A prepositional phrase is a gathering of words that comprise of a relational word and the object of the relational word. It can include words which modify the object.
The object of the relational word (Preposition) is typically a thing or a pronoun.
A prepositional phrase always begins with a preposition and ends with the object of the preposition. In order to find the prepositional phrase in a sentence, one has to identify the preposition first.
For example: The cat is on the table.
Here, the prepositional phrase is “on the table.” “The cat” is the subject and the verb is “is”, “on” is the preposition, “table” is the object. The object answers the question the cat is on what?
The cat is on the round table.
Here, the prepositional phrase is “on the round table.” “On” is the preposition, table is the object, round is the word that modifies the object.
Types of prepositional phrases
There are two types of prepositional phrases. They are
- Adjective prepositional phrase and
- Adverb prepositional phrase
Adjective prepositional phrase
Adjectives modify nouns. Similarly adjective prepositional phrases also modify nouns.
For example: The story is about a beautiful princess.
The story is the subject, about is the preposition and “about a beautiful princess” is the adjective prepositional phrase which modifies the word “story.”
Adverb prepositional phrase
Adverbs modify a verb, adjective or another adverb. Adverb prepositional phrases also have the same function.
For example: My mother bakes in her new oven.
My mother is the subject, in is the preposition and “in her new oven” is the adverb prepositional phrase which describes the verb “bakes.”

Related topics
Informational Text – Features, Types with Examples
What is an Information Text? Any piece of writing falls under the category of fiction or non-fiction. Fiction is a work of imagination (made up story), whereas non-fiction is based on facts and actual events or real people. Informational texts are non-fiction works that inform the readers about a specific topic. They are found in […]
Figurative Language : Types and Examples
Figurative Language What is Figurative Language? A language that describes something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language. Types of Figurative Language: Imagery The Language that appeals to the senses. Descriptions of people or objects are stated in terms of our senses. Simile It includes a straight comparison between two unlike things, […]
Types and Uses of Punctuation Marks with Examples
Imagine reading a story with no full stops, no commas, and no question marks! You will not be able to understand what it meant. It would feel messy and hard to follow. That is where punctuation marks come in. They help organise our thoughts and make writing easier to read. They show pauses, expressions, and […]
Naming Words for Class 2: Simple English Guide
Naming words are names of people, animals, birds, places or things. E.g. Leo, Rat, Crow, London, Book Four types of naming words E.g. Leo, Andrea, Father, Mother E.g. School, London, Park, New york E.g. Tiger, Monkey, Cow, Parrots E.g. Box, Pen, Apples, Car Everything that we can touch, feel, see and talk about is represented by […]
Other topics






Comments: