Prepositional Phrase Examples + 70 Sentences For Better English

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, which is called the object of the preposition. These phrases provide detail and context in a sentence, helping to describe where, when, how, and why something happens. Today, we are going to look at 70 prepositional phrase examples so that we can see how they are used in natural English!

Prepositional Phrase Examples

Prepositional phrases often begin with common prepositions like “in,” “on,” “at,” “under,” “over,” “between,” and many others. They give more information about time, location, or manner. Here are 10 prepositional phrase examples to get you started. I would recommend reading and repeating them all, to get comfortable with how to use them in speech.

1. The keys are on the table.
2. Ophelia walked into the room.
3. He sat by the window.
4. They traveled across the country.
5. We had lunch under the tree.
6. The meeting is at noon.
7. I found the book in the library.
8. He stood by the door.
9. We stayed in a hotel near the beach.
10. The dog slept beside the fireplace.

These examples show how prepositional phrases describe where things are or where actions happen.

Related: How To Use Phrasal Verbs In Sentences: Super Guide!

Prepositional Phrase Examples to Show Time

Prepositional phrases can also indicate time or duration. In these cases, they help answer questions like “When?” or “For how long?” Here are 10 more prepositional phrase examples that describe time:

11. We will meet in the morning.
12. The concert starts at 7 PM.
13. Liam worked for two hours.
14. She has been living here since last year.
15. We stayed until midnight.
16. The event is on Monday.
17. I will call you after the meeting.
18. The store is closed during the holidays.
19. He returned in a week.
20. She traveled abroad for a month.

These prepositional phrases give specific details about when an action occurs or how long it lasts.

Related: 50 Sentences With Despite For Better Speaking And Contrast

Prepositional phrase examples to indicate location or place

Prepositional phrases can also indicate location or place. They help explain where something is happening or where something is located. Here are 10 prepositional phrase examples related to place:

21. The children are playing in the park.
22. The cat is hiding under the bed.
23. Jake placed the box on the shelf.
24. Eve walked through the door.
25. The letter is in the envelope.
26. We met at the bus stop.
27. There is a book on the desk.
28. The restaurant is near the park.
29. They live on the other side of town.
30. The store is down the street.

These sentences use prepositional phrases to describe physical locations and where things happen.

Prepositional Phrases with Adjectives and Nouns

Prepositional phrases can be used to describe people, things, or conditions more specifically. In this case, they give more detail about a noun or adjective. Here are 10 prepositional phrase examples that combine prepositions with adjectives and nouns:

31. Debbie is full of energy.
32. The woman with the red dress is my aunt.
33. The boy in the blue shirt is my brother.
34. The book on the table is mine.
35. He is afraid of spiders.
36. The man with the glasses is my father.
37. I am tired of waiting.
38. He is proud of his accomplishments.
39. The movie with the best reviews was sold out.
40. Sally is interested in art.

These examples show how prepositional phrases can describe the qualities or details about nouns and adjectives.

Prepositional Phrases for Direction or Movement

Prepositional phrases are also useful when describing direction or movement. These phrases often begin with prepositions like “to,” “into,” or “onto,” showing where someone or something is going. Here are 10 prepositional phrase examples that describe movement or direction:

41. The dog ran into the yard.
42. Mr. Kline walked to the store.
43. The children are jumping onto the trampoline.
44. They drove across the city.
45. I went up the stairs.
46. The car turned left at the intersection.
47. He dived into the pool.
48. She walked out of the room.
49. The birds flew over the hills.
50. We walked down the street.

These sentences highlight how prepositional phrases show the direction or movement of an object or person.

Prepositional Phrases to Show Manner

Prepositional phrases can also be used to describe how something is done, which adds more detail to the action. In this case, the preposition provides information about the manner in which something happens. Here are 10 prepositional phrase examples that describe manner:

51. Lucy sang with joy!
52. He completed the task with ease.
53. She spoke with confidence.
54. The children played with enthusiasm.
55. Nathan painted the picture with great skill.
56. I completed the project with care.
57. The team won the game with determination.
58. He solved the problem with patience.
59. They worked with great attention to detail.
60. She danced with grace.

