Learn how prepositions combine with their objects to form powerful units that modify nouns and verbs. Understanding prepositional phrases is key to analyzing complex sentences and writing with clarity.
✅ Recommended for: Class 7-9 (Intermediate) | Class 10-12 (Application)
1. What is a Prepositional Phrase?
| Component | Description | Example Phrase | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preposition | The connecting word (in, on, with, about, etc.) | in the blue bag | Preposition = in |
| Object of the Preposition | The noun or pronoun that follows the preposition | in the blue bag | Object = the blue bag (noun phrase) |
| Modifiers (Optional) | Adjectives or other words that describe the object | in the blue bag | Modifier = blue (adjective) |
| Formula: Preposition + (Modifiers) + Object = Prepositional Phrase | |||
2. Adjective Phrases (Modifying Nouns)
A prepositional phrase acts as an adjective phrase when it describes a noun or pronoun. It answers: Which one? What kind?
| Sentence | Noun Being Modified | Adjective Phrase | Answers the Question... |
|---|---|---|---|
| The house on the hill is old. | house | on the hill | Which house? The one on the hill. |
| I know the girl with the red glasses. | girl | with the red glasses | Which girl? The one with the red glasses. |
| The feeling of joy is contagious. | feeling | of joy | What kind of feeling? The feeling of joy. |
| Tip: Adjective phrases usually come right after the noun they describe. | |||
3. Adverb Phrases (Modifying Verbs)
A prepositional phrase acts as an adverb phrase when it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It answers: Where? When? How? Why? To what extent?
| Sentence | Word Being Modified | Adverb Phrase | Answers the Question... |
|---|---|---|---|
| She slept through the storm. | slept (verb) | through the storm | How long? or In spite of what? |
| Meet me at the cafe. | meet (verb) | at the cafe | Where? to meet. |
| He arrived after dinner. | arrived (verb) | after dinner | When? did he arrive. |
| She is skilled in negotiation. | skilled (adjective) | in negotiation | How? is she skilled. |
| Tip: Adverb phrases are more flexible and can often move around in the sentence. | |||
4. How to Identify the Function: Adjective or Adverb?
| Step | Action | Example: "The book on the shelf is mine." | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the Phrase | Locate the prepositional phrase. | ... on the shelf ... | Phrase identified. |
| 2. Find the Nearest Noun | Look at the noun right before the phrase. | The book on the shelf... | Noun = book |
| 3. Ask the Noun a Question | Ask: "Which book?" | Which book? The book on the shelf. | The phrase answers. It's an Adjective Phrase. |
| Example 2: "He napped in the afternoon." | Ask about the verb. | Napped when? → in the afternoon. | Answers about the verb. It's an Adverb Phrase. |
5. Quick Practice (5 Questions)
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✅ | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| The bird in the tree, sang beautifully. | The bird in the tree sang beautifully. | Do not separate an adjective phrase from its noun with a comma. |
| I need the book which is on the table. | I need the book on the table. | Often, a prepositional phrase is more concise than a relative clause ("which is..."). |
| Running quickly, he won the race. | He won the race by running quickly. | Dangling modifier. The phrase "Running quickly" incorrectly modifies "he won". Rephrase with a prepositional phrase ("by running") for clarity. |
| She is afraid from the dark. | She is afraid of the dark. | This is an error in the preposition combination (afraid of), not the phrase structure. |
🎯 Function Finder: Adjective or Adverb Phrase?
Identify the function of the highlighted prepositional phrase.
1. The answers to the questions are in the back.
Function: Adjective Phrase (modifies 'answers': which answers?)
2. We traveled across the country by train.
Function: Adverb Phrase (modifies 'traveled': where/how?)
3. A gift from my friend arrived today.
Function: Adjective Phrase (modifies 'gift': which gift?)
4. He spoke with confidence.
Function: Adverb Phrase (modifies 'spoke': how?)
Answers are in grey text above.
7. Memory Aids & Tips
The "Which One?" Test for Adjective Phrases:
Find the noun before the phrase. Ask "Which [noun]?" or "What kind of [noun]?". If the prepositional phrase answers it, it's an adjective phrase.
Example: The map of the world. Which map? The map of the world. ✅ Adjective.
The "Verb Question" Test for Adverb Phrases:
Find the main verb. Ask Where? When? How? Why? How long? If the prepositional phrase answers, it's an adverb phrase.
Example: She studies in the library. Studies where? In the library. ✅ Adverb.
Position Clues:
• Adjective Phrases usually follow the noun they modify.
• Adverb Phrases can often be moved: At dawn, we left. / We left at dawn.
Exam Tip:
1. In sentence analysis questions, first bracket the prepositional phrase.
2. Use the "Which one?" and "Verb Question" tests to determine its function.
3. Remember: A single sentence can have multiple phrases.
4. For writing, use adjective phrases to add detail to nouns and adverb phrases to add context to actions.
5. Avoid placing a comma between a noun and its adjective phrase.
📝 Practice Prepositional Phrases
Test your understanding with our 25-question worksheet on identifying and using adjective and adverb phrases correctly!
Go to Prepositional Phrases WorksheetIncludes answer key • Identify the function • Sentence combining • Error correction • Diagramming
