The Preposition
Definition:
A preposition shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun,
called the object of the preposition, to another word.
Notice how changing the preposition in the following examples
changes the relationship between the verb swam and the noun raft.
EXAMPLES:
- I swam to the raft.
- I swam from the raft.
- I swam around the raft.
- I swam past the raft.
- I swam under the raft.
Object of a Preposition
Definition:
The object of a preposition is a noun, a pronoun, or a word group that
functions as a noun; in most cases it follows a preposition. Together,
the preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the object make a
prepositional phrase.
EXAMPLES:
- Did you see Juanita at the last game?
- The line starts behind him.
- They played a new song by Hootie and the Blowfish.
Commonly Used Prepositions
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Commonly Used Prepositions |
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about above across after against along among around at before behind below beneath beside besides between beyond but (meaning “except”) by concerning down during except for from in inside into like near of off on out outside over past since through throughout to toward under underneath until unto up upon with within without |
Compound Preposition
A preposition that consists of two or more words is called a
compound preposition.
EXAMPLES:
Alexandra has been accepted by several private colleges
in addition to both state universities.
As of today, she hasn’t made her final choice.
Commonly Used Compound Prepositions
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Commonly Used Compound Prepositions |
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according to because of in spite of along with by means of instead of apart from in addition to next to aside from in front of on account of as of in place of out of |
Adverb or Preposition?
Some of the words that are commonly used as prepositions may also
be used as adverbs. Keep in mind that an adverb is a modifier and that
it does not have an object. Prepositions always have objects.
EXAMPLE:
ADVERB Jerry will meet you outside at noon. [Outside modifies
will meet.]
PREPOSITION I will meet you outside the library. [Outside introduces a
prepositional phrase and has an object, library.]
The Preposition Worksheet
Complete the following sentences by replacing each blank with a
prepositional phrase.
1. Rob collects postcards______ .
2. ______ we collapsed.
3. We first heard the rumor______ .
4. ______ people had gathered to hear the concert.
5. I tiptoed ______ and listened quietly.
6. The deer darted quickly______ and raced ______ .
7. Everyone ______ applauded Branford Marsalis’s solo.
8. Exhausted______ , the explorers pitched their tents ______ and
planned the next day’s work.
9. ______ the city council has voted to renovate the abandoned
building______ and turn it ______ .
10. ______ I thought that something might have gone wrong______ .