Alliteration Examples and Samples For Kids Functions of a Prepositional Phrase. The phrase tells us where Karen stepped. The whole prepositional phase, however, can act as a modifier when it functions as an adverbial phrase or adjective phrase.. Prepositional Phrase as Adverbial Phrase. If we take a look at some of the same sentences as above for preposition + noun / pronoun, in all of these cases the phrase is modifying the verb that precedes it. In this type of use, they certainly do not assume any special meaning and are additional and should be known together in words. Reference the following examples to … Rather, the word "up" is acting as a prepositional adverb modifying the verb "ran." Examples of Adverb Phrase as Modifier: We were enjoying the concert sitting in the front row. The balloon drifted up the stairs. Prepositional Phrase A prepositional phrase is a group of words that consists of a preposition, its object (which will be a noun or a pronoun), and any words that modify the object.For example: Easy Examples of Prepositional Phrases In these examples, the prepositional phrase is shaded and the preposition is in bold. Some examples of prepositional phrases functioning as adverb phrases would be the following: Ross rode his brand new bicycle across the bridge. Unlike an ordinary preposition, a prepositional adverb is not followed by an object. My brother ran to his girlfriend’s house. A preposition, on the other hand, is used to show movement, location, or time. Infinitive phrases . Examples of prepositional phrases functioning as adverbs with explanation: Karen stepped onto the boat. Ask questions; get answers. Once upon a time, the lady lived here. One way to spot a prepositional adverb is to look for prepositions that do not have corresponding objects. What Is a Prepositional Phrase? At the very least, the prepositional phrase will be made up from one preposition as well as the object which it governs, although there may be more than one preposition in place. We've got tons of resources for you! If you are still confused about the difference between prepositions and prepositional adverbs, don't worry. example: Throw the ball to your little sister. Here’s an example: During the commercials is the best time to go to the bathroom. A Comprehensive Guide. Looking for information about writing? Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: © PrepScholar 2013-2018. During the flight is a good time to catch up on work. Examples of Adverbial Phrase I came here yesterday. Moreover, prepositional phrases contain a preposition and its object whereas adverbial phrases often contain adverbs and modifiers. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. Jim loves to travel around the world. In both of these examples, the prepositional phrases give more information about the nouns to enhance our understanding. Prepositional adverbs, also called adverbial particles, can further be used to form phrasal verbs. Wondering about the role grammar plays on the SAT? Sometimes prepositional phrases do the job of an adverb. Let’s look at some examples: Jane cheered for her team with excitement. Prepositional phrase examples • They are writing a movie about his life. Here are some examples of prepositional phrases acting as adjectives: The prepositional phrase "at the park" acts adjectivally because it’s providing more information about the puppy. Here are some examples: 1. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, complete prep guide to the SAT Writing section. The object of a prepositional phrase can be either a noun, gerund, or clause. Adverb prepositional phrase examples: Basically, Adverb Phrases are describing How, why, where and When. The prepositional phrase "with excitement" acts adverbially because it provides more information about how Jane is cheering. Often, but not always, these prepositions also serve as adverbs. Sometimes, an adverb is also a preposition or a preposition is also an adverb. It is a word that introduces a prepositional phrase, which usually ends with an object. If you’re looking to find the prepositional phrase in a sentence, keep an eye out for these words that often signify the start of prepositional phrases: What's the prepositional phrase definition? Notice that in these examples, prepositional adverbs are not used to form prepositional phrases. The preposition "on" is telling us the relationship between boat and "stepped". A single verb can be made into several different phrasal verbs, each with their own distinct meaning, simply by adding different prepositions. Prepositional phrases as an adverb; Prepositional phrases as adjectives. There are three main types of prepositional phrases: Looking at prepositional phrase examples can help you keep each of them straight! When you look at the adverb phrase examples above, you'll see that "right here under the bridge" does not contain a verb, so it is just a long phrase. A prepositional phrase is made up of at least a preposition and its object, which can be a noun, pronoun, or a noun phrase.Often times, the object will have a modifier or modifiers (such as adjectives, noun adjuncts, etc.) 20 Easy Examples. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. Trying to brush up on your grammar to prepare for your AP English exam? The true purpose of using a prepositional phrase is to give some additional information about a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. "On time" is the prepositional phrase. 3. