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– 56 Phrases and Clauses –

56 PrePositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase has at least two parts, a preposition and a noun or pronoun that is the object of the preposition.

Prepositional phrases can be used to tell about location, time, or direction, or to provide details. There are two types of prepositional phrases:

An adjective (or adjectival) phrase modifies a noun or pronoun. It tells what kind or which one. Adjective phrases usually come after the noun or pronoun they modify. The car in the parking lot has a broken light. The prepositional phrase in the parking lot tells which car.

An adverb (or adverbial) phrase modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb. It tells where, when, in what way, or to what extent. Adverb phrases aren’t always near the words they modify in a sentence. Lani put the brush on the bathroom counter. The prepositional phrase on the bathroom counter tells where Lani put the brush.

Practice a identifying adjectival PhrasesRead each sentence. Then, underline any adjectival phrases.

Example: The book on my desk is about medieval history.Answer: The book on my desk is about medieval history.

1. The kids in my class gave our teacher a gift.

2. Chris saw a cute cat with white paws.

3. The man in the brown hat bought five newspapers.

4. Regina explained the rules of the game.

5. The fence around the chicken yard has holes.

6. Paul doesn’t like the aroma of peppers.

7. The spooky house on the hill has a new owner.

8. Songs about love are popular.

9. Desks on wheels would be convenient.

10. The letter to Marnie was seven pages long.

Practice B identifying adverbial PhrasesRead each sentence. Then, write the adverbial phrase on the line provided.

Example: Carolina climbed over the neighbor’s fence.Answer: over the neighbor’s fence

1. Samson strolled around the block twice.

2. Snakes sometimes crawl up drainpipes.

3. We spent too much money during our vacation.

4. The author wrote for a particular audience.

5. Gabi reads about Eleanor Roosevelt a lot.

6. Greg brought his dog into the house last night.

7. Please put away your books before dinner.

8. She speaks with confidence.

9. The Senate voted on the amendment.

Writing and speaking applicationWrite two or three sentences about a time you packed for a trip. Include at least one adverbial phrase and one adjectival phrase. Read your sentences to a partner. Your partner should listen for and identify the prepositional phrases. Then, switch roles with your partner.

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