Prepositional phrases
A prepositional phrase is made up of a preposition and a noun phrase. Examples are: in the
corner, on the roof, under the bed and within seconds.
A prepositional phrase has several uses. For example, it can be used as an adverbial of time
and place.
The work was completed in a few days.
She wrote the essay in twenty minutes.
I went to the market.
There is something under the bed.
The old man sat in a corner.
A prepositional phrase can be a post-modifier in a noun clause.
Her son is that boy in the red shirt.
We are looking for a house with a large garden.
She has bought a new laptop with a 17 inch display.
The prepositional phrase can be used to say who did something.
The farmer was bit by the snake.
The spider was killed by the boy.
She owns a wonderful painting by Picasso.
Prepositional phrases are used with verbs that take two objects. Examples are: give and get.
He gave some money to the beggar on the corner.
I have ordered a dress for my sister.
He distributed chocolates among the children.
Prepositional phrases are also used after certain verbs, nouns and adjectives.
The house that we live in belongs to my grandfather.
I had a word with my boss.
I felt sorry for her.
I had an argument with my friend.