Lesson 182 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning.

Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase. Notice that some prepositional phrases may be adverbs or adjectives because of their location in the sentence.

 

Instructions: Pick out the prepositional phrases in these sentences, identify what they tell us, and what they modify.

1. The early settlers were very careless of our forests.

2. We divided the candy among the children at the party.

3. I still live in that stucco house in the next block.

4. The rooms of the house were dark and dreary.

5. The sound of whispers came to us through the window.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The early settlers were very careless of our forests.

- of our forests modifies careless (telling how)

2. We divided the candy among the children at the party.

- among the children modifies divided (telling how)

- at the party modifies children (telling which)

- or -

- at the party modifies divided (telling where)

3. I still live in that stucco house in the next block.

- in that stucco house modifies live (telling where)

- in the next block modifies house (telling which)

4. The rooms of the house were dark and dreary.

- of the house modifies rooms (telling which)

5. The sound of whispers came to us through the window.

- of whispers modifies sound telling what kind)

- to us modifies came (telling where)

- through the window modifies came (telling how)

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Lesson 382 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Use a semicolon between the two independent clauses of a compound sentence joined by a co-ordinate conjunction if commas are also used in the sentence. 

 

Example: 

Although the story is impossible, I believe you; and the others will, too.

Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. Since you asked my opinion, I will tell you and I hope you will listen well.

2. Although he is highly qualified, he is not dependable and I am afraid to hire him.

3. Because Sarah is absent a great deal, she has a hard time keeping up but she is willing to work overtime.

4. Although I prefer English, I know that math is important and I will work hard in both classes.

5. When you arrive on the train, take a taxi to the bus station or I can meet you at the train.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Since you asked my opinion, I will tell you; and I hope you will listen well.

2. Although he is highly qualified, he is not dependable; and I am afraid to hire him.

3. Because Sarah is absent a great deal, she has a hard time keeping up; but she is willing to work overtime.

4. Although I prefer English, I know that math is important; and I will work hard in both classes.

5. When you arrive on the train, take a taxi to the bus station; or I can meet you at the train.

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Lesson 181 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning.

Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase. Notice that some prepositional phrases may be adverbs or adjectives because of their location in the sentence.

 

Instructions: Pick out the prepositional phrases in these sentences, identify what they tell us, and what they modify.

1. The boys searched the beach for sand dollars.

2. The grass behind the house and near the fence is dying.

3. A deep ditch was dug near the boundary of the factory.

4. A pretty girl with brown hair and eyes sat near me at the banquet.

5. The three contestants listened carefully to each question.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The boys searched the beach for sand dollars.

- for sand dollars modifies searched (telling why)

2. The grass behind the house and near the fence is dying.

- behind the house and near the fence modify grass (telling which)

3. A deep ditch was dug near the boundary of the factory.

- near the boundary modifies was dug (telling where)

- of the factory modifies boundary (telling which)

4. A pretty girl with brown hair and eyes sat near me at the banquet.

- with brown hair and eyes modifies girl (telling what kind)

- near me and at the banquet modify sat (telling where)

5. The three contestants listened carefully to each question.

- to each question modifies listened (telling how)

 

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Lesson 381 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Semicolons

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Use a semicolon between two independent clauses of a compound sentence when they are not joined by a co-ordinate conjunction. 

 

Example: 

There was a sudden silence; everyone was stunned by the outcome.

Instructions: Place semicolons where they are needed in the following sentences.

1. Carl is tall his brother is short.

2. He knocked several times no one came to the door.

3. The siren blew loudly I rushed to the window the police raced pass as I looked out.

4. I waited several hours for you you did not return I became concerned.

5. My sister loves mysteries my brother likes technical manuals.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Carl is tall; his brother is short.

2. He knocked several times; no one came to the door.

3. The siren blew loudly; I rushed to the window; the police raced past as I looked out.

4. I waited several hours for you; you did not return; I became concerned.

5. My sister loves mysteries; my brother likes technical manuals.

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Quiz for Lessons 176 - 180 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other. Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning.

Instructions: Pick out the prepositional phrases in these sentences and tell what they modify.

