What is a prepositional phrase?
A prepositional phrase is a grouping of words that begins with a preposition and ends with the object of that preposition. The phrase also contains any words between the preposition and its object, such as articles and adjectives.
Examples of Prepositional Phrases
Some examples of prepositional phrases would be the following:
The soccer player swiftly kicked the ball into the net.
(“into” = preposition; “net” = object of preposition; “into the net” = prepositional phrase)
Cecil collected his notes and briefcase after the board meeting.
(“after” = preposition; “meeting” = object of preposition; “after the board meeting” = prepositional phrase)
Hannah parked her car behind the restaurant.
(“behind” = preposition; “restaurant” = object of preposition; “behind the restaurant” = prepositional phrase)
Virginia’s birthday presents are being delivered to her parents’ house.
(“to” = preposition; “house” = object of preposition; “to her parents’ house” = prepositional phrase)
Prepositional Phrases in Context
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Why You Should Use Prepositional Phrases in Your Writing
Prepositional phrases add lots of detail and description for your reader. The help further define the relationships between certain words in your sentences. Remember that prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and the object of that preposition. Below are some ways below in which prepositional phrases can enhance your writing.
Detail
We ordered pizza.
We ordered pizza from Tony’s pizza shop.
The prepositional phrase “from Tony’s pizza shop” provides much more detail regarding the pizza shop from which they ordered pizza. The additional detail that this prepositional phrase provides can be critical to the meaning of the sentence.
Relationships
She’s my teammate.
She’s my teammate from the soccer team.
The prepositional phrase “from the soccer team” provides more detail regarding the relationship of the teammate – she’s a teammate the soccer team and not the volleyball team. Without the additional information that the prepositional phrase provides, we would not have known the exact relationship of the teammate.
Descriptions
The firefighter ran.
The firefighter ran up the steps.
The prepositional phrase “up the steps” helps to provide more detail about exactly where the firefighter ran – up the steps. Having that additional description from the prepositional phrase provides much more of an image in the reader’s mind about where the firefighter ran.
Timing
We napped.
We napped after our morning jog.
The prepositional phrase “after our morning jog” provides more information regarding the timing of when they napped – after their morning jog. Having that additional information regarding the timing provides additional detail that can be important to the reader.
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