Definition of Prepositional Phrase with Examples

prepositional phrase

A prepositional phrase refers to a group of words that usually starts with a preposition and ends with a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase. Prepositional phrase functions as adjectives or adverbs when provide detailed information about the verb, noun, or adjective.  

The basic structure of a Prepositional phrase refers to prepositions, then followed by modifiers and the object of the sentence. Understanding and utilizing prepositional phrases effectively modification in a sentence, detail, and clarity can be included. This piece of writing is going to clarify prepositional phrases and their uses with examples.  

Enhance Your Child's Verbal Abilities: Start Trial Now!

Definition of Prepositional Phrase 

The prepositional phrase is a combination of prepositions, modifiers, and objects. The prepositional phrase is placed at the beginning of the sentence based on its role in the sentence. It is just a part of a sentence that that modified and cannot stand alone in the sentence.  

Formula:  

Prepositions + Modifiers + Object  

Examples:  

Prepositional phrases 

Sentences 

Location 

  • The dog is under the chair. 
  • I found the mobile in the corner of my room. 

Time 

  • We will meet in the evening 
  • The train will arrive in the morning 

Direction 

  • He walked through the lane. 
  • She is riding to the city on her bike.  

Manner 

  • She finishes her work with perfection 
  • He laughed out loudly 

Possession 

  • The book of short stories is on the top shelf 
  • The house with the beautiful garden is theirs 

Reason 

  • I stayed home because of the snowfall 
  • The baby is tired after all day playing 

 

Properties of prepositional phrases  

There are several properties of prepositional phrases that provide information about time, location, direction, manner, and reason.  

  • Prepositional phrases start with prepositions, such as in, at, on, by, with, etc.  
  • Prepositional phrases end with a noun or pronoun.  
  • Prepositional phrases function as adjectives or adverbs after modifying verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.  
  • Prepositional phrases give detailed information on location, time, direction, manner, and reason.  
  • The structure is important in prepositional phrases, as it starts with a preposition then modifiers and objectives come in a sentence respectively.  

Benefits of Prepositional Phrases 

  • It is beneficial for clarifying the relationship between different elements in the sentence.  
  • It provides information regarding time, location, direction, manner, and reason.  
  • It helps verify sentence structure and make it more engaging.  
  • It improves cohesion by linking different concepts and ideas.  
  • It enhances descriptions by adding details and making writing more precise.  

To sum up, prepositional phrases are an important element in English grammar that brings clarity to the sentence by adding detailed information. The sentence begins with a preposition, and it ends with nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, or adjectives. Using prepositional phrases effectively, the sentence can be presented in a more informed and vivid manner. Prepositional phrases make better communication with sentences by adding more precise details. To get more information about prepositional phrases connect with us at www.98thpercentile.com or you can join our 1-week free trial classes on the ELA program.  

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Q.1. How do prepositional phrases work in a sentence? 

Ans: Prepositional phrases function as adjectives, and modify nouns, verbs, or adverbs.  

Q.2. Can a sentence have more than one prepositional phrase?  

Ans: Yes, a sentence can have multiple prepositional phrases.  

Q.3. What is the difference between a prepositional phrase and a depending clause?  

Ans: Prepositional phrases involve prepositions, objects with additional details, depending clause include a subject and a verb and give a complete idea that depends on the main clause.  

Q.4. Are there any common mistakes in prepositional phrases?  

Ans: The most common mistakes include ending the sentence with unnecessary prepositions.  

Q.5. How do prepositional phrases enhance sentences?  

Ans: Prepositional phrases add detail and more clarity to writing making it more precise. 

Book FREE English Trial Classes Now!

Related Articles 

1. Punctuation Marks and Their Uses

2. Explanation and Examples of Informative Writing

3. Phrasal Verb: Definition and examples

4. Examples of Possessive Nouns in English