Identify prepositional phrases
key notes:
1. What is a Prepositional Phrase?
- 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.
2. Components of a Prepositional Phrase
- 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.”
3. Common Prepositions
Here are some common prepositions that students can use to form prepositional phrases:
Preposition | Example Phrase |
---|---|
in | in the room |
on | on the table |
under | under the bed |
above | above the clouds |
between | between the trees |
behind | behind the curtain |
near | near the park |
with | with my friend |
at | at the store |
for | for the party |
4. How to Identify Prepositional Phrases
- Look for Prepositions: Find prepositions in the sentence.
- Identify the Object: Look for the noun or pronoun that follows the preposition.
- 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
5. Importance of Prepositional Phrases
- 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.
6. Practice Examples:
- Identify the prepositional phrase: “The dog slept on the soft rug.”
- Prepositional Phrase: on the soft rug
- Preposition: on
- Object: rug
- Modifier: soft
- Fill in the blank: “The picture is _ the wall.” (options: on, with)
- Correct Answer: on
- Prepositional Phrase: on the wall
- 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!