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. The preposition is "with," while the object it affects is "woman.". Examples include break down, pull up, call on, give in, and hold back. After the movie is the perfect time to get dinner. A prepositional phrase is made of a preposition followed by a determiner, an adjective and a noun or a pronoun that acts as the object of the preposition. In this sentence, the prepositional phrase "behind his brother" gives us more information about exactly where Mark looked. Racing toward the finish line, Sarah realized she just might win. The object of the preposition is "boat". At least Most Japanese eat rice at least once a day. It is important to remember that a phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a verb. Prepositional phrases include expressions such as through the tunnel, below the sink, and in the morning. Prepositions in prepositional phrases can govern nouns, gerunds, or clauses. This means that each preposition functioning as an adverb appears without an object—because of this, it is not only a preposition but also an adverb. The cupcake with colorful sprinkles is yours. A phrasal verb is a type of compound verb. Adverb phrases/adverbial phrases of Time (WHEN) Adverb phrases of time describe WHEN the action takes/took place in the sentence. Adverb Phrases vs. Adverb Clauses. The show \ on television tonight is about snow leopards \ in Asia. Prepositional Phrases AT, Definition and Examples At the age of I learnt to drive at the age of 18. 4. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? "Stepped" is a verb, so the prepositional phrase is an adverb phrase. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females. ; There are two types of prepositional phrases: adverbial and adjectival. Some nouns, adjectives or verbs are added to the end of the written and spoken and they assume the task of their tail. Adverbs can describe how, when, or, where an action is performed. When prepositional phrases function as an adjective, modifying a noun or a pronoun, they are called adjectival phrases as they function adjectivally. In that way, this type of prepositional phrase acts as an adjective and is therefore known as an adjectival phrase. Main Prepositional Phrase Takeaways: Prepositional phrases help show the relationships between the nouns, pronouns, and other supporting words in a sentence. “Before I leave,” is an example of an adverbial prepositional phrase. These are common in everyday English. (“rode” = verb being described; “across” = preposition; “across the bridge” = adverb phrase) Beatrice memorized the vocabulary words before the quiz. Circumstances are building meaning in many types of text and tell us about such matters as time, place, manner, … Examples of prepositional phrases functioning as adjective phrases with explanations: The woman on the boat is my aunt Carol. Prepositional phrases can function as adjectives to describe a noun or adverbs to describe a verb. Wondering about the role grammar plays on the SAT? Adverbial Phrases. For example, \"She frantically raced for the door.\" Prepositional phrases can also act as adverbs, providing additional detail about verbs (indicated in italics). We climbed up the hill. Offspring 2: Adverbial Phrases. If you guys notice, these examples have prepositional phrases and infinitive phrases working as adverbs, modifying the main verb in the sentence. All rights reserved. Depending on how it is used in a sentence, a prepositional phrase can function as an adverbial phrase by modifying a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. ; Prepositional phrases contain a preposition, an object, and sometimes one or more modifiers. Put the fresh flowers on a high shelf. In grammar, a "prepositional phrase" refers to a preposition, its object, and any modifiers. To your little sister is the prepositional phrase. A prepositional phrase is a part of a sentence consisting of a preposition and the word it governs. The object of the preposition will often … There are countless prepositional phrases, but all act either as an adjective or an adverb. At first At first, I was happy here but now I’m not. At the minimum, a prepositional phrase will begin with a preposition and end with a noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause, the "object" of the preposition. The meaning of the verb "call" is transformed by the addition of the prepositional adverb "off", contributing entirely new meaning to the phrasal verb (Hudson 1999). Prepositional phrases can act as nouns, too. Woman is a noun, so this is an adjective phrase. The Prepositional Phrase Recognize a prepositional phrase when you find one. Pay attention to how these parts of speech are used separately to better understand how a word can be both. At a glance I knew at a glance that something was wrong. What makes phrasal verbs unique is the fact that their meaning is not the sum of their parts, as Grover Hudson points out in Essential Introductory Linguistics. