Lesson 3
Prepositional
Phrases: Adjectives
and Adverbs
Learning
Competency
1
Use phrases, clauses, and
sentences appropriately and
meaningfully (EN7G-II-a-1).
Objectives
● define prepositional phrase; and
● determine the function of prepositional phrases as
an adjective and an adverb.
When we are talking about a prepositional phrase, we are
referring to a group of words which are made up from a
preposition, the object of the preposition and words which
modify that object. In most instances, the prepositional
phrase is used to modify either a noun or a verb. The use of
the prepositional phrase to modify a noun or a verb is
known as either an adjectival phrase or an adverbial phrase,
respectively.
Learn about It!
Prepositional Phrase
● A prepositional phrase is a group of words consisting of a preposition, its object, and any
words that modify the object. Most of the time, a prepositional phrase modifies a verb or a
noun. These two kinds of prepositional phrases are called adverbial phrases and
adjectival phrases, respectively.
● Some of the most common prepositions that begin prepositional phrases are to, of,
about, at, before, after, by, behind, during, for, from, in, over, under, and with.
● She came to the interview on time.
● Does he really go out with that girl?
Learn about It!
Adjective Phrase
When a prepositional phrase acts upon a noun, we say it is behaving
adjectivally because adjectives modify nouns. A prepositional phrase
that behaves adjectivally is called, quite logically, an adjectival phrase.
an adjective preposition describes a noun or pronoun.
1. The dog in the park run.
Learn about It!
Adjective Phrase Examples
Prepositional phrase examples that function as an adjective.
●
●
●
●
●
The revised edition of the book is now out of print.
This kind of machine is out of date.
The two countries were at peace.
The paintings are on show until April.
Younger workers tend to be at an advantage when applying for
jobs.
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Adjective Phrase Drill
Select the prepositional phrase examples that function as an adjective.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The doctor said that I should be on a diet.
You’re not allowed to buy alcohol. You’re under age.
The man in black is coming towards.
A passport that is out of date is invalid.
We are happy to be on vacation.
Learn about It!
Adverb Phrase
In some instances, the prepositional phrase can act on a verb, in which case it would be
behaving adverbially. The reason for this is because usually an adverb would be used to modify
a verb. When a prepositional phrase is used in this way, it is known as an adverbial phrase.
Adverb prepositional phrases describes a verb, adjective or adverb.
Let’s take a look at some examples of this.
We ate before we leave.
● She is tall for her age.
● Student study late at night
●
Learn about It!
Adverb Phrase Examples
Prepositional phrase examples that function as an adverbs.
●
●
●
●
The kids spent all their time out of doors.
During lunch, we ate pizza and salad.
The second episode will be screened at the same time tomorrow.
The birds fly in the sky.
Learn about It!
Adverb Phrase Drill
Select the prepositional phrase examples that function as an adverbs.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Without warning, the tree crashed through the roof.
I will climb up the highest mountain tomorrow.
It annoys me when people talk during movies.
With the help of cold water he was soon brought round.
Never tell tales out of school.
Before they called you, they drove to the store.
Learn about It!
The second excerpt shows examples of prepositional phrases
used as adjectives. These are underlined.
● Have you ever encountered the Mosquito of the North
Country? You thought they were pretty well developed
animals with keen appetites, didn't you?
● Paul had to keep his men and oxen in the camps with doors
and windows barred.
Drills
Underline the prepositional phrase in each of the following
sentences and write ADJ if it functions as an adjective or ADV
if it functions as an adverb.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The song is a new version of the classics.
The dress in the display is so fancy.
My team will go hiking in the summer.
She was promoted because of her hard work.
You look sophisticated in those stilettos.
Drills
6. The cupcake with chocolate sprinkles is mine.
7. They found the drone near a fast-flowing river.
8. Relatives from my hometown are eager to see us.
9. Kiel is the player with the highest score.
10. Jairus looked under the table to see if he could find his pen.
Values Integration
As a student, how can your knowledge about
prepositional phrases allow you to express
yourself accurately and effectively?
Synthesis
1. Form five groups.
2. Each group will:
a. have each member provide two prepositional phrases (one
that acts as an adjective and another one that acts as an
adverb). The group will then use all the prepositional phrases
to create a tall tale.
b. present their work in front of the class.
Synthesis
3. As a wrap up, answer the following questions:
● How did you feel about the activity?
● What were the difficulties that you encountered while
providing prepositional phrases and in contributing to create
a tall tale?
Assignment
Write an exaggerated version of a memorable personal
experience. Use at least two prepositional phrases as
adjectives and two prepositional phrases as adverbs.