Prepositional Phrases: Master Them in Minutes!

What is a prepositional phrase?

Hello everyone, Anna here from English Like a Native.

Today we're tackling another essential building block of

English, prepositional phrases.

By the end of this video, you'll not only know what prepositional phrases are, but

you'll also know how to identify them, use them and avoid common mistakes.

To make the most of this lesson, be sure to download your worksheet that contains

lots of exercises for you to explore.

I'll leave the link in the description.

Let's dive straight in.

What is a prepositional phrase?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that starts with a preposition

and ends with a noun or pronoun called the object of the preposition.

Together they provide extra information about time, place,

direction, cause, manner or other relationships in the sentence.

Think of prepositional phrases as Sentence decorators.

They add flavour and detail, helping you to answer questions

like where, when or how.

Here's the formula.

Preposition plus object of the preposition, which is a noun or a pronoun.

Let's see some examples.

On the table.

The preposition is on.

The object of the preposition is the table.

Under the bed.

The preposition is under.

The object of the preposition is the bed.

With her friends.

The preposition is with.

The object of the preposition is her friends.

So what do prepositional phrases do?

Prepositional phrases work in two main ways.

As adjectives, they describe or modify nouns.

Think of them as answering the question.

Which one?

Here's an example.

The book on the shelf is mine.

The phrase on the shelf tells us which book.

They also act as adverbs.

They describe or modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.

Think of them as answering questions like, How?

Where?

Or when?

Here's an example.

She runs in the park every morning.

The phrase in the park tells us where she runs.

Why are prepositional phrases important?

Prepositional phrases make your sentences more precise and descriptive.

They give extra details that help the listener or reader paint a clear picture.

Let's compare.

Without a prepositional phrase: She sat.

With a prepositional phrase: She sat on the chair by the window.

See how the second sentence gives you a much clearer idea of the setting.

That's the magic of prepositional phrases.

So, how do you identify a prepositional phrase?

Step one, look for the preposition.

Common prepositions include in, on, at, with, by, under,

over, for, to, of and about.

Step 2.

Find the object of the preposition.

It's usually a noun or pronoun that comes right after the preposition.

And step three, group them together.

The preposition and its object, along with any modifiers,

form the prepositional phrase.

Let's practice.

The cat is sleeping under the table.

The preposition is under.

The object is the table.

The prepositional phrase is under the table.

We're going to the beach.

The preposition is to.

The object is the beach.

The prepositional phrase is to the beach.

Now here are some common mistakes with prepositional phrases.

Mistake number one.

Overusing prepositional phrases.

Too many prepositional phrases in one sentence can make it clunky and confusing.

For example, The cat on the mat under the table by the window

with the curtains is sleeping.

Here's a better version.

The cat on the mat by the window is sleeping.

Keep it simple.

Only include the prepositional phrases that add the important details.

Mistake number two is misplacing prepositional phrases.

The placement of a prepositional phrase can sometimes change

the meaning of a sentence.

Here's an example.

She saw the man with the telescope.

Hmm, does she have the telescope or does the man have the telescope?

It's unclear, so here's a better version.

Using a telescope, she saw the man.

OK, let's get some practice.

I'll say a sentence and you'll identify the prepositional phrase.

Ready?

The book on the table belongs to Sarah.

Can you identify the prepositional phrase?

It is on the table.

Here's the next one.

We went to the park after school.

The prepositional phrase is to the park.

Here's another.

The gifts under the Christmas tree are beautifully wrapped.

The

answer is under the Christmas tree.

Now it's your turn.

I want you to write a short paragraph using at least

three prepositional phrases.

Here's an example.

Yesterday we had a picnic by the river.

The kids played in the water while we relaxed under the trees.

Put your paragraph in the comments and then download your free worksheet

that's linked below for more practice.

Prepositional phrases are the secret to adding detail and life to your sentences.

Practice using them but remember to keep them clear and concise.

The next step is to deepen your knowledge of noun phrases.

You can head to this lesson for a better understanding.