps in the following sentences with an appropriate word:

1. With respect ____ your order of 03/05/06, we regret to inform you that this book is no longer in print.

2. _____ reference to the question of overtime, the board of directors have decided that they cannot change their decision.

3. The company make a record profit last year thanks ____ increased exports to China.

4. I am going to tell him what I think of him regardless _____ the consequences.

5. Prior ____ their merger, we never had any problems with that supplier.

6. There will be restrictions on the water supply owing ____ the prolonged drought.

7. I’m afraid that Ms. Simms is _____ of the office at the moment.

8. On _____ of the pollution problem it is also almost impossible to find somewhere to park.

9. May I thank you on _________ of the entire committee? We are really grateful for your hard work.

10. Who’s this standing ______ to your sister in this photo?

11. Could I have a cup of tea instead _____ the coffee?

12. ____ terms of the weather, you couldn’t choose a better resort.

13. We loved our holiday in Cork in _______ of the rain.

14. What’s the boss’s opinion in relation ____ the cutbacks?

15. In regard ____ your letter of the 15^th, congratulations!

16. The company’s results are in ______ with the stock markets expectations.

17. Jenny, you stand in front ____ your father and Bobby, you go on the left.

18. They’re organizing a concert in _____ of the Somali drought victims.

19. In ___________ with his wishes, his ashes were sprinkled into the Irish Sea.

20. Every member of my old class came, except _____ Eric.

21. My train arrived three quarters of an hour late due ____ ‘leaves on the line’.

22. I was reluctant to go but _________ to my expectations, the concert was rather good.

23. He told an anecdote about the first time he met Ian by ____ of an introduction to Ian’s speech.

24. She explained my dietary needs by ______ of sign language and mime.

25. Her head hurt ________ of the smoke and the noise.

26. The boss was asking for you while you were _______ from your desk.

27. As regards _____ your chances of promotion, I wouldn’t get your hopes up.

28. Apart _____ the insipid food, the hotel was very good.

29. As ____ Jackie, she’s now working in a travel agency.

30. According ____ Philip, Desmond and Denise are getting married in the summer.