Preposition Phrase

Preposition Phrase

Preposition? = A preposition tells the position of a noun. It describes the position of a place, movement, direction, object, person, time, etc.

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Click to Learn PrepositionDefinition of Preposition

Preposition Phrase = A phrase means a combination of words together that has a meaning. So, a preposition phrase is a combination of ‘preposition and noun,’ ‘preposition and pronoun,’ ‘preposition and verb,’ or ‘preposition and adjective.’ They are mostly two words together; however, in preposition phrases, we commonly use prepositions after nouns, adjectives, and verbs.

—- Note = Preposition Phrase and Prepositional Phrase are different. There is a huge difference between these. Preposition phrase are mostly two words but prepositional phrase are usually two or more than two words.

Prepositional Phrase is a group of words that works as a preposition, the object of preposition, or any modifier. It consists a noun, pronoun, noun phrase, or noun clause, but it functions as an adjective or adverb. In prepositional phrase, we commonly use prepositions before nouns.

For example =

He is happily married to her. [Preposition with Adjective – Preposition Phrase – Married (Adjective) + to (Preposition).]

I know the dog with the bone. [Prepositional Phrase – With (Preposition) + the (Article) + bone (Noun).]

Do you believe in God? [Preposition with Verbs – Preposition Phrase – Believe (Verb) + in (Preposition).]

Do you see that girl in the corner? [Prepositional Phrase – In (Preposition) + the (Article) + Corner (Noun).]

Preposition With Noun

It is a combination of a noun and a preposition. There are many different nouns that carry specific prepositions to express their meaning. These are called dependent prepositions. There are no rules that claim a particular type of noun will take a dependent preposition, although these prepositions normally follow the noun and they are mostly two words together.

Moreover, there are many possible combinations. Precisely, it’s a case of familiarizing yourself with the different possibilities of nouns and dependent prepositions.

For Examples:

Being eighteen is the age at which you are allowed to vote. [Age (Noun) + at (Preposition)]
The monks have knowledge of peace. [Knowledge (Noun) + of (Preposition)]
I don’t show mercy towards anyone. [Mercy (Noun) + towards (Preposition)]

Does anyone know the cause of the pain? [Cause (Noun) + of (Preposition)]
The detective solved the inquiry into the murder. [Inquiry (Noun) + into (Preposition)]

Preposition With Adjective

It is a combination of an adjective and a preposition that describes the quality of nouns. We commonly use prepositions after adjectives.

Just like verbs and nouns, adjectives can be followed by:- to, about, In, for, with, at, and by.

For examples:

Her answer sheet is similar to her best friend’s.
I am crazy about science.

He wasn’t aware of the change.
We are sorry for your loss.

The entire room was surprised at the election results.
I am not interested in your shenanigans.

— Note – Sometimes, there is a pattern describing which prepositions should add with adjectives.

For Example:- When there are synonyms of adjectives, a synonym has very similar meanings to the mentioned words; we believe, the synonyms might take the same preposition.

Alarmed of, afraid of, frightened of, horrified of, scared of, terrified of, worried of…

Indeed, when there are antonyms of adjectives, an antonym has opposite meaning to the mentioned word; we believe, the antonym might also take the same preposition.

Good at, great at, positive at, superb at, valuable at, wonderful at…

Awful at, bad at, dreadful at, lousy at, poor at, terrible at, woeful at…

There are always many exceptions to the above, but it can help that there is a way to simplify.

Perhaps a more general rule is that as an English speaker, you simply need to know that preposition is a way to identify the position of a noun so, the meaning of preposition with adjective would significantly change by using a different preposition.

He is terrible at cooking. [“At” shows specific reason]

The milk will be terrible on fish. [“On” shows a touch of above surface – a touch of milk and fish]

Drinking is terrible for your health. [“For” shows purpose]

She was terrible to my child. [“To” shows direct point]

I am terrible with children. [“With” shows accompany of]

My uncle is terrible inside. [“Inside” shows inner part like mind, nature, or soul]

— Look! – You have seen above some sentences don’t make proper sense, we should use a different adjective to define it properly, but I would like to tell you, these sentences that explained above are correct. As I already described that all the prepositions are a way to aware the position.

You don’t need to worry to use which preposition with what, rather than you should focus on the idea of your way. While speaking the hardcore rules does not matter that much but where there is a need to mention properly, only then you should worry about mentioning the exact same preposition.

[Worry to – Worry about]

Preposition With Verb

We can also call it a prepositional verb. It is a combination of a preposition and a verb. The preposition acts as a link between the verb and noun or gerund, giving extra meaning to the sentence. It defines a proper sense of the position of nouns or gerunds. A verb definitely comes before the preposition. However, you would also find that the prepositional verbs have slightly different meanings compared to the original verb. Let’s see the examples!

– Take [ means = ‘to capture or gain possession’ or ‘lay hold of’]

– Take off [ means = ‘to become successful,’ ‘to get popularity,’ ‘remove clothes,’ and ‘departure’]

Now you see, how much different a verb becomes by adding a preposition after it.

The most commonly used prepositional verbs are:- to, for, about, of, in, at, and from.

I traveled to the USA on vacation last year. [“On vacation, last year” is a prepositional phrase. “Travelled to” is the prepositional verb or preposition with verbs.]