SUBJECT: ENGLISH LANGUAGE

TOPIC: STRUCTURE | SUB-TOPIC: PHRASES LESSON #3: Prepositional Phrases, Gerund Phrases and Infinitive Phrases TEACHER: Anthony Simukonde

Prepositional

phrases consist of a preposition and its object. They most commonly function as adverbs, but they can also be adjectival.

Prepositional phrase examples and how they appear in a sentence

• on the wall — preposition on + object the wall

Sentence: We hung the painting on the wall. (adverbial prepositional phrase)

• in the driveway — preposition in + object the driveway Sentence: The car in the driveway is my uncle’s. (adjectival prepositional phrase)

PREPOSITIONAL Phrases

II.

A gerund phrase is formed when a gerund (the “- ing” form of a verb used as a noun) is accompanied by any modifiers and/or objects. The entire phrase functions as a noun, meaning it can be the subject of a clause or an object of a verb or preposition.

Gerund Phrases

Gerund phrase examples and how they appear in a sentence swimming every day — gerund swimming + adverbial phrase every day Sentence: Swimming every day is good for your health.

• reading books in the dark — gerund reading + object books + adverbial prepositional phrase in the dark Sentence: I would not recommend reading books in the dark.

III. Infinitive Phrases

Infinitive phrases are composed of the infinitive of a verb (the base form + the particle to) along with any objects or modifiers associated with it. Infinitives and infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.

Infinitive and how sentence

phrase examples they appear in a

• to help one another — infinitive to help + object one another

Sentence: (a) We must all try to help one another. (functions as a noun, the direct object of try)

• to stop for today — infinitive to stop + adverbial prepositional phrase for today

Sentence: (b) This is a good place to stop for today. (functions as an adjective, modifying the noun place)

• to send my brother a letter — infinitive to send + indirect object my brother + direct object a letter Sentence: (c) I am going to the post office to send my brother a letter. (functions as an adverb, modifying the verb going

EXERCISE

In each of the following sentences, identify the prepositional phrases by way of underlining. 1. 2. 3.

Sechelani thinks this is the beginning of a great friendship.

I always think I rescued you from the lion’s jaws. In this town, the fewer 4. people better. you know the

My father always said life was like a box of chocolates.