1. A preposition is a word that shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence. A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or a pronoun that is called the object of the preposition.

2. Examples of Prepositions 1. The diamonds in the vault are priceless. - In shows the relationship between the diamonds and the object of the preposition, vault. 2. The telephone rang four times during dinner. - During shows the relationship between rang and the object of the preposition, dinner. 3. Here is a gift for you. - For relates gift for the object of the preposition, you.

3. Commonly Used Prepositions AboardBeneathInRegarding AboutBesideInsideRespecting AboveBesidesIntoSince AcrossBetweenLikethrough AfterBeyondNearThroughout AgainstBut (except)OfTo AlongByOffToward AmidConcerningOnUnder AmongDespiteOntoUnderneath AroundDownOppositeUntil AsDuringOutUp AtExceptOutsideUpon BeforeExceptingOverWith BehindForPastWithin BelowFromPendingWithout

4. Compound Preposition A compound preposition is a preposition that is made up of more than one word. According toBecause ofInstead of Ahead ofBy means ofNext to Along withExcept forOn account of Apart fromIn addition toOn top of Aside fromIn front ofOut of As toIn spite ofOwing to

5. Preposition vs. Adverb Note: Some words may be used as either prepositions or adverbs. A word is used as a preposition if it has a noun or a pronoun as its object. A word is used as an adverb if it does not have an object. Word used as a Prep. Word used as an Adverb I left my boots outside the back door. I left my boots outside. The speech was over my head. The speech was over. Everyone came aboard the boat. Everyone came aboard.

6. Practice Write each prepositional phrase. Underling the preposition and draw a circle around the object of the preposition. 1. The paramedics responded to the emergency call. 2. How many sandwiches shall we make for the picnic? 3. From the porch I could see all the way to the river. 4. Everyone at the twin’s party received a prize except Anjelica. 5. We stayed up until midnight. The UFO never reappeared. 6. In spite of Emilio’s objections, the immigration officer refused him entry to Mexico. 7. Prior to Jorge’s arrival, geometry was boring. Now, however, we look forward to every class. 8. Alicia stood before the huge audience and gave her speech with confidence. 9. Is Helena the capital of Washing or Montana? 10. The rabbit squeezed under the fence, hopped out of the yard, and stopped for a moment by the brook.