1. A tree with sharp thorns grew beside the wall.

2. The airplane soared above the people on the field.

3. My uncle, the owner of the ranch, rode his horse past the house.

4. We followed the cougar by its tracks in the snow.

5. The bear tumbled over the fence and into some bushes.

6. Tons of wreckage were left after the tornado.

7. The highway wound over a hill and through a beautiful valley.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. A tree with sharp thorns grew beside the wall.

- with sharp thorns modifies tree (subject)

- beside the wall modifies grew

2. The airplane soared above the people on the field.

- above the people modifies soared

- on the field modifies people

3. My uncle, the owner of the ranch, rode his horse past the house.

- of the ranch modifies owner (appositive)

- past the house modifies rode

4. We followed the cougar by its tracks in the snow.

- by its tracks modifies followed

- in the snow modifies followed (telling where we followed it)

- or -

- in the snow modifies tracks (telling which tracks)

5. The bear tumbled over the fence and into some bushes.

- over the fence and into some bushes modify tumbled

6. Tons of wreckage were left after the tornado.

- of wreckage modifies Tons (subject)

- after the tornado modifies were left

7. The highway wound over a hill and through a beautiful valley.

- over a hill and through a beautiful valley modify wound

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Quiz for Lessons 376 - 380 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Quotation Marks

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Instructions: Rewrite the following, changing all indirect quotations to direct quotations and punctuating and paragraphing them correctly.

We had an interesting discussion last night. Mr. James who is a quiet, unassuming man said that he hasn't read about the election. I am afraid that I trust no one. Pam asked if he had voted for the president in the election. She said that everyone should vote each time. He replied that he had voted this time, but didn't think his vote would count for much. She asked if he had read in a popular magazine the article Every Vote Counts. We now know that every vote counts! Mr. James stated that he never knows how to vote. He needs to find an expert. Pam laughed and told him that he could come to her since the experts on television never agree on anything. I know better than the experts!

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

(The following answer is not the only way that you could correct the writing, but it will give some idea as to what should be done with the paragraph.)

We had an interesting discussion last night. Mr. James who is a quiet, unassuming man said, "I haven't read about the election. I am afraid that I trust no one."

Pam asked, "Did you vote for the president in the election? Everyone should vote each time."

He replied, "I voted this time, but I don't think my vote will count for much."

She asked, "Have you read in a popular magazine the article 'Every Vote Counts'? We now know that every vote counts!"

Mr. James stated, "I never know how to vote. I need to find an 'expert.'"

Pam laughed and told him, "You could come to me since the 'experts' on television never agree on anything. I know better than the 'experts'!"

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Lesson 180 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

Here is a list of common words that can be used as prepositions: about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, besides, between, beyond, but (when it means except), by, concerning, down, during, except, for, from, in, inside, into, like, near, of, off, on, out, outside, over, past, since, through, to, toward, under, until, up, upon, with, within, and without.

These words can be used as other parts of speech. What part of speech it is depends on how it is used in that sentence. Many of the common words used as prepositions can be used as adverbs. They are prepositions if they have an object to complete them. 

 

To decide which it is, say the preposition followed by whom or what. If a noun or a pronoun answers the question, the word is a preposition. If there is no noun or pronoun to complete the phrase, the word is not a preposition.

Example: The boy stood up and ran down the street. Up what? There is no object; therefore up is not a preposition. Down what? Street answers the question; therefore, down is a preposition. Down the street is the prepositional phrase starting with the preposition down and ending with the object street with a modifier the in between.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other. Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning.

Instructions: Pick out the prepositional phrases in these sentences and tell what they modify.

1. A number of javalinas appeared at the edge of the forest.

2. In the cage we saw a huge jaguar from the jungles of Brazil.

3. Everyone in the class finished the test at the same time.

4. The children were awakened by a sudden clap of loud thunder.

5. You can go to the Jazz game with us.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. A number of javalinas appeared at the edge of the forest.

- of javalinas modifies number (subject)

- at the edge modifies appeared

- of the forest modifies edge

2. In the cage we saw a huge jaguar from the jungles of Brazil.

- In the cage modifies saw

- from the jungles modifies jaguar (direct object)

- of Brazil modifies jungles

3. Everyone in the class finished the test at the same time.

- in the class modifies Everyone (subject)

- at the same time modifies finished

4. The children were awakened by a sudden clap of loud thunder.

- by a sudden clap modifies were awakened

- of loud thunder modifies clap

5. You can go to the Jazz game with us.

- to the Jazz game and with us modify can go

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Lesson 380 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Quotation Marks

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Place question marks and exclamation points inside quotation marks if they are part of the quotation. Place question marks and exclamation points outside the quotation marks if they pertain to more than the quotation.

