REMEMBER
The subject
Definition : Prepositional phrase
 A prepositional phrase is a group of
words containing a preposition, a noun
or pronoun object of the preposition,
and any modifiers of the object.
 A preposition sits in front of (is “ prepositioned” before) its object.
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The following words are the most commonly used prepositions:
about
above
across
after
against
along
among
around
at
because of
before
behind
below
beneath
beside(s)
between
beyond
but
by
concerning
despite
down
during
except
excepting
for
from
in
in front of
inside
in spite of
instead of
into
like
near
of
off
on
onto
out
outside
over
past
regarding
since
through
throughout
to
toward
under
underneath
until
up
upon
up to
with
within
without
with regard to
with respect to
There are prepositions of both space and time.
Space: under, in, on, near, above, to, beside . . . etc.
Time: before, after, until, during . . . etc.
The reason it's so useful to recognize prepositional phrases is that if you
can identify them, it's easier to find the subject(s) and verb(s) of your
sentences. The noun in the prepositional phrase can't be the subject of the
sentence, because grammatically it's the OBJECT of the preposition!
Tip: Cross out the prepositional phrases in your sentences, and almost all
that's left are the subject and verb! Try it! Examples:
The rim of that antique pitcher on the corner table in the kitchen by the
stove is chipped.
The sparkles of your jewelry out here in the moonlight are beautiful.
The shadows of the figurines in the window over the sink are long at the
end of the day.
Examples of prepositional phrases
 There are two children on a
 My bike is leaning against the
sled.
 In this garden there are many
strawberries.
shed
 She spilled coffee on her
report for class.
 prepositional phrases: on her
report and for class
 She likes to spend a lot of
time with her baby.
 He's standing behind a tree.
REMEMBER
The subject cannot be in a prepositional
phrase. A prepositional phrase
begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or
pronoun. Prepositional phrases
can occur anywhere
REMEMBERin the sentence---beginning,
The subject
middle, or end.
Example: In the story, the drab life of
Cinderella was changed by the fairy
godmother.