English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Identify prepositional phrases
Identify prepositional phrases
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a preposition, the object of a preposition, and a prepositional phrase.
Accurately identify prepositional phrases within simple, compound, and complex sentences.
Differentiate between a prepositional phrase and an infinitive phrase starting with 'to'.
Explain the function of a prepositional phrase as either an adjective or an adverb.
Locate and analyze the use of prepositional phrases in literary texts.
Strategically use prepositional phrases to add detail and clarity to their own analytical writing.
Where is the treasure buried? 🗺️ The answer lies 'under the old oak tree,' 'behind the waterfall,' and 'in the chest'—all locations defined by prepositional phrases!
This tutorial will break down the components...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PrepositionA word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence. It often indicates location, direction, or time.Common prepositions include: in, on, at, for, from, with, about, under, over, through.
Object of the PrepositionThe noun or pronoun that follows the preposition and completes its meaning.In the phrase 'over the hill,' the word 'hill' is the object of the preposition 'over'.
Prepositional PhraseA group of words beginning with a preposition and ending with its object. The phrase may also include modifiers (adjectives, adverbs) between the preposition and the object.In the sentence 'The student with the highest grade won an award,' the prepositional phrase is 'with the highe...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Basic Formula
Preposition + (Optional Modifiers) + Object
Every prepositional phrase follows this structure. To find one, first locate a preposition, then find the noun or pronoun that serves as its object. Everything in between is part of the phrase.
The Function Rule
A prepositional phrase always acts as a single part of speech: either an adjective or an adverb.
To determine the function, identify what word the phrase is describing. If it describes a noun or pronoun, it's an adjectival phrase. If it describes a verb, adjective, or adverb, it's an adverbial phrase.
The 'To' Test
'To' + Noun/Pronoun = Prepositional Phrase. 'To' + Verb = Infinitive Phrase.
The word 'to' can be a preposition or part of an infinitive...
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Challenging
You are writing an analytical essay. Which revision of the sentence 'The setting affects the mood' most strategically uses prepositional phrases to add clarity and depth?
A.The setting, which is in the story, affects the mood of the reader.
B.The oppressive setting of the isolated mansion contributes to the mood of suffocating paranoia.
C.The setting affects the mood, and it does so with its features.
D.The setting affects the mood in a big way throughout the entire book.
Challenging
Consider the word 'inside' in these two sentences: 1. 'From the storm, the family huddled inside.' 2. 'The family huddled inside the small cottage.' In which sentence is 'inside' a preposition, and why?
A.In sentence 2, because it has an object ('cottage').
B.In sentence 1, because it indicates location.
C.In both sentences, because they both relate to location.
D.In sentence 2, because it modifies the verb 'huddled'.
Challenging
Deconstruct this sentence from a classic text: 'In the face of this new adversary, the hero, with his unwavering courage, fought for the very soul of his kingdom.' Which option correctly identifies all the prepositional phrases?
A.In the face, of this new adversary, with his unwavering courage, for the very soul, of his kingdom
B.In the face of this new adversary, with his unwavering courage, of his kingdom
C.of this new adversary, with his unwavering courage, for the very soul of his kingdom
D.In the face of this new adversary, with his unwavering courage, for the very soul of his kingdom
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