Before discussing what a prepositional phrase is, let’s examine the two words preposition and phrase. A preposition is a connecting word that links a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence. A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject or a predicate. It cannot stand alone since it does not convey a complete thought.
Having briefed that, we will detail here,
1. Definition of Prepositional Phrase with Examples
2. Function of a Prepositional Phrase
3. Subject-Verb Agreement with Prepositional Phrases
Definition of Prepositional Phrase
A prepositional phrase is a phrase that contains a preposition. In most cases, a prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun, pronoun, phrase or clause.
Generally, the words that follow the preposition are known as the object of the preposition. Thus, it can be said that a preposition is divided into two parts: the preposition and the object.
Ex:
from what you said (preposition + clause)
to the boy across the road (preposition + noun phrase)
at school (preposition + noun)
with her (preposition + pronoun)
As mentioned above, the object of the preposition is typically a noun, pronoun, phrase or a clause and it will often have one or more modifiers. For example,
with utmost respect
with= preposition, utmost=modifier, respect=noun
from her old boyfriend
from= preposition; her, old = modifier; boyfriend= noun
at the central park
at= preposition; the, central= modifier; park = noun
Function of a Prepositional Phrase
Prepositional phrases can be used as adjectives and adverbs in a sentence.
As an adjective, prepositional phrases can describe, identify or rename the noun.
The vegetables in the red basket have discolored.
(Prepositional phrase describes the noun vegetables)
I read the message from your sister.
(Prepositional phrase describes the noun message)
The book on the kitchen counter belongs to my grandmother.
(Prepositional phrase describes the noun book)
As adjectives, prepositional phrases modify verbs. They describe when, where and how something happened.
He lives in Colombo.
(The prepositional phrase acts as an adverb of place.)
She handled the volatile issue with utmost care.
(The prepositional phrase acts as an adverb of manner.)
He remained silent for thirteen years.
(The prepositional phrase acts as an adverb of time.)
Food on the table
Examples of Prepositional Phrases
Subject-Verb Agreement with Prepositional Phrases
When a prepositional phrase precedes a verb, the noun in the prepositional phrase may seem to be the subject of the verb. But, the nouns in prepositional phrases can never be the subject of a sentence. For example,
A combination of styles was used for the performance.
Although styles is the closest to the verb, combination is the real subject of the sentence. Therefore, the verb should agree with combination, not styles.
One of them was my brother.
The box of books was under her bed.
Jared, along with his friends, sings in the choir.
Summary
- Prepositional phrases begin with a preposition and end with a noun, pronoun, phrase or clause.
- Prepositional phrases have two parts: preposition and objects.
- Prepositional phrases can function as adjectives and adverbs.
- Prepositional phrases are not used as subjects of a sentence.
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