Basic English Usage
Prepositions
Here are even more prepositional phrases, including those commonly used by people writing at work:
in fact = "here are some details that support (or contradict) what was stated earlier"
People think the company is not very large, and, in fact, it is rather small.
I thought the movie would be exciting but in fact it was boring.
in perspective = to show or understand how important something is, relative to other things
Witnessing the disaster really puts our petty problems in perspective, doesn't it?
I know it's easy to get upset, but please let's try to keep everything in perspective.
in spite of X = not prevented by X
In spite of being tired, we decided to proceed.
The car should be easy to sell, in spite of the fact that it's damaged.
in the course of X = during X, or while X happens
He witnessed many changes in the course of his long life.
In the course of the last decade, the internet has grown exponentially.
in time = with enough time, or within the allowed time
I hope the decision is made in time for us to accept the job.
In time, you will recover fully from the accident.
instead of X = as a substitution for X
Instead of coffee, let's have cocoa.
Let's quit for the evening, instead of working another all-nighter.
Lesson: Phrases 3
Module: Prepositions
Course: Basic English Usage