Identify prepositions and their objects
Key Notes:
Definition of Prepositions:
- A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. It often indicates location, time, direction, or method.
- Examples: in, on, at, by, with, under, over, through, between, among, across, during.
Prepositional Phrases:
- A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with its object (a noun or pronoun). It can include modifiers that describe the object.
- Example: in the house, at the park, during the movie.
Identifying the Object of a Preposition:
- The object of a preposition is the noun or pronoun that follows the preposition and completes its meaning.
- Example: In the phrase “under the table,” the preposition is under and the object is table.
Common Uses of Prepositions:
- Location: Indicates where something is located.
- Example: on the desk, behind the curtain.
- Time: Specifies when something happens.
- Example: after lunch, before sunrise.
- Direction: Shows movement or direction.
- Example: toward the door, through the tunnel.
- Method or Means: Describes how something is done.
- Example: by train, with a spoon.
Prepositions vs. Adverbs:
- Prepositions are always followed by a noun or pronoun (their object). If a word like “up” or “down” is not followed by an object, it functions as an adverb.
- Example:
- Preposition: He walked up the stairs.
- Adverb: He stood up.
Identifying Prepositional Phrases in Sentences:
- Look for the preposition and then find the noun or pronoun that completes the idea.
- Example: In the sentence “She sat beside the window,” beside is the preposition, and window is the object.
List of Common Prepositions:
- Simple Prepositions: at, by, for, in, of, on, to, up, with.
- Compound Prepositions: along with, apart from, according to, because of, in front of.
Let’s practice!