1. Modifying a noun or pronoun (adjectival function):
- This tells us more about the noun or pronoun.
- Example: "The book on the table is mine." "On the table" modifies "book" and tells us where it is located.
2. Modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb (adverbial function):
- This tells us more about the action, quality, or manner.
- Example: "He walked with a limp. " "With a limp" modifies "walked" and tells us how he walked.
3. Acting as an object of a verb or preposition:
- This shows the relationship between the verb/preposition and the noun/pronoun.
- Example: "I looked at the painting. " "At the painting" is the object of the preposition "at."
Here's a breakdown of the key features of prepositional phrases:
* Preposition: It begins with a preposition (e.g., on, in, at, with, to, for, from).
* Object: It always includes a noun or pronoun that is the object of the preposition.
* Function: It can act as an adjective, adverb, or object.
In summary, prepositional phrases add details and clarity to sentences by providing information about location, time, manner, direction, or the relationship between words.