Prepositional Phrases (at, out, in, by, on)

A prepositional phrase is a part of a sentence that typically begins with a preposition and ends with the object of the preposition. It is more common to find one or more modifiers (describes the object) with the object of the preposition.

The object of a prepositional phrase can be either a noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause.

Structure:

Preposition + Noun, Pronoun, Gerund, or Clause

Preposition + Modifier(s) + Noun, Pronoun, Gerund, or Clause

Example:


Preposition  
Modifier(s)Noun, Pronoun, Gerund, or Clause
He is at home.athome
He went out the door.outthedoor
She came home in tears.intears
He is standing by the big window.bythe bigwindow
The boy slept on a warm  bed.ona warmbed

More common prepositional phrases with AT

Prepositional phrasesMeaningExample sentences
At a distance  Not very closeI can see him at a distance.
At handVery near or closeI always have my mobile phone at hand.
At onceimmediatelyTell her to call me at once!

More common prepositional phrases with OUT

Prepositional phrasesMeaningExample sentences
Out of seasonNo longer in seasonMangoes are out of season.
Out of orderNot working/brokenThe elevator is out of order.
Out of handUncontrollable  The situation is getting out of hand.

More common prepositional phrases with IN

Prepositional phrasesMeaningExample sentences
In personActually presentI want to see him in person.
In a hurryNot have much timeHe’s in a hurry to go to work.
In fashionTrendy, popularDenim jeans are now in fashion.

More common prepositional phrases with BY

Prepositional phrasesMeaningExample sentences
By mistakeAccidentally; in errorShe received the message by mistake.
By chanceUnintentionally; without plan or intentHe saw her by chance at a book shop.
By natureInborn or hereditary characteristicsHe is generous by nature.

More common prepositional phrases with ON

Prepositional phrasesMeaningExample sentences
On footWalking  I go to school on foot.
On purposeIntentionallyI left the door open on purpose.
On leaveAbsent from work with permissionJose is on paternity leave.
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4 replies on “Prepositional Phrases (at, out, in, by, on)”

Very useful, thank you so much! I have already said the same but this lession continues appearing as not performed. Thank you!

No worries, you can proceed to your next lesson. Thank you very much for working on this task.

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