Prepositional phrases are an important part of English grammar, providing additional information and adding texture to our language. A prepositional phrase is made up of a preposition, its object, and any other words that modify the object. In this article, we’ll take a look at 20 examples of prepositional phrases in action, so you can get better acquainted with this important element of speech.
What Are Prepositional Phrases?
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that includes a preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the object. The preposition shows the relationship between its object and another word or element in the sentence.
For example, in the sentence “The cat is sitting on the mat,” “on the mat” is a prepositional phrase. “On” is the preposition, and “the mat” is the object of the preposition. The prepositional phrase describes the location of where the cat is sitting.
Some other examples of prepositional phrases are:
- In the park
- With a smile
- By the river
- Under the bridge
Prepositional phrases can function as adjectives or adverbs in a sentence, providing information about a noun or a verb respectively.
20 Examples of Prepositional Phrases
- in the garden
- on the shelf
- at the intersection
- during the night
- behind the door
- under the bridge
- within the boundaries
- among the flowers
- throughout the city
- beside the lake
- toward the sunset
- before the storm
- between the lines
- without a doubt
- along the river
- by the window
- over the hill
- with a smile
- for a moment
- against the wall
Examples of Prepositional Phrases in Sentences
- She found her favorite book in the garden.
- The picture frame was sitting on the shelf.
- They met at the intersection of the two busy streets.
- The city was quiet during the night.
- The cat hid behind the door when the vacuum started.
- The trolls lived under the bridge in the old fairytale.
- The house was built within the boundaries of the national park.
- The butterflies fluttered among the flowers.
- There were protests throughout the city.
- They enjoyed a picnic beside the lake.
- The travelers headed toward the sunset.
- They hurried home before the storm.
- There’s a hidden meaning between the lines of this poem.
- He knew the answer without a doubt.
- They walked along the river for hours.
- She stood by the window watching the rain.
- The old castle loomed over the hill.
- She greeted him with a smile.
- He paused for a moment to catch his breath.
- The ladder leaned against the wall.
Related: 10 Examples of Prepositional Phrase