1. Preposition: This is the word that introduces the phrase and shows the relationship between the phrase and the rest of the sentence. Examples of prepositions include: *on*, *in*, *at*, *to*, *from*, *with*, *by*, *for*, *about*, *during*, *after*, *before*, etc.
2. Object of the Preposition: This is the noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that follows the preposition and receives the action of the preposition. It tells *what* the preposition is referring to.
Here are some examples:
* In the park: "In" is the preposition, and "the park" is the object of the preposition.
* On the table: "On" is the preposition, and "the table" is the object of the preposition.
* With a smile: "With" is the preposition, and "a smile" is the object of the preposition.
* Before the storm: "Before" is the preposition, and "the storm" is the object of the preposition.
Prepositional phrases can function as adverbs, adjectives, or nouns in a sentence:
* Adverb: "The bird flew over the house." (Tells where the bird flew)
* Adjective: "The book on the shelf is mine." (Describes which book)
* Noun: "I went to the store." (The object of the verb "went")
Understanding prepositional phrases is important for sentence structure and meaning in English.