Prepositional Phrases Made Easy: Meaning, 20 Examples and Exercises with Answers
Have you ever searched for “the book” when someone meant “the book with the blue cover”? Those extra words make all the difference. They help you identify the right book, describe a place or explain when something happened.
Prepositional phrases do this useful work every day. In this lesson for Classes 6–10, including CBSE and ICSE learners, you will learn how to recognise complete prepositional phrases and explain their functions.
You will also find 20 examples, 20 practice questions and a separate answer key with explanations.
What Is a Prepositional Phrase?
A prepositional phrase is a group of words headed by a preposition and usually followed by its object, together with any modifiers belonging to that object.
Consider this sentence:
The shoes are under the bed.
Here:
Under is the preposition.
The bed is the object of the preposition.
Under the bed is the complete prepositional phrase.
Prepositional phrases often express relationships of place, time, direction, manner or connection. Their meaning depends on the words they contain and how they fit into the sentence.
For example:
Under the bed expresses place.
After the match expresses time.
Towards the hills expresses direction.
With great care expresses manner.
Structure of a Prepositional Phrase
The usual pattern is:
Preposition + object, including its modifiers = prepositional phrase
Let us break down four examples.
Beneath the old wooden bridge
Preposition: beneath
Object, including modifiers: the old wooden bridge
Complete phrase: beneath the old wooden bridge
After our final lesson
Preposition: after
Object, including modifiers: our final lesson
Complete phrase: after our final lesson
With them
Preposition: with
Object: them
Complete phrase: with them
Without waiting
Preposition: without
Object: waiting
Complete phrase: without waiting
The object is often a noun phrase. In “the old wooden bridge”, the head noun is bridge. The word the is a determiner, while old and wooden describe the bridge.
When identifying a complete prepositional phrase, include all these words.
The object can also be a pronoun, such as them, or an -ing form, such as waiting. Traditional school grammar calls this noun-like use of an -ing form a gerund.
Some prepositions contain several words. For example, in front of is commonly taught as a multiword preposition:
The children stood in front of the stage.
The complete prepositional phrase is in front of the stage.
Worked Example: Label Every Part
The kite above the tall tree is mine.
Here is how the phrase works:
Above: the preposition and head of the prepositional phrase.
The tall tree: the object of the preposition.
Tree: the head noun of the object.
The: a determiner within the object.
Tall: an adjective describing tree.
Above the tall tree: the complete prepositional phrase.
The complete phrase modifies the noun kite. It tells us which kite, so it functions adjectivally.
Remember:
Above + the tall tree = above the tall tree
20 Examples of Prepositional Phrases
Each sentence below contains one complete prepositional phrase in bold. The explanation identifies its function and the word it relates to.
The notebook with the green cover is mine.
Prepositional phrase: with the green cover
Adjectival function: it modifies notebook, identifying which notebook.
The girl beside the window waved.
Prepositional phrase: beside the window
Adjectival function: it modifies girl, identifying which girl.
The path through the forest was narrow.
Prepositional phrase: through the forest
Adjectival function: it modifies path, identifying its route.
The house near the river looks old.
Prepositional phrase: near the river
Adjectival function: it modifies house, identifying which house.
A basket of ripe mangoes arrived.
Prepositional phrase: of ripe mangoes
Adjectival function in school grammar: it modifies basket, telling us its contents.
The painting above the sofa is colourful.
Prepositional phrase: above the sofa
Adjectival function: it modifies painting, identifying which painting.
The puppy with a black patch barked.
Prepositional phrase: with a black patch
Adjectival function: it modifies puppy, identifying which puppy.
We rested after the match.
Prepositional phrase: after the match
Adverbial function: it modifies rested, telling us when.
The children played in the courtyard.
Prepositional phrase: in the courtyard
Adverbial function: it modifies played, telling us where.
The class listened with great attention.
Prepositional phrase: with great attention
Adverbial function: it modifies listened, telling us how.
The hikers walked across the field.
Prepositional phrase: across the field
Adverbial function: it modifies walked, showing their route.
We travelled by train.
Prepositional phrase: by train
Adverbial function: it modifies travelled, showing the means of transport.
Tara read during the break.
Prepositional phrase: during the break
Adverbial function: it modifies read, telling us when.
The players practised for an hour.
Prepositional phrase: for an hour
Adverbial function: it modifies practised, showing duration.
Kabir answered without hesitation.
