Identify prepositional phrases

  • A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with its object (a noun or pronoun). The phrase can also include adjectives that describe the object.

  • Preposition: The word that shows the relationship between the noun and other words in the sentence.
  • Object of the Preposition: The noun or pronoun that follows the preposition.
  • Modifiers: Adjectives that describe the object.

Example:

  • In the phrase “in the big box”:
  • Preposition: in
  • Object: box
  • Modifier: big

The complete prepositional phrase is “in the big box.”


Here are some common prepositions that students can use to form prepositional phrases:

PrepositionExample Phrase
inin the room
onon the table
underunder the bed
aboveabove the clouds
betweenbetween the trees
behindbehind the curtain
nearnear the park
withwith my friend
atat the store
forfor the party

  1. Look for Prepositions: Find prepositions in the sentence.
  2. Identify the Object: Look for the noun or pronoun that follows the preposition.
  3. Include Modifiers: Add any adjectives that describe the object.

Example Sentences:

  • “The cat is under the table.”
  • Prepositional Phrase: under the table
    • Preposition: under
    • Object: table
  • “She walked to the store.”
  • Prepositional Phrase: to the store
    • Preposition: to
    • Object: store

  • Add Detail: Prepositional phrases provide more information about where, when, or how something happens.
  • Improve Writing: Using prepositional phrases helps make sentences more interesting and descriptive.

  1. Identify the prepositional phrase: “The dog slept on the soft rug.”
  • Prepositional Phrase: on the soft rug
  • Preposition: on
  • Object: rug
  • Modifier: soft
  1. Fill in the blank: “The picture is _ the wall.” (options: on, with)
  • Correct Answer: on
  • Prepositional Phrase: on the wall
  1. Choose the correct prepositional phrase: “She found her keys _ the table.” (options: under, about)
  • Correct Answer: under
  • Prepositional Phrase: under the table

let’s practice!