Prepositional Phrase
The term “prepositional phrase” consists of two words preposition
and phrase. A preposition is one of the parts of speech that shows the
relationship between a noun, pronoun, or any other part of a sentence. A phrase
is a group of words without a subject and verb that adds something to the
meaning of a sentence.
We have different phrases
in English. Here, we focus on a prepositional phrase. For more topics, visit Study English Page.
Definition of a Prepositional Phrase
A prepositional phrase is a
phrase that has a preposition, the object of the preposition, and any modifiers
of the object.
- I have left my
keys on the table.
- I heard of your
new publications.
The prepositional phrase
“on the table” consists of a preposition (on), object (table), and modifier
(the). The prepositional phrase “of your new publication” consists of a
preposition (of), object (publications), and modifiers (your and new).
Remember that the object can be a noun or pronoun, and modifiers can be a noun, adjective, adverb, phrase, or clause.
Types of Prepositional Phrases
Noun Prepositional Phrase
A prepositional phrase can
act as a noun but less frequently. A phrase acting as a noun is called a noun
prepositional phrase.
- Before Sunday
will be the best time to meet.
In this example, the phrase
“before Sunday” acts as a noun, so we call the phrase a noun prepositional
phrase.
Adjective Prepositional Phrase
One of the functions of
prepositional phrases is as an adjective that modifies a noun. In simple words,
a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective is called an adjective phrase or
adjective prepositional phrase.
- The girl with
black glasses is a new employee in our office.
In this example, the phrase
“with black glasses” is acting as an adjective. It modifies the noun “girl”.
Consequently, we can call the phrase an adjective prepositional phrase.
Adverb Prepositional Phrase
Some prepositional phrases
act as adverbs. A prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or
adverb is called an adverb preposition phrase or adverbial preposition phrase.
- I will meet her
in the park.
In this example, the phrase
“in the park” is a prepositional phrase. It acts as an adverb, so we call the
phrase adverb prepositional phrase or adverbial prepositional phrase.
Prepositional Phrase Example
- She is the girl
with blue eyes.
- He told me about
your new job.
- They have gone
to their college.
- I saw her in the
market yesterday.
- In front of that
gate is a sensitive area.
- The man on the
street looks suspicious.
- Near the school
is not a public parking place.
- I meet a man
with a long beard in the mosque.
- For now, I would
like to call you to the stage.
- We saw an
elephant with white skin in the zoo.
Tips to Use Prepositional Phrases
There are three basic tips
you should consider when you use prepositional phrases.
Prefer Active Voice over Passive Voice
One of the useful tips for
using prepositional phrases is favoring active voice over passive voice. You
can eliminate wordiness in a sentence when you use an active voice sentence.
Avoid Ambiguity
It is very important to use
the right prepositional phrase and choose the right place for the phrase.
Sometimes, a prepositional phrase creates an ambiguity.
- Lisa fed the
monkey in the cage.
This sentence is ambiguous.
The prepositional phrase does not give us clear information. We don’t know if
it gives more information about the monkey or the place where Lisa fed the
monkey. We need to reword the sentence for clarity.
- Lisa fed the
monkey that was in the cage.
Be Vigilant for Subject-verb Agreement
You need to give your full
concentration to the subject-verb agreement. One can easily get confused when
he considers the noun of a prepositional phrase the subject of the sentence.
- A group of
students create disturbance. (×)
- A group of
students creates disturbance. (√)
How to Avoid Unnecessary Prepositional Phrases
Edit Your Writing
If we have more than one
prepositional phrase in every ten to fifteen words, the best option is to edit
your sentence and reduce the prepositional phrases. You can consolidate your
information, or you can use adverbs or possessives to reduce the prepositional
phrases.
- I met her at the
party and talked about your plans to go to Canada with her.
We have four prepositions
in this sentence. We can edit this sentence and reduce the prepositional
phrases.
- I met her there
and discussed your migration planning to Canada.
Here is an example that
demonstrates how we can use adverbs or possessives to avoid unnecessary
prepositional phrases.
- He drives the
car that belongs to his brother with great speed.
- He drives his
brother’s car fast.
Convert to Active Voice
Converting a sentence to an
active voice is another way to avoid unnecessary prepositional phrases. Here is
an example.
- The problem was
solved by us.
- We solved the
problem.
FAQs on Prepositional Phrases
How do you identify a prepositional phrase?
To identify a prepositional
phrase, find out a preposition, its object, and any modifiers if there are any.
What are the functions of prepositional phrases?
A prepositional phrase can
function differently. It can be as a noun, adjective, or adverb. They are
single words, and prepositional phrases are groups of words.
What are the parts of a prepositional phrase?
There can be at least two
parts: a preposition and an object of the preposition. There can be modifiers,
but they are not compulsory. We can use a noun or pronoun as the object of the
preposition.
Can we use a pronoun as an object in a prepositional phrase?
Yes, you use a pronoun as
an object of a preposition in a prepositional phrase. I sat next to him.
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