2. A preposition shows the relationship
between a noun or pronoun and
another noun or pronoun. It
combines with nouns and pronouns
to show these relationships.
the cat under the tree – The
preposition “under” shows the
relationship of the cat to the tree.
3. There are several prepositions. You will need to
memorize them in order to learn to identify them in a
sentence.
aboard
about
above
across
after
against
along
amid
among
anti
around
as
at
before
behind
below
beneath
beside
besides
between
beyond
but
by
concerning
considering
despite
down
during
except
excepting
excluding
following
for
from
in
inside
into
like
minus
near
of
off
on
onto
opposite
outside
over
past
per
plus
regarding
round
save
since
than
through
to
toward
towards
under
underneath
unlike
until
up
upon
versus
via
with
within
without
4. Prepositional phrases are formed with a
preposition and a noun or pronoun. Sometimes
these phrases include modifiers. The phrases are
used as adjectives or adverbs within the sentence.
The girl stopped at the door.
At the door tells us where the “stop” took
place. Therefore, this phrase is used as
an adverb describing stopped.
The boy in the gray shirt walked.
In the gray shirt describes the boy.
Therefore, this phrase is used as an
adjective.
Stopped
where?
Which boy?
5. Infinitives
to + a verb
She like to dance.
To dance is the infinitive.
to + a verb is not a
preposition!
6. Unlike prepositional phrases,
infinitives are not just
modifiers. They can be
subjects or objects.
To swim is the best
exercise.
Here the infinitive is the subject.
She likes to run.
Here the infinitive is the direct object.
