Prepositional phrases have the following basic structure:
Premodifier Preposition Complement
just after the game
The complement in a prepositional phrase is most commonly a noun phrase:
in London
around the world
across our street
through the open window
Clauses can also function as the complement in a prepositional
phrase:
It’s a good way of reducing the debt.
He succeeded by working hard.
Prepositional phrases usually consist of a preposition followed by itscomplement. Premodifiers in a prepositional phrase are quite rare,but here are some examples:
just after the game
straight across the road
right around the building
The functions of prepositional phrases
The major functions of prepositional phrases are:
1 Postmodifier of a noun:
The population of China is growing.
The demand for British steel has dropped dramatically.
Caroline is reading a book on Renaissance painting.
2 Adjunct:
I’ve got to see the doctor on Wednesday.
Before the war, he played football for Leeds United.
We met David beside the river.
3 Subject complement:
Your lunch is in the microwave.
The other gift is for James.
Phil Collins was with a band called Genesis.
4 Postmodifier of an adjective:
Sarah is very proud of her achievements.
The villagers are not very tolerant of strangers.
The officers were found guilty of disreputable conduct.
5 Object complement:
Sue has a job putting cards in alphabetical order.
I am obliged to place these matters before the jury.
She’s got a drawing board on her knee.
Premodifier Preposition Complement
just after the game
The complement in a prepositional phrase is most commonly a noun phrase:
in London
around the world
across our street
through the open window
Clauses can also function as the complement in a prepositional
phrase:
It’s a good way of reducing the debt.
He succeeded by working hard.
Prepositional phrases usually consist of a preposition followed by itscomplement. Premodifiers in a prepositional phrase are quite rare,but here are some examples:
just after the game
straight across the road
right around the building
The functions of prepositional phrases
The major functions of prepositional phrases are:
1 Postmodifier of a noun:
The population of China is growing.
The demand for British steel has dropped dramatically.
Caroline is reading a book on Renaissance painting.
2 Adjunct:
I’ve got to see the doctor on Wednesday.
Before the war, he played football for Leeds United.
We met David beside the river.
3 Subject complement:
Your lunch is in the microwave.
The other gift is for James.
Phil Collins was with a band called Genesis.
4 Postmodifier of an adjective:
Sarah is very proud of her achievements.
The villagers are not very tolerant of strangers.
The officers were found guilty of disreputable conduct.
5 Object complement:
Sue has a job putting cards in alphabetical order.
I am obliged to place these matters before the jury.
She’s got a drawing board on her knee.
