1. Phrases
A phrase is a group of related words that functions as a single part of speech.
A phrase does not have a subject or a verb.

2. I. Prepositional Phrases
Begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun
There are two types of prepositional phrases

3. I. Prepositional Phrases
Adjective Phrases
A prepositional phrase used to modify a noun or a pronoun

4. I. Prepositional Phrases
Adjective Phrase Example
Single Adjective
Did you see the shuttle launch?
Adjective Phrase
Did you see the launch of the shuttle?

5. I. Prepositional Phrases
A single adjective and an adjective phrase answer the same questions: Which ones? and What kind?
Which one(s)?
Did you read the article about the space shuttle?
What Kind?
The launch was the first since the Challenger disaster.

6. I. Prepositional Phrases
An adjective phrase usually modifies the noun or pronoun directly in front of it. Occasionally, that word will be the object of the preposition of another phrase.
Standard
The new part for the shuttle has been installed.
Object of P.P.
Some of the controls in the cockpit had been damaged.

7. I. Prepositional Phrases
Adverb Phrases
An prepositional phrase used to modify a verb, an adjective, or an adverb

8. I. Prepositional Phrases
Adverb Phrase Example:
Single Adverbs
The space shuttle soared upward.
Adverb Phrases
The space shuttle soared into the stratosphere.

9. I. Prepositional Phrases
A single adverb and an adverb phrase answer the same questions: Where? When? How? To What Extent? and To What Degree.

10. I. Prepositional Phrases
Where?
The Chinese government is building a dam across the Yangtze River.
When?
During the last ten years, many people have protested the building of this dam.
How?
The construction of the dam continues at great expense.
Why?
(Because) of the annual floods, the Chinese government feels the dam is justified.

11. I. Prepositional Phrases
An adverb phrase modifies the whole verb phrase
More than one adverb phrase can modify the same verb
Example:
Before long, large ships will move up the dammed river.

12. I. Prepositional Phrases
Although most adverb phrases modify verbs, some modify adjectives and adverbs.
Modifying an Adjective
Not everyone was happy with the plan.
Modifying an Adverb
The effects of the dam will be felt far across China.

13. I. Prepositional Phrases
Adverb Phrase Punctuation
No comma: With their help we finished early. (less than four words)
Comma: According to the latest news release, butter is better for you than margarine. (four or more words)
Comma: In 1879, Dr. Sylvester Graham invented graham crackers. (ends with a date)