Grammar - Prepositions

PREPOSITIONS

According to our textbook*, "A PREPOSITION is a word used to show the relationship between a noun or a pronoun and another word in the sentence….The preposition is always followed by a word or group of words that serves as its object.  The preposition, its object, and modifiers of the object are called the PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.” (p. 1314)

 

Examples:

Thoreau lived in the woods by himself. 

In his short time of living in the woods, Thoreau wrote Walden, an account of his thoughts and musings.

 

Here are some common prepositions in use:

aboard / about / above / across / after / against / along / amid / among / around / at / atop / before / behind / below / beneath / beside / between / beyond / but (meaning except) / by / concerning / down / during / except / for / from / in / inside / into / like / near / of / off / on / onto / outside / over / past / regarding / since / through / throughout / to / toward / under / underneath / until / up / upon / with / within / without

"Prepositional phrases may be used as adjectives or adverbs.   

Adjective (modifying future):  The future of the entire world is uncertain.

Adverb (modifying searched): We searched through the deepest woods.”

 

 

WATCH OUT!  Prepositional phrases must be as close as possible to the word they modify.

 

Example: 

Misplaced:  We have clothes for leisurewear of many colors.

 

Clearer: We have clothes of many colors for leisurewear.

 

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* The information on this page was adapted from literature textbook:  Applebee, Arthur, Andrea B. Bermudez, et.al. (2006).  The Language of Literature: American Literature, Teacher's Edition. Evanston, IL: McDougal-Littell Inc., p. 1314.    For a more detailed explanation and exercises, see the text.