A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, which is called the object of the preposition. Together, they add information to a sentence—such as where something happened, when it happened, how it happened, or which one.
Preposition – A word that shows a relationship between a noun/pronoun and another word in the sentence (e.g., in, at, on, under, over, by, with, from, to).
Object of the Preposition – The noun or pronoun that completes the meaning of the preposition.
Modifiers (optional) – Words that describe or give more detail about the object.
Structure:
Preposition + (Modifier/s) + Object (noun/pronoun)
Example:
under the old wooden bridge
→ "under" = preposition
→ "the old wooden bridge" = object + modifiers
1. Adjective Prepositional Phrases
These describe or modify a noun or pronoun. They usually answer the question "Which one?" or "What kind?"
Example:
The book on the shelf is new.
→ "on the shelf" tells which book.
2. Adverb Prepositional Phrases
These describe or modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. They usually answer the question "How?", "When?", "Where?", or "Why?"
Example:
She slept during the movie.
→ "during the movie" tells when she slept.
By the river – tells where
The children played by the river.
After the meeting – tells when
He left after the meeting.
With a smile – tells how
She greeted us with a smile.
Of great value – tells what kind
This is a necklace of great value.
Here are some commonly used prepositions that start prepositional phrases:
Time: after, before, during, at, since, until
Place/Location: in, on, under, over, by, next to, near, between, behind
Direction/Movement: to, from, into, onto, out of, toward, across
Cause/Manner/Instrument: with, by, because of, due to, according to
They add detail and clarity to sentences.
They help you write more descriptively and precisely.
They can replace longer, wordy descriptions.
Example:
Without a prepositional phrase: He walked.
With a prepositional phrase: He walked through the dark forest.
→ Now you know where he walked.
A prepositional phrase is a helpful language tool that adds richness and meaning to your writing. It starts with a preposition, ends with a noun or pronoun, and often includes modifiers. These phrases function like adjectives or adverbs, giving us more detail about place, time, direction, manner, or reason.