When is a prepositional phrase an adjective

It is telling us which one, what kind, or how many. If the other word is a noun or pronoun, then the prepositional phrase is an adjective phrase. Examples of prepositional phrases functioning as adjective phrases with explanations:. The object of this prepositional phrase is "boat". The preposition "on" is telling us the relationship between the boat and the "woman".

Woman is a noun, so this is an adjective phrase. Toggle navigation. Is she really going out with that guy? He arrived in the nick of time. Is she really going out with that tall, gorgeous guy? Some of the most common prepositions that begin prepositional phrases are to, of, about, at, before, after, by, behind, during, for, from, in, over, under, and with. When a prepositional phrase acts upon a noun, we say it is behaving adjectivally because adjectives modify nouns.

A prepositional phrase that behaves adjectivally is called, quite logically, an adjectival phrase. The cat in the middle is the cutest.

I always buy my milk from the convenience store on Main Street. My mother has always wanted to live in a cabin by the lake.

In the first of these sentences, in the middle answers the question of which cat the writer thinks is the cutest. All of these adjectival phrases provide specificity to a noun in order to enhance our understanding. When a prepositional phrase acts upon a verb, we say it is behaving adverbially because adverbs modify verbs.

A prepositional phrase that behaves adverbially is called an adverbial phrase. They link nouns and pronouns to verbs or adjectives. In addition to being connectors, prepositions can also act as information-givers when they form prepositional phrases.

Every prepositional phrase is a series of words consisting of a preposition and its object. In a prepositional phrase, the object may be a noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause. A prepositional phrase can function as an adjective or adverb. There are certain prepositions that we use more often than others. They pop up in our daily speech and writing. For more, enjoy this list of common prepositions. Adjectives modify nouns, pronouns, and other adjectives.

They can be simple words that provide more detail. Take a look at the manner in which they can tell us more about the nearby noun indicated in italics :. While adjectives modify nouns, adverbs modify verbs and other adverbs. They, too, can be simple words. Here are some examples:.