What is a Prepositional Phrase? Definition and Examples for AP Lang

📚 What is a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words consisting of a preposition, its object (a noun or pronoun), and any modifiers of the object. These phrases function as adjectives or adverbs, adding detail and context to sentences.

Quick Study Guide

• 📍 Definition: A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its object, and any modifiers.
• 🧩 Function: Acts as either an adjective (modifying a noun) or an adverb (modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb).
• 🧱 Structure: Preposition + (Modifiers) + Noun/Pronoun
• 🧭 Examples: on the table, in the morning, with great enthusiasm.
• 💡 Tip: To identify, first find the preposition, then determine its object.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a prepositional phrase?

   1. A. Running quickly
   2. B. Under the bridge
   3. C. She sings
   4. D. Very tall

2. In the sentence, 'The book on the shelf is mine,' what is the prepositional phrase?

   1. A. The book
   2. B. Is mine
   3. C. On the shelf
   4. D. The shelf

3. What part of speech does the prepositional phrase 'after the game' modify in the sentence, 'We went out for pizza after the game'?

   1. A. Noun
   2. B. Verb
   3. C. Adjective
   4. D. Adverb

4. Which sentence uses a prepositional phrase as an adjective?

   1. A. He ran quickly.
   2. B. The house with the red door is beautiful.
   3. C. They ate dinner.
   4. D. She smiled happily.

5. Identify the preposition in the phrase: 'According to the plan'

   1. A. The
   2. B. Plan
   3. C. According to
   4. D. To the plan

6. Which of these is NOT a preposition?

   1. A. Above
   2. B. Below
   3. C. Quickly
   4. D. Behind

7. In the sentence, 'She walked toward the light,' what is the object of the preposition?

   1. A. She
   2. B. Walked
   3. C. Toward
   4. D. The light