1. Restrictive Prepositional Phrases:
* Essential to the meaning of the sentence: They define or limit the noun or pronoun they modify.
* Not set off with commas:
* Example: *The book *on the table* is mine.* (The phrase "on the table" is essential to identify which book is yours.)
2. Non-Restrictive Prepositional Phrases:
* Provide additional information: They add extra details but are not crucial to understanding the sentence.
* Set off with commas:
* Example: *The book, *on the table near the window*, is mine.* (The phrase "on the table near the window" gives extra information about the book's location, but it doesn't change the basic meaning of the sentence.)
Here are some other cases where you might use commas with prepositional phrases:
* Introductory prepositional phrases: If a prepositional phrase starts a sentence, it is often followed by a comma.
* Prepositional phrases used as adverbs: If a prepositional phrase modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, and it comes after the word it modifies, it may be set off by commas.
It's important to note: Whether or not a prepositional phrase is restrictive or non-restrictive can sometimes be subjective, and there may be instances where comma usage is debatable. Always consider the context and the meaning of the sentence to determine the best punctuation.