1.

Identify the function of each underlined prepositional phrase by writing the appropriate
abbreviation in the brackets after it.

1. of money =pN
2. with little campaign money =A
3. on television=A
4. of opposing candidates = pN
5. of politicians=pAdj

2.Identify each prepositional phrase in the sentences below, and indicate whether it is

an adverbial

an adverbial complement

a postmodifier in a noun phrase

a postmodifier of an adjective

1. at the bank= adverbial complement

2. with him= adverbial; at a restaurant= adverbial
3. in the afternoon=adverbial; at home= adverbial complement
4. at the hospital=postmodifier in a noun phrase; of practical jokes= postmodifier of an
adjective
5. in pain= postmodifier in a noun phrase; from their doctor=adverbial
6. at my first operation=adverbial
7. as a result=adverbial; up medicine=postmodifier of a verb
8. in fact=adverbial; of us= postmodifier of an adjective
9. in any case=adverbial; in 1927=adverbial; over the retirement age= adverbial complement

3.Indicate whether the underlined words are subordinators or prepositions by putting ’S’ or ’P’ in the
brackets that follow each word.

While (S); in (P)

with (P);

that (S); for (P);

since (S); from (P);

on (P);

because (S); Although (S);

with (P);

to (P); since (P)

4. Put parentheses around each prepositional phrase.

1. (from her house); (to her office); (in ten minutes)

2. (in Chicago); (for a long while)

3. (for Henry); (on his retirement)

4. (Without blinking an eye); (at the rattlesnake)

5. (about what he had seen); (of it)

6. (for them); (before locking the door)

7. (Outside the auditorium); (to their singing)

8. (Near the alley); (in tennis shoes)

5.Rewrite the sentences below, moving prepositions to alternative positions that they can occur in.
You may need to make some consequent changes.

1. The secretary is the person to whom you should send your application.

2. Relativity is a theory (that) many modern theories in physics are based on.

3. To whom are you writing?

4. This article is one to which researchers in economics often make reference.

5. Who does John plan to do the work for?

6. Both of the workers are people in whom I have a lot of trust.

7. On what platform are we supposed to be?

8. The women are authors from whose books we have obtained much valuable information.
6.Find all the prepositions in the following sentences (simple or complex).

1. The guard in the lobby is of no use, with respect to crime prevention.

2. As for the weather, we will have rain during the weekend.
3. They went into the haunted house with no fear.
4. Marvin went along with us to the matinee.
5. In spite of the rain and despite any objections, we are going to the beach without any delay.

7.Rephrase the italicized that-clauses and infinitive clauses as prepositional phrases.

1. He was surprised that she said that. -> He was surprised at her saying that.
2. She was conscious that someone was there. -> She was conscious of someone being there.
3. He is eager to succeed. -> He is eager for success.
4. They are ashamed that they talked so loud. -> They are ashamed of talking so loud.
5. She is careful to watch for cars.-> She is careful about watching for cars.
6. You are entitled to receive a prize. -> You are entitled to a prize.
7. I am inclined to prefer the red car. -> I am inclined towards the red car.
8. The team was sorry that it rained. -> The team was sorry about the rain/for the rain.
9. He strives to make better grades. -> He strives for better grades.
10. We agreed that we would follow a certain route. -> We agreed on following a certain route.
11. She has heard that there was a bomb alarm. -> She has heard about a bomb alarm.
12. Someone told him that there was to be a race. -> Someone told him about a race.
13. The committee decided to adjourn early. -> The committee decided on/upon an early
adjournment.

8.Underline each prepositional phrase and circle each preposition. If a prepositional phrase is
embedded within another prepositional phrase, underline it twice.

1. It may come as a surprise to you that massage is mentioned in ancient Hindu Chinese
writings. prepositions: as, to, in
2. It is a natural therapy for aches and pains in the muscles. prepositions: for, in
3. The Swedish technique of massage emphasizes improving circulation by manipulation.
prepositions: of, by
4. Its value is recognized by many doctors. preposition: by
5. Some doctors refer to massage as manipulative medicine. prepositions: to, as
6. Non-professionals can learn to give a massage, but they should be careful about applying
massage to severe muscle spasms. (prepositions: about, to)
7. The general rule is that what feels good to you will feel good to others. (prepositions: to, to)
8. A warm room, a comfortable table, and a bottle of oil are the main requirements.
(preposition: of)
9. The amount of pressure you can apply depends on the pain threshold of the person on the
table. (on the table -> underlined three times) (prepositions: of, on, of, on)
10. You can become addicted to massages. (preposition: to)