English Grammar

Prepositional Phrases

* The prepositional phrase is made up of the preposition, its object, and modifiers of the object. The object of the preposition is always a noun, pronoun, or a group of words used as a noun.

The coin fell (between the cracks.)

To find the object of the preposition, first say the preposition, then ask, "Whom or what?"

Between is the preposition in the above sentence.

To find the object of the preposition ask "Between what?"

The noun "cracks" answers the question, so it is the object of the preposition.

* Prepositional phrases are used as adjectives or adverbs.

1. When prepositional phrases are used as adjectives, the phrase comes immediately after the noun or pronoun it modifies. The phrase answers one of the following questions about the word it modifies: Which one? What kind of? How many? Whose?

My check (for the dress) is in the mail.

The prepositional phrase, "for the dress," tells which check.

The phrase is used as an adjective modifying the noun "check."

2. When prepositional phrases are used as adverbs, they may be found any place in the sentence. The adverb phrase tells how, when, where, or under what condition about a verb, adjective, or adverb.

The boy fell (on the steps.)

The phrase "on the steps" tells where the boy fell. It modifies the verb "fell" and is used as an adverb.

* Prepositional phrases are usually used

to make a comparison — like, as, than

to indicate direction or place — by, to, behind, over, under, near

to establish time relationships — at, by, between, before, after

to provide descriptive details — with, without