GRAMMAR UNIT 1 Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases

What is a phrase? A phrase is a group of words that acts in a sentence as a single part of speech. Note: a phrase may have a noun and a verb, but it does not have a subject. Ex: leaving behind the dog smashing into a fence before the first test after the devastation

What is a preposition? A preposition is a word that shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to some other word in a sentence. Ex:  The cat slept near my bed.  The cat slept on my bed.  The cat slept under my bed.

The preposition you choose can change the meaning of the sentence! Example: Everything about the beach was wonderful. Beach= good Everything except the beach was wonderful. Beach = bad

How to tell if the word is a preposition or an adverb 1. Does the word relate a noun or pronoun following it to a word that comes before it?  Ex. Scientists have discovered several effective drugs IN their fight against cancer. “In” relates the fight… to scientists.

Preposition vs. Adverb Continued… 2. Is the word part of a phrase? Prepositions are always part of a phrase called the prepositional phrase. The prepositional phrase will always include a preposition and a noun, the object of the preposition. Ex. Welcome aboard. (adverb) Welcome aboard our boat. (preposition)

Practice: Decide if the word in italics is a preposition or an adverb Send copies to the newspaper and the radio. PREPOSITION The marbles were scattered under the bed. PREPOSITION Have you eaten squid before? ADVERB

Common Prepositions *aboard*before*except *above*below*for *according to*beneath*from *across*beside *in addition to *against*between*inside *along*beyond*into *around*but (except)*like *as of*by*near *at*concerning*next to *because of *during*of *off*on*out *over*owing to*past *since*through*to *toward*underneath*until *upon*with

Compound Prepositions Definition: A preposition made up of more than one preposition. According toIn addition to next to As ofIn front of on account of Aside fromIn place of out of Because of In spite of owing to By means of instead of prior to

Therefore, a prepositional phrase is… A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and usually ends with a noun or pronoun, called the object of the preposition. Ex: I voted against the idea. [idea is the object of the prepositions against]

Let’s Try Some more… Sentence: The elevator is necessary for us. Prepositional phrase: for us. [Us is the object of the preposition for]

The flying saucer appeared above the lake before it disappeared into space. Answer: above the lake before it disappeared into space

Amy could hear her sister snoring across the room. Answer: across the room.

Harry Potter discovered a pile of books hidden under the staircase. Answer: of books and under the staircase.

The troll was hiding underneath the bridge. Answer: underneath the bridge.

Molly shouted across the room to John. Answer: across the room to John.

Aaron walked down the ramp to the beach. Answer: down the ramp to the beach.

Ms. Montalto wrote the directions on the board. Answer: on the board.

Have you noticed how it is always calm before a storm hits? Answer: before a storm.

A large monster lurked inside the closet. Answer: inside the closet.

When you wish upon a star, it makes no difference who you are. Answer: upon a star.