A prepositional phrase is made up of a preposition and a noun phrase. Examples are: in the corner, on the roof, under the bed and within seconds.
A prepositional phrase has several uses. For example, it can be used as an adverbial of time and place.
- The work was completed in a few days.
- She wrote the essay in twenty minutes.
- I went to the market.
- There is something under the bed.
- The old man sat in a corner.
A prepositional phrase can be a post-modifier in a noun clause.
- Her son is that boy in the red shirt.
- We are looking for a house with a large garden.
- She has bought a new laptop with a 17 inch display.
The prepositional phrase can be used to say who did something.
- The farmer was bit by the snake.
- The spider was killed by the boy.
- She owns a wonderful painting by Picasso.
Prepositional phrases are used with verbs that take two objects. Examples are: give and get.
- He gave some money to the beggar on the corner.
- I have ordered a dress for my sister.
- He distributed chocolates among the children.
Prepositional phrases are also used after certain verbs, nouns and adjectives.
- The house that we live in belongs to my grandfather.
- I had a word with my boss.
- I felt sorry for her.
- I had an argument with my friend.
