PrepositionsThe most annoying part of speech

A preposition begins a prepositional phrase and shows a relationship between its object and another word in the sentence.

The object of a preposition is the noun or pronoun that follows the preposition and is related to another word in the sentence.

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with the noun(s) or pronoun(s) that function as the object. The phrase includes all modifiers for the object.

An adjectival prepositional phrase relates its object to a noun or pronoun and functions like a single adjective.

An adverbial prepositional phrase relates its object to a verb (usually), adjective or another adverb and functions like a single adverb.

Definitions

Mr. Hostetler fell down the stairs.◦ The preposition down connects the verb fell to the

object stairs. The entire phrase “down the stairs” tells where the “fall” took place. This is an adverbial preposition phrase.

The teacher with the large forehead is Mr. Hostetler.◦ With connects the noun teacher with the object

forehead. The entire phrase tells WHICH TEACHER has the large forehead. This is an adjectival prepositional phrase. Because large comes before forehead and describes it, it is part of the prepositional phrase.

Examples

A word or phrase that tells: Who or What: Likely a noun or pronoun that is either the

subject or object When: adverb, adverbial prepositional phrase Where: adverb, adverbial prepositional phrase How: adverb, adverbial prepositional phrase What something looks like: adjective, adjectival prep

phrase How many of a thing there are: adjective, adjectival prep

phrase What kind?: adjective, adjectival prep phrase

◦ NOTE: if a phrase is required to answer the question, it is likely a prepositional phrase. If it is one word, it is an adjective, adverb or noun.

General Guide to Parts of Speech

My son threw a fit during the game.◦ During the game◦ During what? The game (object)◦ When did he throw the fit? Adverbial

The child with red hair is Chase.◦ With red hair◦ With what? Hair (object)◦ Which child has red hair? Adjectival

Underline the Prep Phrase, circle the object. Label it ADJ or ADV.

I watched television until 9:00. I ran down the stairs, across the room, out

the door, and into the street. After the game, I ate nachos with my family. I want to know what is beyond that door. I like everyone in the class except for Brian. I want ice cream in addition to cake.

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