Prepositional Phrases Used as Modifiers sheet 1

A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its objects, and any modifiers of the object.

Prepositional phrases that modify nouns or pronouns are adjective phrases, since the entire phrase acts like an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. These phrases tell which one, what kind, or how many about the noun or pronoun it modifies.

Did Mom read the news article about me? About me is an adjective prepositional phrase modifying article.

Prepositional phrases that modify verbs are adverb phrases, since the entire phrase acts like an adverb modifying a verb. These phrases tell how, when, where, and to what extent about the verb it modifies.

Marlene put the flowers into a vase. Into a vase is an adverb prepositional phrase modifying the verb, put.

Sometimes two prepositional phrases (or more) may be in a row. Sometimes the second phrase is an adjective phrase modifying the (noun) object of the first phrase.

Marlene put the flowers into a vase of water. Of water is an adjective prepositional phrase modifying the noun, vase. Vase is the object of the first prepositional phrase. (See above.)

Directions: List any prepositional phrases. Write the word the phrase modifies. Write if the phrase acts as an adjective or adverb phrase.

1. One of the boys won the award.
2. The plant on the windowsill is pretty.
3. After school, I watched a movie.
4. The car came down the street.
5. The model in my brother’s room looks real.
6. I sewed a patch on my jeans.
7. The girl with the violin plays in the orchestra.
8. The man in the blue coat plays for the Celtics.
9. A brown terrier sat at the bottom of the staircase.
10. We peered through the windows of the deserted mansion.
11. Patti added some ice to the pitcher of iced tea.
12. On the east side of the garage a window needs repair.
13. The sailboat in the water near the dock has a leak.
14. Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go.
15. The electric sander is in the cabinet near the door.