Prepositions join words in a special way. They show how words in a sentence are related. In the sentence below, the underlined preposition relates the noun buildings to the word plans.
An architect designs plans for buildings.
How to Identify a Prepositional Phrase in a Sentence?
The noun or pronoun that follows a preposition is called the object of the preposition. A preposition, its object, and any words that modify the object make up a prepositional phrase.
Examples
Frank Lloyd Wright designed the ramp inside this building.
By 1905 he was America’s most important architect.
Wright designed buildings of steel, stone, and glass.
In the examples above, the prepositional phrases are tinted. The prepositions are underlined, and the objects of the prepositions are in italics. Sometimes a preposition has two or more objects. These form a compound object.
Some words can be either prepositions or adverbs, depending on their use in sentences. You can tell the difference if you remember that prepositions always have objects and adverbs never do.
Preposition: Models of his buildings can be seen inside the museum.
Adverb: Models of his buildings can be seen inside.
Prepositional phrases can be used in different positions in sentences. This is a way of adding variety to your writing.
Example
Besides an architect and an innovator, Wright was a teacher.
Wright was a teacher besides an architect and an innovator.
Summary
A preposition relates a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence. Choose prepositions carefully to get the exact meaning you intend in your writing and speaking.
Prepositions in Prepositional Phrases
| 1. aboard the bus | 31. in front of the camera |
| 2. about that time | 32. in spite of delays |
| 3. above the clouds | 33. inside his room |
| 4. according to Mark Twain | 34. instead of a movie |
| 5. across the street | 35. into the city |
| 6. after the dance | 36. like those painters |
| 7. against the tide | 37. near the center |
| 8. along the road | 38. of a book |
| 9. among three writers | 39. off the shelf |
| 10. around the corner | 40. on the stage |
| 11. at the studio | 41. out a back door |
| 12. because of lateness | 42. out of her sight |
| 13. before him or her | 43. outside your window |
| 14. behind the curtains | 44. over a cliff |
| 15. below the clouds | 45. past the time limit |
| 16. beneath the stairs | 46. since Saturday |
| 17. beside the barn | 47. through a tunnel |
| 18. besides Nina and Tony | 48. throughout the day |
| 19. between you and me | 49. till next season |
| 20. beyond the horizon | 50. to Miguel or Chain |
| 21. but (except) us | 51. toward the edge |
| 22. by candlelight | 52. under the rock |
| 23. concerning your health | 53. underneath the floor |
| 24. despite our help | 54. until tomorrow |
| 25. down the hill | 55. unto the end |
| 26. during the week | 56. up the chimney |
| 27. except modern jazz | 57. upon my lap |
| 28. for the people | 58. with tears and laughter |
| 29. from Nebraska | 59. within the limits |
| 30. in the theater | 60. without a trace |
Name the prepositions in the sentences.
- Wright made important contributions to modern architecture. ———–
- He received recognition in Europe for his designs. ———-
- During his career of almost seventy years, Wright designed many imaginative structures. ———-
- Some consider him the greatest American architect of all time. ———–
A. Write the preposition in each sentence.
- Wright trained with Louis Sullivan. ———
- Sullivan was a supporter of the modern skyscraper. ———–
- Wright saw a relation between humans and the environment. ———
- He used natural materials throughout his homes. ———-
- Among his favourite materials were stucco and wood. ———-
B. Write the prepositional phrase in each sentence. Then underline each preposition and circle each object of the preposition.
- Wait for Chi and me. _______________________________________________________________________________
- Let’s go on a tour. _______________________________________________________________________________
- Start from the beginning. _______________________________________________________________________________
- See the houses by Wright. _______________________________________________________________________________
- His homes mix with nature. _______________________________________________________________________________
- They flow into the open. _______________________________________________________________________________
- Look at their design. _______________________________________________________________________________
- Many are in Chicago. _______________________________________________________________________________
- Notice the use of wood. _______________________________________________________________________________
- Learn about his designs. _______________________________________________________________________________
C. Write the paragraph below. Select the preposition that best relates the words in each sentence.
| on | among | of | after | with |
The work required (20. _____ ) architects is (21. ______ ) the most varied of any profession. Architects also create drawings and models that show the buildings (22. ______ ) construction. They work (23. _____ ) building contractors and give advice (24. _____ ) costs.
D. Write the sentences. Add two prepositional phrases to each.
Example: The Guggenheim is unique.
Answer: Designed by Wright in 1943, The Guggenheim is unique.
- The guide gave us a tour. _______________________________________________________________________________
- The site is New York City. _______________________________________________________________________________
- The museum is very modern. _______________________________________________________________________________
- It is glass and concrete. _______________________________________________________________________________
- Modern art is exhibited. _______________________________________________________________________________
- The tour was enjoyable. _______________________________________________________________________________