EQ: How can I tell the difference between an adverb and a prepositional phrase?

In 99% of cases, a prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with a noun. The noun is called the object of the preposition.

Adverbs often end in “ly”: Ex: slowly, fiercely, doggedly Adverbs often end in “ly”: Ex: slowly, fiercely, doggedly. There are exceptions – Ex: “lovely” is always an adjective

Adverbs describe a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.

Not is always an adverb. It is never part of a verb phrase or a prepositional phrase.

Adverbs sometimes tell direction Ex: We walked around. The bird flew up.

Prepositions start with a preposition and end with a noun. Ex: We walked around the block. The bird flew up the mountain.

Some words can be used as either prepositions or adverbs. A preposition “points to” a noun, which is the object of the preposition. An adverb does NOT have an object.

Some words can be used as either prepositions or adverbs. PREPOSITION: Marge climbed down the ladder. ADVERB: Marge climbed down carefully. (Notice – there is no noun following down, therefore there is no object of the preposition, therefore down is not being used as a preposition.)

Date these Cornell notes and file them at the front of the Grammar section of your 3-Ring binder.