Prepositional phrase
Definition
A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and normally includes a noun phrase, pronoun, or -ing clause as its complement: on the table, with her, after leaving.
Examples
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The keys are on the table.
The phrase expresses place.
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We met after lunch.
The phrase expresses time.
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Maya travelled with her sister.
The phrase expresses accompaniment.
Prepositional phrase vs. adverb
The children waited outside.
Outside stands alone and has no complement.
The children waited outside the building.
Outside introduces the complement the building.
A preposition heads a phrase with a complement. A similar word may function as an adverb when it stands alone.
Prepositional phrases perform different functions
A prepositional phrase can modify a verb, noun, adjective, or whole clause. Its meaning may express place, time, direction, method, reason, possession, or another relationship.
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The book on the shelf belongs to Leo.
The phrase modifies the noun book.
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Maya is interested in photography.
The phrase completes the adjective interested.
Common mistakes
The keys are the table.
The keys are on the table.
A place relationship normally requires an appropriate preposition.
We discussed about the problem.
We discussed the problem.
Do not add a preposition when the verb already takes a direct object.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which expression is a prepositional phrase?
Under is a preposition followed by the complement the bridge.Which phrase modifies a noun?
By the window modifies the noun woman.In which sentence is outside an adverb rather than a preposition?
In the first sentence, outside has no following complement.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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