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Common fixed expressions containing prepositions.
A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition followed by its complement, usually a noun phrase, pronoun, or another type of complement.
For example, in the room, after the meeting, with my friends, and about the problem are prepositional phrases.
A preposition is commonly followed by a noun phrase functioning as its complement.
For example, in the house, after the meeting, and with the new manager.
A preposition is followed by an object pronoun rather than a subject pronoun.
For example, with me, for him, between us, and to them.
English uses object forms such as me, him, her, us, and them after prepositions.
For example, between you and me, not between you and I in standard formal English.
When a verb follows a preposition, it normally appears in the gerund form.
For example, after leaving, without knowing, and by working harder.
Many fixed expressions contain a preposition followed by a gerund.
For example, before leaving, after finishing, instead of going, and without saying anything.
A prepositional phrase can function as an adverbial and provide information about place, time, manner, reason, condition, or other circumstances.
For example, She works in London, We met after lunch, and He spoke with confidence.
A prepositional phrase can follow a noun and provide additional information about that noun.
For example, the book on the table, the woman in the red dress, and the students from London.
Some verbs, adjectives, and nouns require or strongly prefer a particular prepositional phrase as part of their grammatical pattern.
For example, depend on the result, interested in the subject, and reason for the delay.
A sentence can contain several prepositional phrases, each performing a different grammatical function.
For example, She worked in the office after the meeting with the new manager.
Prepositional phrases can occur in different positions depending on their function, length, emphasis, and relationship to other elements.
For example, After the meeting, we went home and We went home after the meeting.
A prepositional phrase can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to establish context or provide emphasis.
For example, After the meeting, we went for coffee.
Prepositional phrases commonly occur after the main verb, object, or complement when they function as adverbials.
For example, We met at the station and She worked until midnight.
A prepositional phrase following a noun can function as a postmodifier specifying which person or thing is meant.
For example, the students in the classroom and the report about the accident.
Some adjectives are followed by prepositional phrases that complete or specify their meaning.
For example, interested in science, afraid of dogs, and responsible for the project.
Some verbs are followed by prepositional phrases as part of their normal grammatical pattern.
For example, listen to music, depend on the result, and wait for the bus.
Prepositional phrases commonly express location or position.
For example, in the room, on the table, under the bed, and near the station.
Prepositional phrases can express points, periods, duration, deadlines, and other temporal relationships.
For example, at six o’clock, on Monday, in July, for two hours, and since 2020.
Prepositional phrases can describe direction, destination, route, and movement through or around a place.
For example, to the station, into the room, across the road, and through the tunnel.
Prepositional phrases can describe how an action is performed or the manner in which something happens.
For example, with care, without hesitation, and in silence.
Some prepositional phrases express cause or reason.
For example, because of the rain, due to the delay, and owing to technical problems.
Some prepositional phrases express purpose or intended function.
For example, for safety, for educational purposes, and with the aim of improving efficiency.
Prepositional phrases can describe the tool, method, or means used to perform an action.
For example, with a knife, by train, and by email.
With can introduce a person or thing accompanying another person or action.
For example, She went with her friends and I travelled with my brother.
Prepositional phrases can identify a reference point in comparisons.
For example, taller than me, similar to the original, and different from the previous version.
Prepositional phrases can identify agents, instruments, causes, or other relationships in passive constructions.
For example, The report was written by the research team and The wall was damaged by the storm.
Prepositional phrases can appear inside relative clauses and may involve a relative pronoun or relative adverb.
For example, the person to whom I spoke, the person I spoke to, and the place where I work.
A noun phrase can contain multiple layers of modification involving prepositional phrases.
For example, the report about the changes in the education system from last year.
A prepositional phrase can contain a complex noun phrase as its complement.
For example, in the middle of the meeting and because of the unexpected changes in the schedule.
In some constructions, especially questions, relative clauses, and passive-related structures, a preposition can remain at the end of the clause rather than preceding its complement.
For example, Who are you talking to? and The person I spoke to.
In formal English, a preposition can sometimes be placed before its complement rather than stranded at the end.
For example, To whom are you speaking? and The person to whom I spoke.
Some prepositional phrases function as established expressions whose wording is relatively fixed.
For example, in fact, by chance, at first, on purpose, and in general.
Different prepositional expressions can vary in formality, frequency, and appropriateness for particular contexts.
For example, owing to is generally more formal than because of, while in accordance with is strongly associated with formal writing.
A prepositional phrase should be positioned so that it is clear which word or phrase it modifies.
For example, Long modifiers can otherwise create ambiguity about whether a phrase modifies the noun or the main verb.
Use prepositional phrases with the correct preposition, complement, position, and grammatical function.
Common mistakes include using the wrong object pronoun, using an infinitive after a preposition, confusing complements with optional adverbials, stranding a preposition incorrectly in formal constructions, and creating ambiguous attachment.