(A Complete Video Lecture On Prepositional Phrases And How To Use Them Correctly: https://youtu.be/Jq-24d9vdBc)
WHAT ARE PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES?
Structurally, a prepositional phrase is made up of a preposition and its object, which can be a noun, a pronoun or a noun phrase, e.g. on the table, to her, by Soyinka, under the bed, with an umbrella, at seven o’clock, etc. Functionally, a prepositional phrase can be used either as an adjectival phrase or as an adverbial phrase.
USES OF PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
When it is used as an adjectival phrase, the prepositional phrase performs the function of a modifier of a noun with the structure of a noun phrase. When it is used as an adverbial phrase, it can occupy any of the adverbial positions, such as adjunct, disjunct and conjunct, and do the job of modifying a verb or an adjective. The following are its functions in sentences:
(A) As a Noun Phrase Modifier
(i) The men of this village often beat their wives.
(ii) The girl with an umbrella is Balogun’s daughter.
(B) As a Verb Complement
(i) Give the letter to the manager.
(ii) I totally believe in God.
(C) As an Adjective Complement
(i) The old woman was worried about her sick son.
(ii) Doris is busy with her assignment.
(D) As an Adjunct
(i) We always sing at the assembly.
(ii) The dog ran into the house.
(E) As a Conjunct
(i) On the contrary, women are very compassionate.
(ii) In view of this, we shall meet immediately to discuss the next line of action.
(F) As a Disjunct
(i) In all seriousness, we must hear from both parties before taking any action.
(ii) Against all expectations, Chelsea lost to Man U.
Exercise
Write out the following sentences, underline the adverbial phrase in each sentence and state its function in the sentence.
Example: 1. We always sing at the assembly.
Answer: 1 (a) We always sing at the assembly.
(b) Modifies the verb “sing”
1 The director left the board room in anger.
2 It rained very heavily last night.
3 The arrogant man was beaten black and blue.
4 The car was very seriously damaged.
5 The rat ran into the hole.
6 The train leaves at 7.00 a.m.
7 They live in the same street.
8 That carton should be handled with care.
9 Jack shouted very loudly at Judith.
10. I’ll visit the Baloguns this evening.
For a more detailed audiovisual explanation of prepositional phrases and how to use them correctly, watch the following video lecture: https://youtu.be/Jq-24d9vdBc
EBOOKS FOR YOUR FURTHER STUDIES:
- Good Success in English: A Study Package or Good Success in English: A Study Package for Effective English Learning
- Good Success English Handbook
About the Author
Benjamin Abugu is a university graduate with a flair for content writing. He is an English teacher with over twelve years of experience, a published author of many books (both paperback and eBook editions), a blogger, and a Youtuber.
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