PrepositionsMs. Ratliff

What is a preposition?

A preposition is one of the eight parts of speech. It shows the relationship between a noun/pronoun and another word in the sentence.

Prepositions are usually short words, but some prepositions have a couple words in them.

There are over 60 common prepositions. You will need to familiarize yourself with all of them.

What follows the preposition?

The noun(s) or pronoun(s) that follow(s) the preposition is/are called the object(s) of the preposition.

Usually there is an article or other adjective that comes before the object.

For example, find the preposition in this sentence.

The dog is chewing on his bone.

Now find the object of the preposition.

What is a prepositional phrase?

The preposition ON is showing the relationship between the noun DOG and the object BONE.

There can be more than one object of a preposition.

The dog is chewing on his bone and collar.

The preposition and the object of the preposition is called a prepositional phrase. There will never be a VERB in a prepositional phrase.

For example, what is the prepositional phrase in this sentence?

The children are inside the classroom.

Where are prepositional phrases

located? A prepositional phrase does not have to end a

sentence. You can also begin a sentence with a prepositional phrase, or you can put the prepositional phrase in the middle of the sentence.

You will find a casserole in the refrigerator.

In the refrigerator you will find a casserole.

You will find in the refrigerator a casserole.

Where do the commas go?

Sometimes when the prepositional phrase is in the beginning or middle of the sentence, a comma or commas is/are needed.

For example, why do you need commas in the following sentence?

In the cupboard, plates and bowls are located.

If there is confusion about the meaning of the sentence, use a comma with your prepositional phrase.

Which pronouns do I choose when writing prepositional

phrases? Objects of prepositions are sometimes pronouns.

Since the subject of a sentence will NEVER be within a prepositional phrase, subject pronouns can’t be used as objects.

Do NOT use I, she, he, we, they.

Objects pronouns must be used.

Do use me, him, her, us, them.

For example, which pronouns should you use in this sentence?

How will she choose between we/us and they/them?

May I end a sentence with a preposition?

NO! A preposition MUST have an object, so if you

are using correct grammar, your sentences will never end with a preposition.

For example, how can you correct these sentences?

Where is the party at?

Who is the letter going to?

What if I must end a sentence with a

preposition? If you are having trouble rewording the

sentence, there is a chance that your preposition is actually an adverb.

Yes, some words can be multiple parts of speech!

For example, what parts of speech are INSIDE and OFF?

The children are playing inside.

Turn the lights off.

Are you ready for the Preposition Hunt?

Number your paper 1-18 and skip lines.

Find the prepositions located on Post-Its throughout the room.

Write a sentence with each preposition on each Post-It.

The preposition should show a relationship between objects that are located near the Post-It.

PREPOSITION HUNT

Every preposition is numbered.

Write the sentences next to the correct numbers.

When you finish, underline your prepositions and circle the objects of the prepositions.

For example, you could write the following for the preposition by.

The speaker is BY the SMARTBOARD.

Sample Sentences

1.The garbage can is below the bulletin board.

2. The cardinal is on the radio.

3. The tissue box is between the house and the candle.

4. The plant is under the butterfrog.

5. The crucifix is above the light switch.

6. The chair is against the wall.

7. The signatures are around the photographs.

PREPOSITION HUNT

8. The feathers are behind the plant.

9. The speaker is beside the SmartBoard.

10. The marker is by the eraser.

11. The books are in the basket.

12. The pens are with pencils.

13. The classmates are near each other.

PREPOSITION HUNT

14. The Post-It is hanging off the pinecone.

15. The tissues are within the box.

16. The dog house is without a dog.

17. The journals are located past the labels.

18. The coat is hanging over the chair.