What is a prepositional phrase?

Understanding grammar basics will make you a better writer, and mastering prepositional phrases is key. To improve your writing and communicate clearly to your audience, know what prepositional phrases are and how to use them correctly.

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What is a preposition?

A preposition is a word that comes before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that connects it to another word. Here are examples of the most common words you’ll see used as prepositions:

At
To
In
On
Of
Into
Onto
For

And this is an example of a preposition in a sentence:

I left the dog at home.

In the above sentence, ”at” connects the noun ”dog” to the noun ”home.” It indicates a relationship between the two nouns in the sentence: the dog is inside the home, so they have a connection described in the sentence.

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What is a prepositional phrase?

Similarly, a prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun, which allows for extra descriptions or additional information about things or people. Prepositional phrases can be used to define relationships between objects, single out an object from others, or define objects. By highlighting the objects in a sentence, prepositional phrases enhance a noun’s qualities and traits.

Here are some examples of prepositional phrases:

Jason is from New York.

In this sentence, “from New York” is the prepositional phrase. “From’” is the preposition that connects the noun ‘Jason’ to the noun “New York.”

Her birthday is in June.

In the above sentence, “in June” is the prepositional phrase. “In” serves as the preposition, and “June” is the object. Together, the two words form the prepositional phrase.

Prepositional phrases can also be used with verbs or adjectives, such as:

My cat loves to jump on the counter.

In this example, the prepositional phrase “on the counter” works with the verb “jump” to complete the sentence and define the relationship between the two nouns (the cat and the counter).

The mouse hides behind the stove.

In the above sentence, “behind the stove” is the prepositional phrase. It comes after the verb “hides.”

Here are some examples of prepositional phrases that are used with adjectives:

The pillow on the bed is the most comfortable.

In this case, “on the bed” is the prepositional phrase. It uses an adjective with a prepositional phrase to add more detail and specificity to the noun—in this case, the pillow, and not just any pillow, but identifies it as the one on the bed.

The painting in the center is the prettiest.

Similarly, in the above sentence “in the center” serves as the prepositional phrase, which connects the noun “painting” with the adjectival phrase “the prettiest.” It also denotes the relationship between “the painting” and any other objects nearby that haven’t been mentioned in this sentence but are assumed there.

How to identify a prepositional phrase

The easiest way to identify a prepositional phrase is to look for the preposition in the sentence. Prepositional phrases can also answer questions such as “when,” “where,” “what,” “who,” and “which.” You can ask questions about a sentence to help you find the prepositional phrase. Consider the following example:

I left the mail on the counter.

In this sentence, you could ask the question, “where was the mail left?” to help you find the prepositional phrase, which would be “on the counter.”

Anthony was born in Canada.

Where was Anthony born? The prepositional phrase “in Canada” answers the question.

Understanding prepositional phrases will help you improve your grammar. For more tips on all things grammar, check out more writing tips to bolster your confidence.