Prepositional Phrase: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn all about Prepositional Phrases in English grammar. We'll cover what they are, how they function, and provide examples. You'll find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this essential grammar topic.
What is a Prepositional Phrase?
Prepositional Phrase Definition: A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun (called the object of the preposition). It may also include modifiers like adjectives or articles.
Structure: Preposition + (Modifiers) + Object of Preposition
Example: "in the beautiful garden" = in (preposition) + the beautiful (modifiers) + garden (object)
Function in Grammar
Prepositional phrases can function as adjectives or adverbs in sentences:
- Adjectival: The book on the table is mine. (describes "book")
- Adverbial: She walked to the store. (describes "walked")
- Complement: The cat is under the bed. (completes the meaning)
Parts of a Prepositional Phrase
| Preposition | Modifiers | Object | Complete Phrase |
|---|---|---|---|
| in | the beautiful | garden | in the beautiful garden |
| under | the old wooden | bridge | under the old wooden bridge |
| during | the long | meeting | during the long meeting |
| with | my best | friend | with my best friend |
Every prepositional phrase must have a preposition and an object. Modifiers are optional.
📌 Prepositional Phrase Challenge!
Can you identify the prepositional phrases?
- The book on the table is mine.
- She walked to the store quickly.
- During the storm, we stayed inside.
Show Answers
- on the table
- to the store
- During the storm
Examples of Prepositional Phrases
- The book on the table is mine.
- She walked to the store quickly.
- During the storm, we stayed inside.
- The cat is sleeping under the bed.
- He works at the hospital.
- The flowers in the garden are beautiful.
- We met after the meeting.
- The bird flew over the house.
- She lives near the school.
- The keys are inside the drawer.
Functions of Prepositional Phrases
1. As Adjectives (Adjectival):
- The book on the table is mine. (describes "book")
- The house with red doors is ours. (describes "house")
- Students from different countries study here. (describes "students")
2. As Adverbs (Adverbial):
- She walked to the store. (describes where she walked)
- We arrived at noon. (describes when we arrived)
- He spoke with confidence. (describes how he spoke)
3. As Complements:
- The cat is under the bed. (completes the meaning of "is")
- She seems in good health. (completes the meaning of "seems")
Prepositional Phrase Functions
| Function | What it describes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjectival | Nouns/Pronouns | The book on the table |
| Adverbial | Verbs/Adjectives | Walked to the store |
| Complement | Linking verbs | The cat is under the bed |
Prepositional phrases can function like adjectives, adverbs, or complements.
Special Rules and Notes
- Object Required: Every prepositional phrase must have an object.
- Multiple Phrases: Sentences can have multiple prepositional phrases.
- Nested Phrases: One prepositional phrase can contain another.
- Position: Prepositional phrases can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of sentences.
- Pronoun Objects: When using pronouns as objects, use object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing Objects: Don't end sentences with prepositions without objects.
- Wrong Pronouns: Use "between you and me" not "between you and I."
- Unclear References: Make sure it's clear what the prepositional phrase modifies.
- Overuse: Don't use too many prepositional phrases in one sentence.
Quick Quiz: Identify Prepositional Phrases!
Find the prepositional phrases in these sentences:
- The dog ran through the park.
- She put the keys on the counter.
- During the movie, he fell asleep.
- The house behind the trees is beautiful.
- We traveled by train to the city.
Answers: through the park; on the counter; During the movie; behind the trees; by train, to the city
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Find the Prepositional Phrases
Identify all prepositional phrases in these sentences:
- The cat under the table is sleeping.
- After the rain, we went for a walk in the park.
- The book on the shelf belongs to my sister.
- During the summer, they live near the beach.
- The bird flew over the house and into the tree.
Show Answers
- under the table
- After the rain, for a walk, in the park
- on the shelf, to my sister
- During the summer, near the beach
- over the house, into the tree
Exercise 2: Function Identification
What function does each prepositional phrase serve?
- The book on the table is mine.
- She walked to the store.
- The cat is under the bed.
- Students from different countries study here.
- We arrived at noon.
Show Answers
- Adjectival (describes "book")
- Adverbial (describes "walked")
- Complement (completes "is")
- Adjectival (describes "students")
- Adverbial (describes "arrived")
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a prepositional phrase?
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun (called the object of the preposition). Examples include "in the house," "on the table," and "after school."
What are the parts of a prepositional phrase?
A prepositional phrase has two main parts: the preposition (in, on, at, by) and the object of the preposition (a noun or pronoun). It may also include modifiers like adjectives.
How do prepositional phrases function in sentences?
Prepositional phrases can function as adjectives (describing nouns) or adverbs (describing verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs). They provide additional information about time, place, manner, or other relationships.
Can you give examples of prepositional phrases in sentences?
Yes! Examples: The book on the shelf is mine (adjective phrase). She walked to the store (adverb phrase). The dog under the table is sleeping (adjective phrase).
What is the difference between adjectival and adverbial prepositional phrases?
Adjectival prepositional phrases modify nouns (the girl with red hair), while adverbial prepositional phrases modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs (walked to school, happy about the news).
Can prepositional phrases be moved in a sentence?
Yes, many prepositional phrases can be moved for emphasis or style: "After dinner, we watched TV" or "We watched TV after dinner." However, some are fixed based on their function.
What are some common mistakes with prepositional phrases?
Common mistakes include ending sentences with prepositions unnecessarily, using wrong prepositions, and creating unclear references when the phrase could modify multiple words.
How do you identify prepositional phrases?
Look for prepositions (in, on, at, by, with, etc.) followed by nouns or pronouns. Ask "what?" or "whom?" after the preposition to find the object and complete the phrase.
Conclusion
Prepositional phrases are groups of words that begin with prepositions and end with objects. They function as adjectives, adverbs, or complements to add detail and clarity to our sentences!