Prepositions
Identify prepositions.
Objectives
Recognize prepositional
phrases, objects of
prepositions, and compound prepositions.
PP 14-1a
Prepositions
Use a preposition to connect the object of the
preposition (noun or pronoun) to another word or
set of words in a sentence.
Our manager recognizes our strengths and compensates for
our weaknesses.
Top executives spend approximately 90 percent of their time
with others.
The need for constant approval at work can be
counterproductive.
PP 14-2
Common Prepositions
about
behind
during
on
throughout
above
below
except
onto
to
across
beneath
for
opposite
toward
after
beside
from
out
under
in
outside
underneath
against besides
Compound Prepositions
A compound preposition consists of a combination of
words that is often considered as one preposition and
connects the object of a preposition to another word or
set of words.
Examples
according to
in regard to
apart from
by means of
in place of
along with
instead of
in front of
ahead of
in spite of
because of
out of
PP 14-4a
Compound Prepositions
Examples
I gave the company tour on behalf of my manager.
In addition to Sara, we have five vice presidents in our
company.
Because of my positive attitude, Mary chose me as
group leader.
PP 14-4b
Infinitive Phrases/
Prepositional Phrases
An infinitive phrase consists of the word to followed
by a verb.
A leader has to dramatize a vision for his or her
organization.
Employers need to build the trust of their employees.
No verb appears in a prepositional phrase.
Leaders set high goals and objectives for themselves.
PP 14-5
Prepositions and Adverbs
The words by, through, and in can be used as
adverbs without objects. When these same words
take objects, they are prepositions.
Casual Fridays are in. (In is an adverb that answers the
question Where? No object follows the word in.)
Causal Friday attire is described in the company
handbook. (In is a preposition. In this sentence, it takes
the object handbook.)
PP 14-6
Objects of Prepositions and Pronouns
Use the objective case of a pronoun as the object of
a preposition.
Objective Case
her him you me us them it whom
We awarded the Web design project to them.
Between you and me, I prefer working in the
accounting department.
PP 14-7
Adjective Functions
Use a prepositional phrase as an adjective to
modify a noun or a pronoun.
Place the prepositional phrase after the word or
words being modified or after a linking verb.
Carol requested an office with a window.
John Garcia from Newsweek will interview our president
next week.
PP 14-8
Adverb Functions
Use a prepositional phrase as an adverb to
modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
A leader assists in problem solving.
A motivated employee completes all
assignments with enthusiasm.
PP 14-9
General Placement
Avoid ending a sentence with a preposition.
Place a preposition before its object in the
majority of sentences.
Avoid
We did not know the appointments which he was
scheduled for.
Revised
We did not know the appointments for which he was
scheduled.
PP 14-10a
Practice
1. The book on the table is mine.
2. She ran through the park.
3. The girl with the red dress smiled.
4. He spoke with confidence.
5. The house near the river is old.
Practice
1. The book on the table is mine. Adj
2. She ran through the park. Adv
3. The girl with the red dress smiled. Adj
4. The house near the river is old. Adj
5. He spoke with confidence. Adv