Prepositional phrase: without hesitation
Adverbial function: it modifies answered, describing his manner.
The bird flew towards the hills.
Prepositional phrase: towards the hills
Adverbial function: it modifies flew, showing direction.
Before breakfast, I watered the plants.
Prepositional phrase: Before breakfast
Adverbial function: it modifies watered, telling us when.
Riya drew the outline with a pencil.
Prepositional phrase: with a pencil
Adverbial function: it modifies drew, identifying the tool she used.
Anaya is worried about the result.
Prepositional phrase: about the result
Complement of an adjective: it relates to worried, specifying what causes her worry.
We depend on our teammates.
Prepositional phrase: on our teammates
Complement of a verb: it relates to depend, specifying whom we depend on.
The last two examples show that prepositional phrases do more than add optional descriptions. Some complete or specify the meaning of another word.
How to Identify a Prepositional Phrase: Five Steps
Step 1: Look for a Possible Preposition
Common starting points include:
At, in, on, under, after, before, with, without, of and from.
These words can help you locate a phrase, but always check their role in the sentence.
Step 2: Find Its Object
Look for the noun phrase, pronoun or -ing form that completes the relationship.
In beside the window, the object is the window.
In with her, the object is her.
In without asking, the object is asking.
Step 3: Include the Object’s Modifiers
Consider:
The cat slept under the small round table.
The complete phrase is under the small round table. Keep the small round table together.
Step 4: Find the Word the Phrase Relates To
Ask whether the phrase:
Identifies or describes a noun.
Gives information about an action.
Completes or specifies another word’s meaning.
For example:
The child beside the gate waved.
The phrase identifies child.
We waited beside the gate.
The phrase tells us where we waited.
Step 5: Check the Whole Sentence
A familiar word is not always doing the same grammatical job.
Compare:
We walked to the library.
We stayed to revise.
In the first sentence, to is a preposition followed by the noun phrase the library.
In the second, to revise is an infinitive.
Do not use “Can I remove it?” as your only identification test. Some prepositional phrases supply necessary information:
She put the parcel on the counter.
This use of put needs information about where she placed the parcel.
Adjectival and Adverbial Functions
A prepositional phrase has a grammatical form and a grammatical function.
Its form depends on how it is built. Its function depends on the job it performs in a sentence.
Adjectival Function: Describing or Identifying a Noun
The student with the yellow folder smiled.
Ask:
Which student?
The answer is the student with the yellow folder.
The phrase with the yellow folder modifies the noun student, so it functions adjectivally.
It remains prepositional in form because its head is the preposition with.
Adverbial Function: Giving Information About an Action
The student smiled with delight.
Ask:
How did the student smile?
The answer is with delight.
The phrase modifies the verb smiled, so it functions adverbially. It expresses manner.
Adverbial prepositional phrases can express:
Time: after lunch
Place: in the classroom
Direction: towards the gate
Manner: with care
Means: by train
Duration: for an hour
Other Roles: Complements
Some prepositional phrases function as complements.
Consider:
Anaya is worried about the result.
The phrase specifies what Anaya is worried about.
We depend on our teammates.
The phrase completes this use of depend, specifying whom we depend on.
The distinction between modifiers and complements goes beyond the basic adjectival/adverbial division. For school questions, follow the terminology used in the question.
The function-classification exercises in this lesson use straightforward noun modifiers and verb modifiers.
Prepositional Phrases at the Beginning, Middle and End
A prepositional phrase can appear in different parts of a sentence.
At the beginning:
After the assembly, we returned quietly.
The opening phrase tells us when we returned.
In the middle:
The child beside the gate waved.
The phrase follows and identifies child.
At the end:
We practised in the hall.
The phrase tells us where we practised.
A comma often follows an introductory prepositional phrase, especially a longer one or one where a pause improves clarity.
A short opening phrase does not always require a comma:
After lunch we rested.
Keep a noun-describing phrase close to the noun it modifies. Clear placement helps readers understand the relationship.
Can a Sentence Have Several Prepositional Phrases?
Yes. A sentence can contain more than one prepositional phrase.
Consider:
After lunch, we walked through the garden with our teacher.
The three phrases give different information:
After lunch relates to walked and gives the time.
Through the garden relates to walked and gives the route.
With our teacher relates to walked and tells us who accompanied us.
A sentence can also contain phrases with different functions:
The boy with the striped bag waited near the office.
Here:
With the striped bag modifies boy adjectivally.
