Prepositional Phrases

A prepositional phrase includes a preposition, the object of the preposition, and any modifiers
of that object.
EXAMPLES Arlene climbed up the ladder. [The preposition is up, and the object of the
preposition is ladder.]
The picture on the cover is mine. [The preposition is on, and the object of the preposition is
cover.

Adjective Phrases
A prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or a pronoun is called an adjective phrase.
An adjective phrase tells what kind or which one.
EXAMPLES: Everyone on my soccer team had experience. [On my soccer team modifies the
pronoun Everyone, telling which one.]
The snack of leftovers was delicious. [Of leftovers modifies the noun snack, telling what kind.]
Two or more adjective phrases may modify the same noun or pronoun.
EXAMPLE: Our flight from St. Louis to Atlanta was delayed. [Both from St. Louis and to Atlanta
modify the noun flight.]
An adjective phrase may also modify the object of another prepositional phrase.
EXAMPLE: On the floor of the rain forest live many unusual plants. [Of the rain forest modifies
floor, the object of the preposition On.]

Adverb Phrases
A prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb is called an adverb
phrase.
Adverb phrases tell when, where, why, how, or to what extent.
EXAMPLES: The actor Sessue Hayakawa became famous for his film roles. [For his film roles
modifies the adjective famous and tells how.]
We arrived too late for the opening ceremonies. [For the opening ceremonies modifies the
adverb late and tells what extent.]
In the final act, Macbeth dies in battle. [In the final act and in battle both modify the verb dies.
In the final act tells when and in battle tells where.]
Adjective and Adverb Phrases
A prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or a pronoun is called an adjective phrase.
EXAMPLE: The bowl of soup was full. [Of soup is an adjective phrase modifying the noun bowl.]
A prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, an adjective, or an adverb is called an adverb
phrase.
EXAMPLE: The bowl was full of soup. [Of soup is an adverb phrase modifying the adjective full.]