Being elements of parts of speech, it is used to form sentence in which it shows relations with other grammatical elements. Preposition plays vital functions as subject complement, adverbial complement and adjunct. So, describing functions of preposition is important to write error free sentence.
What does preposition do?
As definition, prepositions express relations of nouns or pronouns to the rest of the sentence or other grammatical elements.
And, Noun or pronoun used after Preposition is called object of preposition.
Preposition+ noun or pronoun = object of preposition(noun or pronoun)
Preposition phrase
The combination of preposition and noun or pronoun forms Preposition phrase. Like, “By train, on the table, at noon, etc.
Prepositional phrase is used as adjective or adverbial in sentence. Other functions depends on position in sentences.
Specifically, Preposition phrase acts as subject complement, adverbial complement and adjunct depending on the role and functions it plays.
Understanding Major functions of preposition
As I described earlier that “Preposition is a grammatical term used to express relationship of a noun or pronoun with the rest of the sentence”.
For example, on the table, in the sky, across the river, with a hammer, in the garden, etc.
“Object of preposition = preposition + noun, pronoun”
Let’s see some examples of major types of prepositions for general understanding.
Major types of Prepositions
Take a look at the following types of Prepositions.
1.Place— To, beside, between, At, In,
2.Time— At, In, on, since,
3.Reason— For, through, because,
4.Agency— By, With,
5.Connection— Of, To,
6.Origin— from, of,
7.Direction— To, From, Over, etc.
Some useful examples of prepositions
- He goes to swim in the morning. (Time)
- Don’t worry, today, we have fruits and eggs for breakfast.(purpose)
- So far, she never saw any snake. Therefore, she always gets afraid of snakes.
- The dog jumped on the table.(place)
- I always write with fountain pen.(instrument)
- His habits to run in the morning, is appreciable.(time)
Describing functions of preposition in detail
In Sentence structure, preposition plays the role of subject complement, adverbial complement and adjunct in the sentence depending on the position in the sentence.
Preposition isn’t always used simply but as phrase most of the time.
1. Preposition as prepositional phrase and adverbial complements.
“Prepositional phrase is formed with the object and it functions like adverbials if it is placed after main verbs.”
He is swimming in the river.
Here, “in the river” is the prepositional phrase functions like adverbial complement as it is placed immediately after action verb.
2.Preposition as adjunct
But, it may be called adjunct as it doesn’t affect the meaning of the sentence if it is not used.
She drives a car on the road.
In the above example, on the road doesn’t affect the meaning of sentence considerably. Hence, it is called Preposition as adjunct.
3.Preposition as a “Object complement”
“But if the prepositional phrase is placed after the direct object, then it is called the “object complement.”
- She kicked the ball in the ground.
In this example, “in the ground” is prepositional phrase placed immediately after the direct object.
4.Preposition as an “Adjective complement”
“If the prepositional phrase is placed immediately after the predictive adjective to complete the intended meaning, called adjective complement.
“And, If the prepositional phrase is placed immediately after the predictive adjective to complete the intended meaning, called adjective complement.
- In the exam, he was totally confused with the nature of questions.
In this example, “with the nature of questions” are used to modify “confused.” Thus, it functions like adjective complement.
Last words on describing functions of preposition,
So far, I have described about functions of preposition and Preposition phrase in the sentence.
Grammatically, Preposition is used as subject complement, object complement, adverbial complement, adjunct depending on the position of Preposition used.
So, this is all about the describing functions of preposition.
Short summary on the describing functions of preposition
First, Preposition is one of the elements of parts of speech.
Second, Noun or pronoun placed after Preposition is called object of preposition.
Third, Preposition with noun or pronoun in combination termed as prepositional phrase.
Fourth, Preposition of time, place, direction, manner, instrument, agency, cause, reason, purpose, connections, origin etc. are the types of Prepositions.
Fifth, In short, Subject complement, adverbial complement, object complement, adjunct, are the major functions Preposition plays.
Finally, this is all about the describing functions of preposition. In the next blog, you will read more specific aspects of prepositions.
Understanding conjunctive adverbs
“But and Yet” Contrasting conjunctions
Explaining role of complements
Types and examples of Prepositions