Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase is a group of words which work together to tell more about a noun or verb. A prepositional phrase always begins with a preposition and usually ends with a noun.

• The creamy cheese with the sharp taste melts over the pizza.(2 phrases)
• We walked to the store after the quiz in math. (3 phrases)

Most prepositions locate an object in time or space. Some prepositions can be several words like "in front of." Here is a partial list.

Verbal Phrases

Three forms of the verb can work another job in the sentence.

• The ing form can work as an adjective, adverb or noun:
  • She rode the horse well, standing tall in the saddle.
  • Standing tall in the saddle was easy for her.

• The ed form can work as an adjective or adverb:
  • The flag flew, tattered by high winds.
  • Curled on the sleeping bag, the cat dozed.

• The infinitive form (to+a verb) can work as a noun:
  • She wanted to win the race.
  • To win was her goal.

Prepositional phrases and verbal phrases cannot stand alone. They can only be parts of a sentence. They are in the sentence to tell more about the subject or verb or some other part of the sentence. Often you will find several phrases in a row.

• We want to forget about our health during our youth.(3 phrases)
• She let go of the snake, and it fell slowly like a thread. (2 phrases)
• They sang after hauling firewood up the river on a toboggan. (3 phrases)