Preposition and Prepositional Phrases: Meaning & Examples

Preposition and prepositional phrases add specificity to language, thus conveying precise relationships between elements in a sentence. They contribute to the overall clarity of communication by indicating details such as location, time, and direction, allowing listeners or readers to better understand the intended meaning. 

Both of them play a crucial role in connecting different parts of a sentence, contributing to the overall coherence and flow of language. In this article we will explore the world of prepositional phrases, exploring their structure, functions, and how to use them effectively.

Must Read: Prepositions: Definition, Types, Examples and Exercise

Preposition and Prepositional Phrases – Definition

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other elements in a sentence. Prepositions are used to indicate location, direction, time, or relationships.

Common  Examples of Prepositions are:

In: The cat is in the box.

On: The book is on the table.

Under: The keys are under the mat.

Between: She sat between Tom and Jerry.

With: I went to the party with my friends.

Explore more About the Rules for Prepositions in English Grammar with Examples

What are Prepositional Phrases?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with its object (a noun or pronoun). This phrase provides information about location, time, direction, or other relationships.

Structure of Prepositional Phrase

Preposition+Object+Modifiers

Some common prepositional phrases examples are:

The cat is on the roof.

On the roof in the above sentence is a prepositional phrase that begins with the preposition on and ends with the object on the roof.

She walked to the store

To the store in this sentence is a prepositional phrase that begins with the preposition to and ends with the object of the store.

Read this exciting blog  on Nouns

How to Use Preposition and Prepositional Phrases in a Sentence?

Here are some guidelines on how to use prepositions and prepositional phrases effectively:

Identify the Relationship:

Bore framing sentence you have to understand the relationship between the elements you want to connect. Analyze it as a relationship of location, time, direction, or purpose. Choose the appropriate preposition accordingly.

Place the Preposition:

Always try to position the preposition before its object to form a prepositional phrase.

For example, “The cat is on the roof.“

Include Modifiers if Necessary:

You can effectively add modifiers to the prepositional phrase to provide more information.

For instance, “The book is on the wooden table.”

Avoid Dangling Prepositions:

Always ensure that the preposition has a clear and logical connection to its intended object.  You must avoid leaving prepositions “dangling” without a proper link to the rest of the sentence.

Maintain Parallel Structure:

When using multiple prepositional phrases in a sentence, maintain a parallel structure for clarity and readability.

For example, “She walked to the store and through the park.”

Consider the Context:

Choose prepositions based on the context of your sentence. Different prepositions may be appropriate in various situations, so pay attention to the meaning you want to convey.

Check for Proper Usage:

It is always advisable to verify that the preposition you choose is grammatically correct for the sentence. Some prepositions have specific rules or idiomatic uses.

Vary Your Prepositions:

You can use a variety of prepositions to add diversity to your writing. However, be sure that each preposition fits naturally within its context.

Explore: Abstract Nouns: Definition, Examples and Usage

Exercise on Preposition and Prepositional Phrases

Identify the preposition and prepositional phrase in the following sentences:

1. The cat sleeps on the windowsill.
2. We walked through the park to reach the playground.
3. His keys are usually in the drawer by the entrance.
4. She waited for her friends at the bus stop.
5. The sun sets behind the mountains every evening.
6. The children played under the tall oak tree.
7. The concert will take place in the auditorium.
8. I found my lost book between the cushions of the sofa.
9. The restaurant is located across the street from the museum.
10. They celebrated their anniversary with a romantic dinner.
11. The bird perched on the fence before flying away.
12. The train passed over the bridge with a rhythmic clatter.
13. She read a book by the fireplace on a chilly evening.
14. The treasure is buried beneath the old oak tree.
15. He looked through the telescope at the distant stars.
16. The cat hid among the bushes during the rain.
17. The painting hangs above the fireplace in the living room.
18. They strolled along the beach as the sunset.
19. The party will be held at the community centre.
20. The secret passage is behind the bookshelf in the library.

Answers 

Match your answers with the following sentences:

1. The cat sleeps on the windowsill.
2. We walked through the park to reach the playground.
3. His keys are usually in the drawer by the entrance.
4. She waited for her friends at the bus stop.
5. The sun sets behind the mountains every evening.
6. The children played under the tall oak tree.
7. The concert will take place in the auditorium.
8. I found my lost book between the cushions of the sofa.
9. The restaurant is located across the street from the museum.
10. They celebrated their anniversary with a romantic dinner.
11. The bird perched on the fence before flying away.
12. The train passed over the bridge with a rhythmic clatter.
13. She read a book by the fireplace on a chilly evening.
14. The treasure is buried beneath the old oak tree.
15. He looked through the telescope at the distant stars.
16. The cat hid among the bushes during the rain.
17. The painting hangs above the fireplace in the living room.
18. They strolled along the beach as the sunset.
19. The party will be held at the community centre.
20. The secret passage is behind the bookshelf in the library.

Preposition and Prepositional Phrases Exercise PDF

FAQ

Check Out Other Important Topics in English

• Rules and List of Conjunctions
• Improve your English Vocabulary for IELTS Writing and Speaking
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• Degree of Comparison Rules
• Reported Speech Rules With Exercises
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• Active and Passive Voice: Rules, Examples & Exercise

Thus, we hope that this blog provides you with a comprehensive guide on English prepositions. Gearing up for English proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL? Sign up for a demo session with our Leverage Live experts and we will help you plan the right exam strategy and equip you with the best study materials, resources, and mentorship you need to achieve your target score!