Examples: 

Jim asked, "Where are you going?" 

Did Ann say, "I won't do it"?

"Are you sure!" exclaimed Becky. 

How happy she was to say, "I do"!

Instructions: Use quotation marks where needed in these sentences.

1. When Dad said that we were going camping, I shouted, What a great idea!

2. Mary asked, When are you going?

3. Didn't you hear me say, I will think about it?

4. Didn't you hear the policeman shout, Stop!?

5. We need protection from his kindness!

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. When Dad said that we were going camping, I shouted, "What a great idea!"

2. Mary asked, "When are you going?"

3. Didn't you hear me say, "I will think about it"?

4. Didn't you hear the policeman shout, "Stop!"?

5. We need protection from his "kindness"!

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Lesson 179 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

Here is a list of common words that can be used as prepositions: about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, besides, between, beyond, but (when it means except), by, concerning, down, during, except, for, from, in, inside, into, like, near, of, off, on, out, outside, over, past, since, through, to, toward, under, until, up, upon, with, within, and without.

These words can be used as other parts of speech. What part of speech it is depends on how it is used in that sentence. Many of the common words used as prepositions can be used as adverbs. They are prepositions if they have an object to complete them. 

 

To decide which it is, say the preposition followed by whom or what. If a noun or a pronoun answers the question, the word is a preposition. If there is no noun or pronoun to complete the phrase, the word is not a preposition.

Example: The boy stood up and ran down the street. Up what? There is no object; therefore up is not a preposition. Down what? Street answers the question; therefore, down is a preposition. Down the street is the prepositional phrase starting with the preposition down and ending with the object street with a modifier the in between.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning. Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase.

Instructions: Pick out the adverb prepositional phrases in these sentences and tell what they modify.

1. We are proud of the Jazz team and of their record.

2. The dark shadows stretched across the road and the park.

3. On the hill stands an old castle.

4. The employee came for his money.

5. Bill walked down the trail during the rain storm.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. We are proud of the Jazz team and of their record.

- of the Jazz team and of their record modify proud (predicate adjective)

2. The dark shadows stretched across the road and the park.

- across the road and the park modifies stretched

3. On the hill stands an old castle.

- on the hill modifies stands

4. The employee came for his money.

- for his money modifies came

5. Bill walked down the trail during the rain storm.

- down the trail and during the rain storm modify walked

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Lesson 379 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Quotation Marks

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Always place commas and periods inside quotation marks. 

 

Example: 

One famous painting is "The Song of the Lark."

Instructions: Use quotation marks where needed in these sentences.

1. I like the sea poem The Revenge.

2. I had hoped, said Bob, that you would be in the play.

3. I enjoyed the story The Milk Pitcher, the short story about baseball and a cow.

4. Yes, Captain Smith said, we can go sailing.

5. You never answer anything with the word yes.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I like the sea poem "The Revenge."

2. "I had hoped," said Bob, "that you would be in the play."

3. I enjoyed the story "The Milk Pitcher," the short story about baseball and a cow.

4. "Yes," Captain Smith said, "we can go sailing."

5. You never answer anything with the word "yes."

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Lesson 178 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

Here is a list of common words that can be used as prepositions: about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, besides, between, beyond, but (when it means except), by, concerning, down, during, except, for, from, in, inside, into, like, near, of, off, on, out, outside, over, past, since, through, to, toward, under, until, up, upon, with, within, and without.

These words can be used as other parts of speech. What part of speech it is depends on how it is used in that sentence. Many of the common words used as prepositions can be used as adverbs. They are prepositions if they have an object to complete them. 

 

To decide which it is, say the preposition followed by whom or what. If a noun or a pronoun answers the question, the word is a preposition. If there is no noun or pronoun to complete the phrase, the word is not a preposition.

