Prepositional Phrases

Sam An Teng

Prepositional phrase is a group of words which begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or noun phrase. The noun or noun phrase that follows the preposition is called object of preposition.

Prepositional phrase = Preposition + Noun / Noun phrase

Look at the examples below:

  •  At school
  •  Near the shop
  •  With his brother
  •  On the table


FUNCTIONS OF PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE

Prepositional phrase can functions either as adjective or adverb.

[1]  Functioning as adjective

When it functions as adjective, it modifies noun or pronoun. Look at the examples,

  •  Do you know the man with red T-shirt?
  •  The expense on daily living tends to increase.
  •  He took several courses in personal development.
  •  The courses will put him on the path of success.

[2] Functioning as adverb

When it functions as adverb, it modifies verb, adjective, or adverb. Look at the examples below,

Modifying verb

  •  They are waiting outside the shop.
  •  A baby bird has fallen out of the nest.
  •  No one was born with all needed skills without training.
  •  He is behaving in a strange way.

Modifying adjective 

  •  He is afraid of dog.
  •  Some customers are not satisfied with our services.
  •  Thida is interested in career growth.
  •  They are crazy about football.

Modifying adverb

  •  He works late during high tourist season.
  •  She quickly moved away from the dog.