Grammar Lesson: The Prepositional Phrase

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and usually ends with a noun or a pronoun.

The prepositional phrase is underlined in each sentence.

The elderly man went to the doctor's office today.

In the morning, the elementary school students perform their exercises.

These magicians performed many tricks for the children.

Tomas walked into the dark house.

The word that ends the prepositional phrase is the object of the preposition.

In each of these sentences, the prepositional phrases are underlined, and the objects of the preposition are italicized.

All of the trees had been pruned by the workers.

Someone in this office has borrowed the stapler from Markisha.

Will you show your necklace to your grandparents?

Activity

Underline the prepositional phrases and circle the object of the preposition in each of these ten sentences. There may be more than one prepositional phrase in the sentence.

1. She was lonesome without him.
2. They were jogging throughout the neighborhood.
3. Beyond the river is a beautiful park.
4. All of the sailors climbed aboard the ship.
5. In the meantime, please watch my backpack.
6. Therese had never seen such a sight in her backyard.
7. There was very little talk during the movie.
8. These men with their equipment are experts.
9. Some of the boats were moving along the river.
10. All of the women except Denise will be at the meeting.

Answers

(The italicized word is the object of the preposition.)

1. without him
2. throughout the neighborhood
3. Beyond the river
4. of the sailors; aboard the ship
5. In the meantime
6. in her backyard
7. during the movie
8. with their equipment
9. of the boats; along the river
10. of the women; except Denise; at the meeting