Prepositional Phrases

Definition Prepositions are words that show a noun’s relationship to another word in the sentence. Tip It’s most helpful to think about prepositions as follows: If a word describes where a fly could be buzzing, then it is a preposition. Can the fly be buzzing… through the air? YES around the girl’s ear? YES for the hundredth time? YES

Prepositional Phrase A prepositional phrase contains a preposition and the noun that follows it, along with any mod EXAMPLES through the air around the girl’s ear for the hundredth time NOUN PREP. NOUN PREP. PRO NOUNADJECTIVE PREP.

Be Careful! Some words can be used as both prepositions and subordinating conjunctions, making it difficult to tell whether you’re dealing with a DEPENDENT CLAUSE or PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE. Which is which? You must be able to tell. before Jim kicked the kangaroo before the incredible game of destiny. A. VERB SUB. CONJ. PROPER NOUN PREP. NOUN PREP. ADJECTIVE Clauses always have a main VERB. Thus, this is a DEPENDENT CLAUSE. Prep. Phrases contain only a PREP. and the NOUN that follows it. Thus, this is a PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.

Tip – the best way to tell the difference. But Meeeeeestah Clawwwwck! How do I tell the difference between prepositional phrases and dependent clauses? COVER UP THE WORD IN QUESTION If you’re left with a sentence, you’re dealing with a DEPENDENT CLAUSE. If you’re left with a only a noun – or a series of nouns – you’re dealing with a PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.

Example before Jim kicked the kangaroo before the game Fart Cloud If you’re left with a sentence, you’re dealing with a DEPENDENT CLAUSE. If you’re left with a only a noun – or a series of nouns – you’re dealing with a PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.

PRACTICE A)Copy down the following phrases/clauses. B)For each phrase or clause, classify it as either a Dependent Clause or a Prepositional Phrase. C)For each, briefly explain why it is a phrase or why it is a clause. 1. until the start of the class period 2. after the second half begins 3. within the hairy nostril of doom 4. since the man started walking