Prepositional Phrases

DefinitionPrepositions are words that show a noun’s relationship to another word in the sentence.

TipIt’s most helpful to think about prepositions as follows:

If a word describes where a fly could be buzzing, then it is a preposition.

Can the fly be buzzing…

through the air? YESaround the girl’s ear? YESfor the hundredth time? YES

Prepositional PhraseA prepositional phrase contains a preposition and the noun that follows it, along with any mod

EXAMPLES

through the air

around the girl’s ear

for the hundredth time

NOUNPREP.

NOUNPREP. PRO

NOUNADJECTIVEPREP.

Be Careful!Some words can be used as both prepositions and subordinating conjunctions, making it difficult to tell whether you’re dealing with a DEPENDENT CLAUSE or PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.

Which is which? You must be able to tell.

before Jim kicked the kangaroo

before the incredible game of destiny.

A. VERBSUB. CONJ. PROPER NOUN

NOUNPREP. NOUNPREP.ADJECTIVE

Clauses always have a main VERB. Thus, this is a DEPENDENT CLAUSE.

Prep. Phrases contain only a PREP. and the NOUN that follows it. Thus, this is a PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.

Tip – the best way to tell the difference.

But Meeeeeestah Clawwwwck! How do I tell the difference between prepositional

phrases and dependent clauses?

COVER UP THE WORD IN QUESTION

If you’re left with a sentence, you’re dealing with a DEPENDENT CLAUSE.

If you’re left with a only a noun – or a series of nouns – you’re dealing with a PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.

Example

before Jim kicked the kangaroo

before the game

Fart Cloud

Fart Cloud

If you’re left with a sentence, you’re dealing with a DEPENDENT CLAUSE.

If you’re left with a only a noun – or a series of nouns – you’re dealing with a PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.

PRACTICE A) Copy down the following phrases/clauses. B) For each phrase or clause, classify it as either a Dependent Clause or a

Prepositional Phrase.C) For each, briefly explain why it is a phrase or why it is a clause.

1. until the start of the class period

2. after the second half begins

3. within the hairy nostril of doom

4. since the man started walking