1. Grammar Notes: Prepositional and Appositive Phrases

2. Prepositional Phrases
A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its object , and any modifiers of the object.
EX: I left my notebook on the table.
A sentence can include more than one prepositional phrase.
EX: Can you bring me the paper on my desk underneath the textbook.
3. The preposition in a prepositional phrase can also have more than one object.
Object of the Preposition
Preposition

3. Placement of Prepositional Phrases
4. In general, prepositional phrases should be placed before or immediately following the words they modify. A misplaced prepositional phrase can make a sentence awkward or confusing. Confusing: Wild applause broke out for the team from the stands. Revised: From the stands, wild applause broke out for the team.

4. Appositive Phrases
An appositive is a noun or pronoun that renames or identifies another noun or pronoun. An appositive phrase consists of an appositive plus its modifiers.
EX: Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible, also wrote Death of a Salesman.
Appositive Phrase

5. Essential and Nonessential Appositive Phrases
6. An essential or restrictive appositive is needed to make the meaning of the sentence complete. EX: The main character Abigail Williams causes many conflicts in the story. 7. A nonessential or nonrestrictive appositive adds extra information to a sentence. It is not needed to make the meaning of the sentence clear. EX: Arthur Miller, the author of The Crucible, also wrote Death of a Salesman. 8. Nonessential appositive phrases are set off with commas.