Overview
This lesson continues the series on the eight parts of speech, focusing on prepositions: their definitions, types, and functions in sentences.
Definition and Function of Prepositions
- Prepositions are words that relate nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence.
- They show locations, positions, and directions in sentences.
- Common prepositions include in, on, at, for, with, and by.
- Prepositions can sometimes also act as adverbs or conjunctions, depending on their use.
Identifying Prepositions vs Other Parts of Speech
- If the word connects two clauses, it acts as a conjunction (e.g., "before" in "before he went to the hospital").
- If the word answers when or how, it may function as an adverb (e.g., "before" in "Matthew visited his mother in the hospital before").
- If the word is followed by an object (noun or pronoun), it functions as a preposition (e.g., "before the bed").
Types of Prepositions
- Simple prepositions: single words like at, in, on.
- Phrasal (Compound) prepositions: made of two or more words (e.g., in view of, next to).
Prepositional Phrases and Their Functions
- A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition and its object (noun or pronoun).
- Examples: inside the green box, within the yellow lane, on top of the wooden table.
- Prepositional phrases function as adjectives if describing a noun/pronoun (e.g., "on the roof" describes "cat").
- They function as adverbs if describing a verb (e.g., "under the bed" describes "sleeps").
Key Terms & Definitions
- Preposition — a word showing the relationship of a noun/pronoun to another word in the sentence.
- Phrasal Preposition — a preposition made of two or more words, used together.
- Prepositional Phrase — a group of words consisting of a preposition and its object.
- Object of the Preposition — the noun or pronoun following a preposition.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Write five sentences about the given picture using at least one preposition and object in each sentence.
- Encircle the preposition and underline the prepositional phrase in your sentences.
- Prepare your sentences for checking during the live session.
- Review the lesson or consult with the teacher if you have questions.