What Are Prepositional Phrases?

A preposition will always start the phrase, and an object of the preposition will always end it. An object of the preposition is a noun or pronoun that follows the preposition.

Here are some examples:

(You can also see a list of prepositions here.)

Notice that these phrases begin with a preposition and end with a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition).

They can also have other words in them. They may have adjectives that describe the object of the preposition:

BUT... they MUST all begin with a preposition and end with a noun or pronoun.

They Act as Adjectives or Adverbs

This seems sort of funny, but all of the words in a prepositional phrase, although they are different parts of speech within the phrase, come together to act as one part of speech.

over the television is telling us more about which painting is Isaac's favorite. Since it is answering one of the adjective questions, it is acting as an adjective modifying the noun painting.

At hotels is telling us more about where you stay. Since it is answering one of the adverb questions, it is acting as an adverb modifying the verb stay.

Basic Diagramming

Notice that one of the phrases below is branching off of the subject and one is branching off of the verb.

Can you guess which phrase is acting as an adjective and which is acting as an adverb?

Here is a final diagram showing you where you would put adjectives and adverbs within the phrase.

Test Yourself by using these exercises on diagramming prepositions. You'll find instructions, questions, and answers. Check it out!

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