Near the office modifies waited adverbially.
Phrases can even occur inside other phrases.
In near the door of the classroom, the phrase of the classroom belongs within the larger phrase beginning with near.
The identification exercises below avoid this extra complication.
Common Mistakes with Prepositional Phrases
1. Leaving Out Part of the Object
The ball rolled under the little wooden table.
The complete prepositional phrase is under the little wooden table.
Writing only under the table changes the wording. Writing only under leaves out the object.
When asked to identify a phrase, copy it exactly as it appears.
2. Confusing a Prepositional Phrase with an Infinitive Phrase
Compare these two uses of to:
We walked to the library.
Here, to is a preposition followed by the noun phrase the library.
We stayed to finish our project.
Here, to finish our project is an infinitive phrase expressing purpose.
The form after to matters.
In look forward to, to is a preposition:
I look forward to meeting the new class.
Use meeting, not meet.
3. Confusing a Prepositional Phrase with a Phrasal Verb
Please turn off the fan.
Here, turn off is a phrasal verb meaning to stop a device from operating.
The word off is a particle belonging to the verb. The fan is the direct object of turn off.
You can also say:
Please turn the fan off.
Please turn it off.
This movement helps identify the particle in this particular phrasal verb. It is not a test that works for every multiword verb.
Now compare:
We waited outside the classroom.
Here, outside introduces a prepositional phrase, and the classroom is its object.
4. Choosing the Wrong Pronoun
Use an object pronoun after a preposition in standard English.
Correct: Come with me.
Incorrect: Come with I.
Other examples include for him, beside her and between us.
5. Letting a Prepositional Phrase Confuse Subject–Verb Agreement
The box of crayons is heavy.
The head noun of the subject is box, so the verb is singular.
The plural noun crayons is inside the prepositional phrase. It does not determine the verb in this sentence.
6. Mixing Up Time Expressions
Use:
At with a clock time: at 9 a.m.
On with a day or date: on Friday
In with a month or year: in December
Learn fixed expressions too, such as at night and in the morning.
For arrivals and deadlines:
On time means at the scheduled or expected time.
The bus left on time.
In time means early enough for something.
We arrived in time to board the bus.
7. Assuming a Preposition Can Never End a Sentence
Who are you speaking to?
This is normal English.
The object is understood through the earlier question word rather than appearing immediately after to.
The usual preposition-plus-object pattern is a useful starting point, but it is not an absolute word-order rule.
Prepositional Phrases Exercises: 20 Questions
Try the questions before reading the answer key.
For identification questions, copy the complete phrase exactly as it appears in the sentence.
A. Identification: Questions 1–8
Find the one complete prepositional phrase in each sentence. Include the object’s modifiers.
The kittens slept under the wooden bench.
We arrived before sunrise.
The boy with the silver watch smiled.
Please wait outside the library.
A packet of coloured pencils fell.
The swimmers moved through the water.
She answered without hesitation.
After the rehearsal, everyone rested.
B. Function Classification: Questions 9–14
Classify the bold phrase as adjectival or adverbial. Then name the word it modifies.
These questions concern modifiers rather than complement uses.
The puppy with a white tail barked.
The children laughed during the puppet show.
The staircase near the main entrance is narrow.
Rohan wrote with great care.
The painting above the fireplace is beautiful.
The athletes practised before breakfast.
C. Sentence Completion: Questions 15–20
For questions 15–18, choose the correct preposition from the brackets.
For questions 19–20, add a complete prepositional phrase that matches the instruction. More than one answer is possible.
The lesson begins ___ 8 a.m. (at / in)
Our next quiz is ___ Monday. (in / on)
The annual fair takes place ___ December. (on / in)
The team has trained here ___ 2024. (since / for)
The pupils waited ___. Add a prepositional phrase of place.
___, we packed our bags. Add an introductory prepositional phrase of time.
Answer Key: Explanations for All 20 Questions
A. Identification Answers: 1–8
Under the wooden bench
Under is the preposition, and the wooden bench is its object. Include the and wooden. The phrase tells us where the kittens slept.
Before sunrise
Before is the preposition, and sunrise is its object. The phrase tells us when we arrived.
With the silver watch
With introduces the object the silver watch. The phrase identifies the boy, so it modifies boy adjectivally.
Outside the library
Outside is the preposition, and the library is its object. The phrase gives the place of waiting.