Example: The boy stood up and ran down the street. Up what? There is no object; therefore up is not a preposition. Down what? Street answers the question; therefore, down is a preposition. Down the street is the prepositional phrase starting with the preposition down and ending with the object street with a modifier the in between.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adverb telling how, when, where, how much, and why and modifying the verb and sometimes an adjective. Adverb prepositional phrases can come anywhere in the sentence and can be moved within the sentence without changing the meaning. Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase.

Instructions: Pick out the adverb prepositional phrases in these sentences and tell what they modify.

1. The boys jumped quickly over the wall.

2. The old dog is troublesome in many ways.

3. The pirate map was hidden underneath a big rock.

4. The family was waiting for us at the rest stop.

5. In the morning I will come for the plans.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The boys jumped quickly over the wall.

- over the wall modifies jumped

2. The old dog is troublesome in many ways.

- in many ways modifies troublesome (predicate adjective)

3. The pirate map was hidden underneath a big rock.

- underneath a big rock modifies was hidden

4. The family was waiting for us at the rest stop.

- for us and at the rest stop modify was waiting

5. In the morning I will come for the plans.

- in the morning and for the plans modify will come

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Lesson 378 - Mechanics - Punctuation - Quotation Marks

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Use quotation marks to set off words or phrases used in a special sense: technical, ironical, coined, slang, and words used as words in informal writing. 

 

Examples: 

Grant always uses the word "terrific." 

The car driving slowly down the street went "ka-lunk! ka-lunk!"

Instructions: Use quotation marks where needed in these sentences.

1. Show us how you are the expert.

2. The delegates ended their peace talks with much angry shouting.

3. I know we can make that jalopy into a great hot rod.

4. The boss is going to can us all if we don't get on the ball.

5. Why do you always say the word excellent to every statement?

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. Show us how you are the "expert."

2. The delegates ended their "peace talks" with much angry shouting.

3. I know we can make that "jalopy" into a great "hot rod."

4. The boss is going to "can" us all if we don't "get on the ball."

5. Why do you always say the word "excellent" to every statement?

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Lesson 177 - Parts of the Sentence - Prepositional Phrases

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A preposition is a word that begins a prepositional phrase and shows the relationship between its object and another word in the sentence. A preposition must always have an object. A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition, ends with an object, and may have modifiers between the preposition and object of the preposition.

Here is a list of common words that can be used as prepositions: about, above, across, after, against, along, among, around, at, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, besides, between, beyond, but (when it means except), by, concerning, down, during, except, for, from, in, inside, into, like, near, of, off, on, out, outside, over, past, since, through, to, toward, under, until, up, upon, with, within, and without.

These words can be used as other parts of speech. What part of speech it is depends on how it is used in that sentence. Many of the common words used as prepositions can be used as adverbs. They are prepositions if they have an object to complete them. 

 

To decide which it is, say the preposition followed by whom or what. If a noun or a pronoun answers the question, the word is a preposition. If there is no noun or pronoun to complete the phrase, the word is not a preposition.

Example: The boy stood up and ran down the street. Up what? There is no object; therefore up is not a preposition. Down what? Street answers the question; therefore, down is a preposition. Down the street is the prepositional phrase starting with the preposition down and ending with the object street with a modifier the in between.

A prepositional phrase may be used as an adjective telling which or what kind and modifying a noun or pronoun. An adjective prepositional phrase will come right after the noun or pronoun that it modifies. If there are two adjective prepositional phrases together, one will follow the other. Only adjective prepositional phrases modify the object of the preposition in another prepositional phrase.

Instructions: Pick out the adjective prepositional phrases in these sentences and tell what they modify.

1. The book on the table in the English classroom is Barbara's book.

2. The girl in the neighboring house plays the flute every night.

3. Large blocks of the hardest granite formed the walls of the new building.

4. The roads of ancient Rome connected the cities of the empire.

5. I know that man in the gray suit and the suede shoes.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. The book on the table in the English classroom is Barbara's book.

- on the table modifies book

- in the English classroom modifies table

2. The girl in the neighboring house plays the flute every night.

- in the neighboring house modifies girl

3. Large blocks of the hardest granite formed the walls of the new building.

- of the hardest granite modifies blocks

- of the new building modifies walls

4. The roads of ancient Rome connected the cities of the empire.

- of ancient Rome modifies roads

- of the empire modifies cities

5. I know that man in the gray suit and the suede shoes.

- in the gray suit and the suede shoes modifies man

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