PhrasesHub

Prepositional phrases

    Definitions

      • indicating location or direction
        to provide information about where or when something is happening

      • expressing a relationship between two things
        to show the relationship between two elements in a sentence

    Examples of Prepositional phrases

    • The speaker's remarks fell on deaf ears.

      This idiom means that the speaker's remarks were ignored or not listened to. The prepositional phrase "on deaf ears" is used to describe the situation where something is said, but it is not heard because the person or people being addressed cannot hear it, or they are refusing to listen.

    • He ran into an old friend on the street.

      This idiom means that the person bumped into or met an old acquaintance unexpectedly. The prepositional phrase "into" is commonly used to indicate an impact or a collision, but in this case, it is used metaphorically to describe the chance meeting.

    • She likes to dress up for a night out on the town.

      This idiom means that the person enjoys getting dressed up for a social event or night out in a lively or bustling area. The prepositional phrase "out on the town" is a figurative expression that refers to a place that is popular for socializing, dining, or entertainment.

    • The police are looking for the suspects who fled the scene of the crime.

      This idiom means that the law enforcement officials are searching for the criminal(s) who escaped after committing a wrongdoing. The prepositional phrase "of the crime" clarifies the specific context where the incident occurred.Note: In each example, the prepositional phrase is grammatically correct and contributes to the meaning of the sentence. The usage of these phrases can be creative and varied, but it's essential to ensure that they are inserted appropriately into sentences to convey the right sense.

    • She has a green thumb for gardening.

      This idiom, "green thumb," refers to someone's natural ability to grow plants. In this sentence, it is used as a prepositional phrase that modifies "she," signifying that the person being described has an innate talent for gardening.

    • The car ran like clockwork after the tune-up.

      This idiom, "ran like clockwork," implies that the car functioned smoothly and reliably. In this sentence, it is used as a prepositional phrase that modifies "the car," conveying that the vehicle operated exceptionally well after its recent maintenance.

    • We're going to the moon in

      This idiom, "going to the moon," is figurative and means achieving a far-fetched, ambitious goal. In this sentence, it is used as a prepositional phrase that modifies "we're going," implying that the speaker and their companions aspire to attain an extraordinary objective in 2024.

    • The baby slept through the night for the first time.

      This idiom, "slept through the night," refers to a child sleeping for an entire 6-8 hour period. In this sentence, it is used as a prepositional phrase that modifies "the baby," conveying that the child stayed asleep for an extended stretch of time, which is a significant milestone for newborns.


    Conclusion

    "Prepositional phrases" are used to provide information about location, direction, time, or the relationship between two things in a sentence. They are essential for adding detail and clarity to written and spoken language. By using prepositional phrases, speakers and writers can give specific information about the location or timing of an event, as well as the relationship between different elements in a sentence.

    Origin of "Prepositional phrases"

    The use of prepositions and prepositional phrases dates back to Old English and has evolved over time through various languages, including Latin and French. The word "preposition" comes from the Latin word "praepositio," which means "placement before." Prepositional phrases have been a fundamental part of English grammar for centuries, helping to convey precise information about location, time, and relationships between different elements in a sentence. Examples of prepositional phrases in Old English texts demonstrate their importance in providing context and clarity in communication. Over time, the use of prepositional phrases has become a standard part of English grammar, essential for conveying detailed information in both written and spoken language.