Of coloured pencils
Of is the preposition, and coloured pencils is its object. Include coloured. The phrase specifies the packet’s contents and relates to packet.
Through the water
Through introduces the object the water. The phrase describes the movement expressed by moved.
Without hesitation
Without is the preposition, and hesitation is its object. The phrase tells us how she answered.
After the rehearsal
After introduces the object the rehearsal. The phrase gives the time of the action rested. The following comma is punctuation, not part of the phrase.
B. Function-Classification Answers: 9–14
Adjectival; modifies puppy
With a white tail identifies which puppy barked.
Adverbial; modifies laughed
During the puppet show tells us when the children laughed.
Adjectival; modifies staircase
Near the main entrance identifies which staircase is narrow. It does not describe the adjective narrow.
Adverbial; modifies wrote
With great care tells us how Rohan wrote.
Adjectival; modifies painting
Above the fireplace identifies the painting. It does not describe the adjective beautiful.
Adverbial; modifies practised
Before breakfast tells us when the athletes practised.
C. Sentence-Completion Answers: 15–20
At
The lesson begins at 8 a.m.
Use at with this clock time.
On
Our next quiz is on Monday.
Use on with a named day in this expression.
In
The annual fair takes place in December.
Use in with a month.
Since
The team has trained here since 2024.
Since introduces a starting point. For would introduce a duration, such as for two years.
Sample answer: outside the library
The pupils waited outside the library.
Other acceptable answers include:
At the school gate
Near the bus stop
Under the shelter
Any natural prepositional phrase of place that fits the sentence is acceptable. A single adverb such as there does not meet the instruction.
Sample answer: After the lesson
After the lesson, we packed our bags.
Other acceptable answers include:
Before breakfast
At six o’clock
During the break
Any natural introductory prepositional phrase of time that fits the sentence is acceptable. A time clause such as when the lesson ended does not meet the instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Prepositional Phrase in Simple Words?
A prepositional phrase is a group of words headed by a preposition and usually containing its object.
For example, under the table expresses a position in relation to the table, while after school expresses a time in relation to school.
What Are Five Examples of Prepositional Phrases?
Five useful examples are:
In the kitchen
On the shelf
Under a tree
After breakfast
With a friend
Each includes a preposition and its object.
How Do I Find a Prepositional Phrase in a Sentence?
Find a possible preposition, locate its object and include the object’s modifiers.
Then check which word the whole phrase relates to.
In “The cat slept under the old chair”, keep under the old chair together. The phrase tells us where the cat slept.
Can a Sentence Begin with a Prepositional Phrase or Contain Several?
Yes to both.
Before lunch, we played in the garden.
The first phrase gives the time, and the second gives the place. Both relate to played.
Is a Preposition Always Followed by a Noun?
No. It can be followed by a pronoun, as in with her, or an -ing form, as in without asking.
In questions such as “Who did you speak to?”, the related object appears earlier.
A noun immediately after the preposition is not a universal requirement.
Is “Is” a Preposition or a Prepositional Phrase?
Neither. Is is a form of the verb be.
In “The bag is under the chair”, is is the verb, while under the chair is the prepositional phrase.
Revision Checklist
Use this checklist when practising:
Find the preposition and its object.
Include all the words belonging to the object, including its modifiers.
Distinguish the phrase’s form from its function.
Name the word an adjectival or adverbial phrase modifies.
Remember that some prepositional phrases function as complements.
Check the difference between to + noun phrase, an infinitive and a phrasal-verb particle.
Read the whole sentence to check meaning, position and agreement.
If you can identify the complete phrase and explain what it relates to, you have understood much more than a list of prepositions. Keep practising with sentences from your own reading. Continue from phrases to larger clause structures.
Related Reading
Extend your practice with preposition choices and word combinations.
Explore -ing forms, infinitives and prepositional to.
References and Source Note
Main grammar reference
Collins COBUILD English Guides 1: Prepositions, Introduction, pages vi–vii, and “How to use the book”, pages viii–xi.
These sections informed the discussion of prepositional groups, objects, -ing forms, pronouns, word combinations and sentence position.
Additional references
Collins COBUILD Grammar Patterns 2: Nouns and Adjectives, section 22, “N about n”, pages 120–121, and section 88, “ADJ about n”, pages 412–413, for noun and adjective patterns.
Yuri Dolgopolov, A Dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations, entry “in time / on time”, page 197, for the distinction between these time expressions.
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