The prepositional phrase consists of two major parts:
1. the preposition 2. the object of the preposition
The object is the noun (or pronoun) attached to the sentence by the preposition. That noun might be a true noun, a noun phrase, or a noun clause. The entire unit then acts in two major ways:
1. as an adjective 2. as an adverb
Let’s look at various types of prepositional phrases. Note especially that various noun forms can serve as the object of the preposition:
| Preposition | Object | Type of Noun | Example and Function of Prepositional Phrase |
| under | the table | true noun | The book under the table belongs to Juan. (adjective prepositional phrase modifying book) |
| of | winning with class | -ing verb phrase (gerund) | He is the model of winning with class. (adjective prepositional phrase modifying model) |
| of | whether this case applies | noun clause | The question of whether this case applies troubled the court. (adjective prepositional phrase modifying question) |
| because of | his diligence | true noun | Because of his diligence, he won the debate. (adverbial prepositional phrase modifying won) |
| according to | scientific principles | true noun | He conducted the experiment according to scientific principles. (adverbial prepositional phrase modifying conducted) |
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