This list includes 11 Prepositions that start with S, from “sans” to “such as”. They include single-word forms and common multi-word phrases useful in writing, speech, and editing.

Prepositions that start with S are words and short phrases that link nouns, pronouns, or clauses. Many come from Old English or borrowings like “sans” from French, reflecting English’s mixed linguistic history.

Below you’ll find the table with Preposition, Definition, Common pairings, Example, and Notes.

Preposition: The word or phrase itself, so you can identify and alphabetize entries quickly.

Definition: A concise definition (10–20 words) that explains common meaning and typical grammatical role.

Common pairings: Three to five frequent collocations or complements showing how the preposition is commonly used.

Example: One clear, natural sentence illustrating typical usage in modern English for quick learning.

Notes: Short tags for regional, archaic, or formal usage, plus brief guidance on register or tone.

Prepositions that start with S

PrepositionTypeMeaningCommon pairings
sinceSingle-word preposition (temporal)From a past time until now1990, last year, then, the accident
saveSingle-word preposition (exclusion)Except; apart fromeveryone, all, this rule, that exception
save forMulti-word preposition (exclusion)Except for; apart fromminor delays, one exception, the cost, the weather
sansSingle-word preposition (borrowed)Without (literary or informal)glamour, money, hesitation, delay
short ofMulti-word preposition (limitation)Unless; lacking; not reachingmoney, a miracle, explanation, success
such asMulti-word preposition (example)For example; likefruits, cities, activities, examples
subject toMulti-word preposition (conditional)Dependent on; under the authority ofapproval, change, availability, law
subsequent toMulti-word preposition (temporal, formal)After; following in timethe meeting, his arrival, completion, the event
south ofMulti-word preposition (spatial)To the south of; also figuratively ‘less than’the river, London, 50 miles, the border
southward ofMulti-word preposition (spatial, less common)Toward or on the south side of; somewhat south ofthe valley, the town, 10 miles, the border
savingSingle-word preposition (exclusion, formal/archaic)Except; apart from; but fora few, John, this exception, these items

Descriptions

since
Indicating time from a specified past point to the present moment. 1990, last year, then, the accident. I’ve lived here since 1999.
save
Indicating exception or exclusion from a set or statement in general. everyone, all, this rule, that exception. No one came save John. (formal/archaic)
save for
Used to introduce an exception; meaning excepting or apart from something. minor delays, one exception, the cost, the weather. Save for a few delays, the trip was smooth. (formal)
sans
Borrowed from French meaning “without”; used in literary or informal English. glamour, money, hesitation, delay. He arrived sans luggage. (literary/informal/rare)
short of
Indicating lack, exception, or degree not reaching a stated point. money, a miracle, explanation, success. Short of money, she couldn’t buy groceries.
such as
Used to introduce examples or specific instances of a general category. fruits, cities, activities, examples. Tropical fruits such as mangoes ripen quickly.
subject to
Meaning liable to or dependent on specified conditions, authority, or change. approval, change, availability, law. The offer is subject to approval.
subsequent to
Formal preposition meaning ‘after’ or following in time or sequence. the meeting, his arrival, completion, the event. Subsequent to the meeting, we signed the contract. (formal)
south of
Indicating location to the south of something, or figurative ‘less than’. the river, London, 50 miles, the border. The town lies south of the river.
southward of
Meaning toward or on the south side of; less common than ‘south of’. the valley, the town, 10 miles, the border. The village lies southward of the valley. (less common/dated)
saving
Used to indicate exception; often formal or archaic, meaning ‘except’ or ‘but for’. a few, John, this exception, these items. All were present, saving Tom. (formal/archaic)
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