PrepositionsA preposition is a word that shows the relationship of

a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence.

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or a pronoun

that is called the object of the preposition.

Examples of Prepositions1. The diamonds in the vault are priceless.

- In shows the relationship between the diamonds and the object of the preposition, vault.

2. The telephone rang four times during dinner. - During shows the relationship between rang and

the object of the preposition, dinner.

3. Here is a gift for you. - For relates gift for the object of the preposition, you.

Commonly Used PrepositionsAboard Beneath In Regarding

About Beside Inside Respecting

Above Besides Into Since

Across Between Like through

After Beyond Near Throughout

Against But (except) Of To

Along By Off Toward

Amid Concerning On Under

Among Despite Onto Underneath

Around Down Opposite Until

As During Out Up

At Except Outside Upon

Before Excepting Over With

Behind For Past Within

Below From Pending Without

Compound PrepositionA compound preposition is a preposition

that is made up of more than one word.According to Because of Instead of

Ahead of By means of Next to

Along with Except for On account of

Apart from In addition to On top of

Aside from In front of Out of

As to In spite of Owing to

Preposition vs. AdverbNote: Some words may be used as either

prepositions or adverbs. A word is used as a preposition if it has a noun or a pronoun as its object. A word is used as an adverb if it does not have an object.

Word used as a Prep. Word used as an Adverb

I left my boots outside the back door. I left my boots outside.

The speech was over my head. The speech was over.

Everyone came aboard the boat. Everyone came aboard.

PracticeWrite each prepositional phrase. Underling the preposition and draw a

circle around the object of the preposition.

1. The paramedics responded to the emergency call.2. How many sandwiches shall we make for the picnic?3. From the porch I could see all the way to the river.4. Everyone at the twin’s party received a prize except Anjelica.5. We stayed up until midnight. The UFO never reappeared.6. In spite of Emilio’s objections, the immigration officer refused him

entry to Mexico.7. Prior to Jorge’s arrival, geometry was boring. Now, however, we look

forward to every class.8. Alicia stood before the huge audience and gave her speech with

confidence.9. Is Helena the capital of Washing or Montana?10. The rabbit squeezed under the fence, hopped out of the yard, and

stopped for a moment by the brook.