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What is a preposition?
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship of one thing to another. Prepositions tell us about position.
Note: Some words can be used as either preposition or adverb.
Compare:
Example: Sam and I left Dad inside the house. [A preposition is used.]
Example: Sam and I left Dad inside. [An adverb is used.]
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES
You should know that a preposition is a word that shows the relationship of one thing to another. Prepositions tell us about position.
A phrase is a group of words that acts in a sentence as a single part of speech.
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or a pronoun which is called the object of the preposition.
A prepositional phrase usually function as an adjective or adverb. As an adjective, it modifies a noun or pronoun. And as an adverb it modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES.
Example: Sam and I went to the park.
[“park” is the object of the preposition to]
[“to the park” is the prepositional phrase and it is used as an adverb as it modifies the verb went]
Example: The park, across the street, is Sam’s favourite spot.
[“street” is the object of the preposition “across“]
[“across the street” is an adjective phrase and it is used as an adjective as it modifies the noun park]
Melissa is watching television in the living room.
[“living room” is the object of the preposition in.
“in the living room” is an adverb phrase. It modifies the verb “is“.]
The show, after the News, is her favourite.
[“News” is the object of the preposition after.
[“after the News” is an adjective phrase. It modifies the noun “show“.]