Friday, March 23, 2018

Prepositional phrases

Prepositional phrases have the following basic structure:

        Premodifier            Preposition            Complement

         just                         after                        the game      

The complement in a prepositional phrase is most commonly a noun phrase:

            in London

            around the world

            across our street

            through the open window

Clauses can also function as the complement in a prepositional
phrase:

            It’s a good way of reducing the debt.

            He succeeded by working hard.

Prepositional phrases usually consist of a preposition followed by itscomplement. Premodifiers in a prepositional phrase are quite rare,but here are some examples:

             just after the game

             straight across the road

             right around the building

The functions of prepositional phrases

                     The major functions of prepositional phrases are:

  Postmodifier of a noun:

              The population of China is growing.

              The demand for British steel has dropped dramatically.

               Caroline is reading a book on Renaissance painting.

2     Adjunct:

               I’ve got to see the doctor on Wednesday.

               Before the war, he played football for Leeds United.

               We met David beside the river.

3     Subject complement:

              Your lunch is in the microwave.

              The other gift is for James.

              Phil Collins was with a band called Genesis.

 Postmodifier of an adjective:

              Sarah is very proud of her achievements.

              The villagers are not very tolerant of strangers.

              The officers were found guilty of disreputable conduct.

5    Object complement:

               Sue has a job putting cards in alphabetical order.

               I am obliged to place these matters before the jury.

               She’s got a drawing board on her knee.