Sentence Structure: Phrases: Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional Phrases: Adding Details to Your Sentences

What is a prepositional phrase?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that starts with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition). Prepositional phrases add extra information to our sentences, like where something is, when it happened, or how it was done.

The Parts of a Prepositional Phrase

• Preposition: The word that starts the phrase.

  • Examples: in, on, at, under, over, behind, during, with, about

• Object: The noun or pronoun that the preposition relates to.

  • Examples: the table, the book, me, him, her

• Modifiers (optional): Words that describe the object.

  • Examples: the big table, the interesting book

Examples:

• The cat is sleeping under the bed.
• We are going to the beach on Saturday.
• She wrote a letter to her friend.

Types of Prepositional Phrases

• Adjective Phrases: These describe a noun or pronoun.
  • The book on the table is mine. (On the table describes which book.)
• Adverb Phrases: These describe a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
  • He ran quickly down the street. (Down the street describes how he ran.)

Let’s Practice!

1. Identify the Prepositional Phrase:

   • Underline the prepositional phrase in each sentence:
     • The flowers in the vase are beautiful.
     • We went to the movies with our friends.
     • The dog chased the squirrel around the tree.

2. Complete the Sentence: Fill in the blank with an appropriate prepositional phrase:

   • I put the keys ______________.
   • The cat slept ______________.
   • We’re having a party ______________.

3. Make Your Own Sentences: Write three sentences. Use a different prepositional phrase in each one.

Challenge!

• Write a short description of your favorite place. Try to use at least three different prepositional phrases.

Key Points to Remember:

• Prepositions always have an object (noun or pronoun).
• Prepositional phrases can act like adjectives or adverbs.
• Use prepositional phrases to add more detail and information to your sentences.