Prepositional Phrases Used as Modifiers sheet 2

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. Look in the drawer with the brass handle.
2. The colonel saluted the officer in the white uniform.
3. Artie read a book about Japanese customs.
4. Ginny drew a cartoon about our baseball team.
5. Please give me a hamburger without mustard.
6. After lunch, we walked back to class.
7. We’ll meet you at the corner.
8. The first signs of spring are here.
9. What city is the capital of Utah?
10. The mechanic worked with great speed.
11. A branch fell into the pool.
12. During the storm our lights flickered briefly.
13. Lucy works at the local hardware store.
14. The wind whistled through the trees.
15. The book about horses was very interesting.