Preposition and Preposition Objects
Adverb –
I(s) cook(v) quickly(adv).
I(s) cook(v) the beef (obj) quickly (adj).
Prepositional Phrase
The witch sits [on her broom] (prepositional phrase).
on (prep) her (modifier) broom (prep obj).
Purpose
Prepositional phrases function as either:
- adjectives modifying nouns
- adverbs modifying verbs.
Functions as adjectives that modify nouns:
I know the policeman [with the radio]. // modifying noun at the obj
“with (prep) the (modifier) radio (prep obj)” modifies noun policeman, and functions as an adjective.
My father buys the scarf [with dots]. // modifying noun at the obj
“with (prep) dots (prep obj)” modifies noun scarf, and functions as an adjective.
The man [on the radio] has a boring voice. // modifying noun at the subj
“on (prep) the (modifier) radio (prep obj)” modifies noun “man”, and functions as its adjective.
Give me one [of the brown ones]. // modifying noun at the obj
“of(prep) [the brown] (modifier) ones (prep obj)” describes pronoun ‘one’.
Functions as Adverbs modifying verbs:
I live [near the stadium]
“near(prep) the(modifier) stadium(prep obj)” modifies verb ‘live’, and functions as as an adverb.
She speaks [with notable enthusiasm].
“with(prep) notable(modifier) enthusiasm(prep obj)” modifies verb ‘speaks’, and functions as an adverb.
Yes, the verb “eat” can function as both a transitive and an intransitive verb, depending on how it is used in a sentence.
He eats.
He eats [with enthusiasm (热情)] // prepositional phrase […] describes verb ‘eats’.
He eats beef. // beef is direct object
He eats beef [with enthusiasm (热情)] // prepositional phrase […] describes verb ‘eats’.
Dawn is tired [from the hike]. // prepositional phrase […] describes “Why” Dawn is tired.
“from(prep) the(modifier) hike(prep obj)” modifies the verb “is”. It tells us ‘why’ she “is” tired.
She kicks.
She kicks [with power]. // prepositional phrase […] describes verb ‘kicks’.
She kicks the ball (direct obj) [with power]. // prepositional phrase […] describes verb ‘kicks’. ‘The ball’ is a direct object.
She took notes (obj) [during the lecture]. // prepositional phrase […] describes verb ‘took’.
Other prepositions
at – location
I cook [at(prep) home(pre obj)].
I eat at(prep) home(pre obj).
Let’s meet at(prep) Manners(pre obj).
at – direction
I look at(prep) you(prep obj).
I smile at(prep) Sara(prep obj).
The flashlight shines at(prep) us(prep obj).
at – time
I will meet you at(prep) midnight(prep obj).
Let’s meet up at(prep) Terry’s(prep obj).
Rebecca will meet us at(prep) 8pm sharp(prep obj).
with
I speak [with] anger.
I play [with] Rover.
I watch [with] awe.
in – The way something is done.
I ponder [in] silence.
I stare [in] awe.
They rejoice [in] victory.
in – inside a space
I live [in] a cave.
Let’s look [in] the box.
The birds fly [in] the sky.
in – a specific point in time
We visit [in] the summer.
I’ll see you [in] five days.
Let’s start [in] a few moments.
Don’t treat a prepositional phrase as subject
A box of knives were found at the scene.
A box “is” found. (not were)
A combination of factors were the cause of the crash.
A combination “was” the cause. (not were)
The noun in a prepositional phrase influences the verb
subj – Most of my friends
aux verb – have
main verb – left // used in passive constructions
college.
(The noun in the prepositional phrase (“friends”) is plural. Therefore, “most” is treated as plural.)
More than half of the people [are] idiots. √
(“Half” is plural because “people” is plural.)
Half of the world [knows] nothing. √
(“Half” is singular because “world” is singular.)
All politicians [give] hope. √
Over eighty percent of the human race [wants] love. √
(“Eighty percent” is singular because “human race” is singular.)