Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with its object. The object is usually a noun or a pronoun. The phrase works together as one part of the sentence. It adds detail about time, place, direction, cause, manner, or other relationships.

The two main parts are the preposition and the object. In the phrase in the room, in is the preposition and room is the object. Some prepositional phrases also include words between the preposition and the object. These words help describe the object more clearly.

Prepositional phrases can show place or location. They answer the question where. These phrases often follow nouns or verbs to give more information about position.

Prepositional phrases can show time. They answer the question when. They give details about a point in time, a day or date, or a longer period.

Prepositional phrases can show direction or movement. They answer the question where to or where from. These phrases often go with verbs of movement.

A prepositional phrase can come at the end of a sentence or at the beginning. At the end, it often adds detail after the main part of the sentence. At the beginning, it often sets the time, place, or situation first.

Prepositional phrases can link to nouns and verbs. With nouns, they add detail about which person, thing, or place. With verbs, they add detail about where, when, or how an action happens.

You can now recognize a prepositional phrase in a sentence by finding the preposition and its object. You can use prepositional phrases to add details about place, time, and direction. You can also place them at the beginning or end of a sentence and link them to nouns or verbs.