English Grammar Index


Phrasal Prepositions :


A phrase Preposition consists of a preposition followed by a prepositional complement. The complement is usually a noun phrase.

1. Preposition + a noun phrase :
   
   As usual, her bright smile greeted me at the breakfast table.
   
   
   
2. Preposition + a noun-cause :
   
   She came from what she called a small farm of two hundred acres.
   
   
   
3. Preposition + an – ing clause :
   
   Benjamin tried to shake off his fears by looking at the sky.
   
   
   
4. Preposition + an adverb :
   
   You can see the station from here.
   
   
   

Functions of Phrase Prepositions :

1. Phrase Preposition as an adverbial :
   
   We may need you to do some work in the evening.
   
   To my surprise the doctor phoned the next morning.
   
   Finally I went back to my old job.
   
   
   
2. Phrase Preposition as a modifier in a noun phrase :
   
   She felt she had no chance of promotion.
   
   We’ve rented this COTTAGE in the country.
   
   The NOISE from the sitting-room was deafening.
   
   
   
3. Phrase Preposition as a verb complement :
   
   You mustn’t worry too much about this.
   
   
   
4. Phrase Preposition as a complement of an adjective :
   
   I’m terribly bad at dates.
   
   Planners are worried about the noise.
   
   Would you be interested in writing an article?
   
   Before lunch is when I do my best work.