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. | at | home | |
| He went out the door. | out | the | door |
| She came home in tears. | in | tears | |
| He is standing by the big window. | by | the big | window |
| The boy slept on a warm bed. | on | a warm | bed |
More common prepositional phrases with AT
| Prepositional phrases | Meaning | Example sentences |
| At a distance | Not very close | I can see him at a distance. |
| At hand | Very near or close | I always have my mobile phone at hand. |
| At once | immediately | Tell her to call me at once! |
More common prepositional phrases with OUT
| Prepositional phrases | Meaning | Example sentences |
| Out of season | No longer in season | Mangoes are out of season. |
| Out of order | Not working/broken | The elevator is out of order. |
| Out of hand | Uncontrollable | The situation is getting out of hand. |
More common prepositional phrases with IN
| Prepositional phrases | Meaning | Example sentences |
| In person | Actually present | I want to see him in person. |
| In a hurry | Not have much time | He’s in a hurry to go to work. |
| In fashion | Trendy, popular | Denim jeans are now in fashion. |
More common prepositional phrases with BY
| Prepositional phrases | Meaning | Example sentences |
| By mistake | Accidentally; in error | She received the message by mistake. |
| By chance | Unintentionally; without plan or intent | He saw her by chance at a book shop. |
| By nature | Inborn or hereditary characteristics | He is generous by nature. |
More common prepositional phrases with ON
| Prepositional phrases | Meaning | Example sentences |
| On foot | Walking | I go to school on foot. |
| On purpose | Intentionally | I left the door open on purpose. |
| On leave | Absent from work with permission | Jose is on paternity leave. |
4 replies on “Prepositional Phrases (at, out, in, by, on)”
Great reminder!
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.
Very useful, thank you so much!