Navigation

Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases are used to show the relationship between a noun and other words in a sentence, like where something is located or when something happens.

B1Prepositions

What is a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words that starts with a preposition, which is a word that shows the relationship between a noun and other words in a sentence.

  • The formation pattern of a prepositional phrase typically includes a preposition (like in, on, under) followed by an object (a noun or pronoun), such as in the book or under the table.
  • We use prepositional phrases to describe locations, like in the kitchen or on the second floor.

When to Use Prepositional Phrases

  • We use prepositional phrases to describe where something is, like in a room or on a specific street.
  • They are also used to talk about when something happens, such as at 5 o'clock or in the morning.
  • Additionally, prepositional phrases help us describe how something is done, like with ease or by hand.

Example Sentences

  • The book is on the table.
  • She is in the kitchen cooking dinner.
  • The meeting will be at 5 o'clock.
  • The hotel is near the beach.
  • The park is across the street from my house.
  • The movie starts at 8 o'clock tonight.

Common Mistakes

  • Wrong: The book in the table. Correct: The book is on the table.
  • Wrong: She in kitchen. Correct: She is in the kitchen.
  • Wrong: The meeting at five o'clock start. Correct: The meeting starts at 5 o'clock.

Memory Trick

A helpful trick to remember is that prepositions often answer questions like where, when, or how, so try to think about what information you want to convey when using a prepositional phrase.

Quick check
The book is _____ the table.

Where this matters in your exam

Prepositional phrases are important in IELTS Writing Task 2 to clearly describe locations and ideas, and in IELTS Listening to understand conversations about places and directions. They are assessed based on their correct usage and the clarity of the message being conveyed.

  • Writing Task 2

    Using prepositional phrases helps to create clear and well-structured essays.

  • Listening Section 2

    Understanding prepositional phrases helps to follow conversations about maps and directions.