2/9/24, 6:29 PM "Prepositional Phrases" in the English Grammar | LanGeek

A large number of prepositions can be followed by a single noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun.

CONTENTS

1. preposition + noun (phrase)

What Is a Prepositional Phras…

2. preposition + pronoun
Prepositional Phrase: Structure

Prepositions + a Noun Phrase

Prepositions + a Noun Clause

I'm worried about Margaret.

Prepositional Phrases: Functi…
* Preposition + Noun

Review

Have you heard anything from him?

* Preposition + Pronoun

With thorough studying, I can manage to

pass this exam.

* Preposition + Noun Phrase

Prepositions + a Noun Clause

Not all prepositions are followed by noun phrases. Some need a noun clause as their object. These noun clauses can be:

1. Nominal Relative Clauses

2. Participle Clauses

3. Bare Infinitive Clauses

Prepositions + Nominal Relative Clauses

Nominal relative clauses can appear immediately after certain prepositions and act as their object.

I'm not sure about what Tommy said

earlier.

From where I stand, things appear pretty

good.

Tip!
When a relative pronoun is the object of a preposition, there are two possibilities:

1. In informal English, the preposition is placed at the end of the relative clause and the relative pronoun can
be omitted.

2. In formal English, the preposition is placed before the relative pronoun, and the relative pronoun cannot be
omitted.

Informal English Formal English

Was that the girl (who) he came Was that the girl with whom he

with? came?

It is a golf club (which) many It is a golf club to which many

collage students belong to. collage students belong.

I love the family (that) I live with. I love the family with whom I live.

Do they know the boy (that) Mary Do they know the boy to whom

is talking to? Mary is talking?

Prepositions + Participle Clauses

A noun in the form of the present participle of a verb can also appear after prepositions. Present participles can also be used

as an object of prepositions.

In spite of studying, she didn't pass the

exams.

After eating breakfast, I waited for Elena.

Certain prepositions require a participle as their object and cannot be used with a bare infinitive. These prepositions are

commonly used with:

prepositional verbs: interested in, keen on, proud of, sick of, sorry about/for, etc.

certain adjectives: advantage of, chance of, choice between, etc.

nouns that require prepositions: accuse of, agree with, apologize for, etc.

I'm interested in cooking. (Not 'I'm

interested in cook.')

You have a choice between watching the

movie with German or Spanish subtitles.

(Not 'You have a choice between watch ...')

I apologize for losing my temper. (Not 'I

apologize for lose my temper.')

Prepositions + Bare Infinitive Clauses

The object of certain prepositions can only be a bare infinitive, which is the base form of the verb. For example:

In order to win, you have to try your best.

(Not 'In order to winning...')

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