The item of a preposition is the noun or pronoun ruled by the preposition in a prepositional phrase. There are fairly a couple of completely different grammatical ideas crammed into that not-so-long sentence! However don’t fear—by the point you end this information, you’ll have all of the context it’s worthwhile to perceive what the item of a preposition is and learn how to use one.
What’s a preposition?
Prepositions categorical the connection between a noun (or a phrase appearing like a noun)—the object of the preposition—and one other aspect of a sentence. The relationships prepositions can present embody bodily place (about, above, under, on, and below), course (in, into, to, towards), time (after, earlier than, throughout, till), and supply (from, of, out of). Listed here are some instance sentences utilizing frequent prepositions:
The cat below the mattress is sleeping quietly.
We headed into the gallery opening after chatting exterior.
Earlier than making a significant determination, it’s a good suggestion to get sufficient sleep the night time earlier than.
Would you thoughts stopping to select up some bread from that bakery we love?
The preposition, the item of the preposition, and any phrases that modify the item of the preposition collectively make up a prepositional phrase. Within the above examples, the prepositional phrases are below the mattress, into the gallery opening, earlier than making a significant determination, and from that bakery we love.
What’s the object of a preposition?
The item of a preposition is the noun or pronoun being acted on, referenced, or affected by the preposition in a prepositional phrase. It’s the phrase or group of phrases that has a relationship with one thing else within the sentence that the prepositional phrase is expressing. In nearly each case, it’s the noun or pronoun that seems after the preposition. Listed here are the identical examples from above, this time exhibiting the objects of the prepositions:
The cat below the mattress is sleeping quietly.
We headed into the gallery opening after chatting on the sidewalk.
Earlier than making a significant determination, it’s a good suggestion to get a strong night time of sleep.
Would you thoughts stopping to select up some bread from that bakery we love?
Compounds and clauses as objects of prepositions
Typically, the item of a preposition isn’t a single noun or pronoun however a compound object or a noun clause.
When the item of a preposition is a compound, it contains two or extra nouns or pronouns joined by a coordinating conjunction:
The pouch stuffed with nickels and dimes weighed over a pound.
Nobody knew concerning the conferences, lunches, or workshops that had been arising.
A noun clause can even function the item of a preposition:
We are going to work with whichever contractor comes most extremely beneficial.
The soup kitchen serves meals to whomever wants it.
What else is in a prepositional phrase?
Any phrases in prepositional phrases which can be neither the preposition nor the item of the preposition work collectively to change the item. Right here is without doubt one of the sentences we’ve been once more, this time with solely the phrases aside from the preposition and the item of the preposition in daring:
Earlier than making a significant determination, it’s a good suggestion to get a strong night time of sleep.
The phrases modifying the item of the preposition can come after it as effectively, and they are often clauses or phrases—even total prepositional phrases contained inside the primary prepositional phrase. Listed here are a couple of extra examples:
Would you thoughts stopping to select up some bread from that bakery we love?
Right here, along with the adjective that, the adjective clause [that] we love can be modifying bakery.
She took benefit of the lower-than-average rates of interest and acquired a home.
Right here, the article the and the adjective phrase decrease than common are modifying rates of interest, which is the item of the preposition of.
We’re studying every little thing to do with objects of prepositions.
Right here, the prepositional phrase of prepositions is modifying objects, which is itself the item of the preposition with.
Suggestions for utilizing objects of prepositions appropriately
Staying alert about a few guidelines may help you employ objects of prepositions confidently in your writing.
Topic-verb settlement
When a prepositional phrase modifies the topic of a sentence and seems between the topic and the verb, the whole phrase—not merely the item of the preposition—is the topic that the verb should agree with in quantity:
Pronoun case
When the item of a preposition is a pronoun, it ought to all the time be within the goal case.
Will you include me to the get together on Friday?
They explored the choices close to them earlier than deciding the place to eat.
I have to get in contact with whom?
Extra examples of objects of prepositions
It’s finest to learn the chapters of the e-book within the order they’re introduced.
Once we acquired to the seashore, we knew we had chosen the fitting vacation spot.
I put the remainder of your sandwich within the fridge.
Earlier than coming to the get together, that they had gone to a film.
He was away for what appeared like an unusually very long time.
It’s by no means a good suggestion to park in entrance of a hydrant.
In case you get there earlier than me, will you gentle us a hearth?
Object of a preposition FAQs
What’s a preposition?
A preposition is a operate phrase that hyperlinks a noun or pronoun with one other a part of the sentence to point out a relationship between them. The relationships they’ll categorical embody bodily place (about, above, under, on, and below), course (in, into, to, towards), time (after, earlier than, throughout, till), and supply (from, of, out of).
What’s the object of a preposition?
The item of a preposition is the noun or pronoun, normally following the preposition, that the preposition hyperlinks to the opposite aspect within the sentence. When the item of a preposition is a pronoun, it must be within the goal case. The item of a preposition could be a compound or a noun clause, in addition to a single noun or pronoun.
What’s a prepositional phrase?
A prepositional phrase is a bunch of phrases that accommodates, at minimal, a preposition and its object.
What different phrases can seem in a prepositional phrase?
In addition to the preposition and its object, a prepositional phrase can even comprise phrases that modify the item of the preposition. They are often adjectives, adjective clauses, or adjective phrases, together with prepositional phrases.