These examples show how prepositional phrases can add depth to actions, describing the manner in which they occur.

Combining Prepositional Phrases for More Detail

You can combine multiple prepositional phrases in one sentence to provide even more detail about a situation. By using more than one prepositional phrase, you can describe actions more vividly, showing time, place, manner, and direction in one sentence. Here are 10 more prepositional phrase examples:

61. The book is on the shelf in the living room.
62. They stayed at the hotel by the beach during the summer.
63. I arrived at the airport before dawn with my luggage.
64. Becky walked through the door with a smile on her face.
65. He sat on the couch next to the window.
66. The children are playing in the yard near the house.
67. I spoke with him about the project in the office.
68. They enjoyed the concert under the stars by the lake.
69. The cat is sleeping on the couch in the corner of the room.
70. We ate dinner at the French restaurant across the street from the park.

In these sentences, multiple prepositional phrases add a detailed picture of where, when, and how actions are taking place.

FAQs for Prepositional phrases

Here are some often-asked questions which can serve as a handy review, or to get an even deeper understanding of what prepositional phrases are and also how to use them:

What Do Prepositional Phrases Do?

Prepositional phrases show the relationship between different parts of a sentence. They often tell you where, when, or how something happens. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun. For example, in the phrase “under the table,” “under” is the preposition, and “the table” is the object of the preposition. Prepositional phrases can add details and clarity to a sentence, making it more specific and complete.

Why Are Prepositional Phrases Important?

Prepositional phrases add important information to sentences. They help us understand more clearly where or when something happens. For instance, saying “She sat in the park” is more informative than just saying “She sat.” Without prepositional phrases, sentences would lack detail, making them harder to understand. They also show relationships between actions and objects, helping to explain things more clearly. This makes communication more effective and precise.

What Do All Prepositional Phrases Have in Common?

A prepositional phrase includes three essential parts: a preposition, an object, and any modifiers that describe the object. The preposition shows the relationship between the object and another part of the sentence. The object is usually a noun or pronoun, and modifiers can add more detail to the object. These elements work together to create a more specific meaning.

• Modifiers: Descriptive words for the object (e.g., “large” in “under the large table”).
• Preposition: Indicates the relationship (e.g., “on” in “on the table”).
• Object: The noun or pronoun (e.g., “the table” in “on the table”).

Which Sentence Uses a Prepositional Phrase?

To identify a prepositional phrase, look for a group of words starting with a preposition (like “in,” “on,” “under,” “at,” “between”) and ending with a noun or pronoun. Here’s a set of six sentences—some include a prepositional phrase, and some don’t. Your task is to figure out which ones have them!

1. The dog ran across the yard.
2. She is reading a book.
3. He went to the store after work.
4. They walked along the beach at sunset.
5. The students studied hard for the test.
6. I saw a bird fly past the window.

Answers: Sentences 1, 3, 4, and 6 contain prepositional phrases.

How Do I Identify a Prepositional Phrase?

To find a prepositional phrase, look for words that begin with prepositions like “in,” “on,” “at,” “under,” or “between.” After the preposition, look for a noun or pronoun that acts as the object. For example, in the sentence “The cat slept under the table,” “under the table” is the prepositional phrase. The word “under” is the preposition, and “the table” is the object. Once you spot these elements together, you’ve found a prepositional phrase!

Prepositional phrase examples: better English description!

I hope that you have enjoyed reading through and repeating all of today’s prepositional phrase examples! As you will have seen, they add depth and detail to your sentences. Whether you’re describing where something is, when something happens, how something is done, or the direction of movement, prepositional phrases help make your writing more specific and clear. By practicing with these examples, you’ll be able to use prepositional phrases effectively in your everyday conversations and writing.