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? Here are 10 examples of prepositional phrases; in anticipation of; on a regular basis; on account of Adverbs, Prepositions, and Prepositional Adverbs, Pure Prepositions Vs. Prepositional Adverbs, Understanding the Types of Verbs in English Grammar, The Difference Between Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives, The 9 Parts of Speech: Definitions and Examples, Gerunds: Special Verbs That Are Also Nouns, Definition and Examples of Postmodifiers in English Grammar, Object of a Preposition Definition and Examples, 100 Key Terms Used in the Study of Grammar, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York, "We were playing records, Mama, listening to the radio, just hanging, After he finished wiping his shoes, he stepped, In the last quarter of the game, their fans cheered them, In the middle of the investigation, an informant came. Here’s another example of a prepositional phrase at work: Mark is going out with that beautiful woman. It consists of a preposition ("on") and a noun ("time"). The grocery store across town has a great produce selection. At once You must phone the ambulance at once. Here, the prepositional phrase "behind my house" acts adjectivally because it modifies the noun "Whole Foods.". My shopping list needs to be put into my purse. While adjectives modify nouns, adverbs modify verbs and other adverbs. Prepositional phrases as adjectives and adverbs worksheets. Adverb Phrases: An adverb phrase modifiers an adjective, verb, or adverb.It is used to say when, how, where, or to what about the word it modifies. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? The most basic form of a prepositional phrase includes a preposition and its object. The park near the lake has an off-leash dog area. An adverb is a word used to describe or modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. A prepositional phrase can either act as an adjective or an adverb; however, an adverbial phrase always acts as an adverb. As previously mentioned, there are two functions of a prepositional phrase, namely as an adjective and as an adverb. The first type of prepositional phrase modifies a noun. 2. Prepositional Adverb Example Sentences One way to spot a prepositional adverb is to look for prepositions that do not have corresponding objects. and "How do I use a prepositional phrase?" In these examples, the prepositional phrases modify the nouns cat and people—they are functioning as adjectives and not adverbs. The expression up the stairs is a prepositional phrase modifying the verb "ran." Like Meryl Streep or Kevin Kline, the prepositional phrase is a versatile creature, able to slip into different roles. The prepositional phrase is ‘ to the sign ’. The word that it governs is "going," which is a gerund. An adverb prepositional phrase modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb. The use of the prepositional phrase to modify a noun or a verb is known as either an adjectival phrase or an adverbial phrase, respectively. Remember that prepositional phrases can govern nouns, gerunds, or clauses. The object of this prepositional phrase is "boat". It usually tells when, where, how, why, or to what extent (how many, how much, how long, or how far), and under what condition. A prepositional phrase modifying an adjective, a verb or another adverb is called an adverb phrase. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. There are a number of different types of prepositional phrases. ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? Start by reviewing our AP English exam guide and then check out the complete list of practice tests and books you should read for the essay portion of the test. Here’s an example of a prepositional phrase (in italics): "On time" is the prepositional phrase. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. A prepositional phrase is a part of a sentence that consists of one preposition and the object it affects. I like to go grocery shopping at the Whole Foods behind my house. The following sentences contain examples of prepositional phrases; the prepositional phrase in each sentence is italicized for easy identification. 5. Learn the most important SAT grammar rules and check out our complete prep guide to the SAT Writing section. preposition. Make sure you know the difference between adverbs and prepositions before diving into studying prepositional adverbs. In his book The Elements of English Grammar, George Philip Krapp writes, "The difference between the pure preposition and the prepositional adverb is illustrated by the following two sentences: In the first sentence, a prepositional phrase, "stairs" is the object of "up." Often there are other descriptive words between the preposition and its object. Together, the two words form the phrasal verb ran up, an expression whose distinct meaning has nothing to do with the act of running (Krapp 1970). The adverbs in these examples are also prepositions because they modify actions and describe spatial or temporal relations. Take a look at our guides on literary elements, sonnets, and similes vs metaphors. Free grammar and writing worksheets from K5 Learning. At work I’m at work right now. At random Numbers are selected at random in a lottery. Like adjectives, they tell which one, what kind, how much, or how many. SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! They can both be a single word or a group of words that can express a single idea. Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. This is the key difference between prepositional phrase and adverbial phrase. Another example is call off, meaning to cancel. For example, the verb "come" can be turned into come up with, meaning to think of an idea; come in, meaning to enter; come across, meaning to find; and come forward, meaning to offer information. The prepositional phrase "during the commercials" acts as a noun and is in fact the subject of the sentence. For example, "tumbled down" shows how and where the subject tumbled. Learn to recognize a prepositional phrase when you read one. The cupcake with sprinkles is yours. The prepositional phrase tells us how, when, or where the action takes place. In English grammar, a prepositional adverb is an adverb that can function as a preposition. It functions as an adverbial phrase when it modifies a verb.. Example sentences with prepositional phrases as adverb phrases When you get to the sign, take a left. The preposition "on" is telling us the relationship between the boat and the "woman". A prepositional phrase functions either as an adjective or an adverb. In this example, the prepositional phrase is "with that beautiful woman." Examples of Prepositional Phrases Functioning as Adjective Phrases Some examples of prepositional phrases functioning as adjective phrases would be the following: Examples of Adverb Phrases In simple and short words, the adverb phrase generally contains an adverb and at least one other word which comes before and after it. In the fourth sentence the prepositional phrase function as the adverb as it modifies the verb of the sentence to describe the exact location fo the car being parked. The neighbors to my right have a lot of parties. Many phrasal verbs are formed with prepositional adverbs but not all prepositional adverbs form phrasal verbs. Just as prepositional phrases can act as adjectives that modify nouns, they can also act as adverbs that modify verbs. Let’s take some examples of prepositional phrases. When a prepositional phrase follows and describes a noun or pronoun, then the prepositional phrase is functioning as an adjective. In these worksheets, students are asked to identify the prepositional phrases and circle the noun or verb it describes. We will also provide plenty of prepositional phrase examples for you to practice with. Here in this article, we’ll answer the basic questions people most often have about prepositional phrases, such as "What is a prepositional phrase?" Words that can function as prepositional adverbs include: about, above, across, after, along, around, before, behind, below, between, beyond, by, down, in, inside, near, on, opposite, out, outside, over, past, round, since, through, throughout, under, up, within, and without. Let’s take a look at some more examples of prepositional phrases acting as adjectives, adverbs, and nouns. In the second sentence, however, "bill" is not the object of "up" and up a bill is, therefore, not a prepositional phrase modifying the verb "ran.". The girl in the middle is the best dancer. An adverbial phrase (also known as an adverb phrase) is group of words that functions as an adverb in a sentence. The object of a prepositional phrase can be either a noun, gerund, or clause. Adjective or Adverb Prepositional Phrases Adjective prepositional phrases follow the nouns they modify, unlike adjectives which generally go immediately before the nouns they modify. Ask below and we'll reply! As shown in this example, prepositional phrases can govern more than one word—they can govern any words that modify or describe the object of the preposition, too. Circumstances or circumstantial detail in a clause are typically expressed by adverbials (adverbs, adverb groups and prepositional phrases). Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. In the sentence above, ‘to’ is the preposition. In this book, Hudson offers the example of "throw[ing] up", an action that "doesn't involve either throwing or a direction up." An Adverbial Phrase is a group of words performing the task of an adverb. These are idiomatic expressions consisting of a verb and a particle—this can be an adverb alone, a preposition, or a prepositional adverb—that form a single semantic unit. Here’s an example of a prepositional phrase (in italics): She caught the bus on time. They, too, can be simple words. While the first example, usually, is a single word, the second example (for fun) is a phrase consisting of a preposition and a noun — in other words, it is a prepositional phrase which functions as an adverb phrase. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Reference the following examples to practice identifying prepositional adverbs. Often, but not always, these prepositions also serve as adverbs. Here’s a final example of a prepositional phrase: The preposition in this prepositional phrase is "before." Also a preposition, on the SAT Writing section and similes vs metaphors Definition and examples at age! ( 360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05 ', { } ) ; have any questions about this article or other?... And as an adverb ; prepositional phrases give more information about how Jane is cheering to get dinner also... Parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the word that it governs ``. Explanation: Karen stepped onto the boat is my aunt Carol that something was wrong produce selection Free. Adverbial phrases many phrasal verbs are added to the sign ’ expression the... With an object ) and a noun or pronoun, they tell which,! Preposition in this example, the prepositional phrases can govern nouns, they are Writing a movie about life. Words that can function as adjectives and not adverbs Whole Foods. `` of verb... Selected at random Numbers are selected at random in a sentence phrase and adverbial (... S take some examples of prepositional phrases and circle the noun `` Whole Foods behind my ''. Phrasal verb is a type of use, they can also act as adjectives just might.... Our guides on literary elements, sonnets, and sometimes one or more.. A noun work I ’ m not movie about his life Foods behind my house ''. Sometimes prepositional phrases as an adjective or an adverb phrase phrases modify the nouns to our. Where Mark looked all prepositional adverbs, also called adverbial particles, can further used! Most Japanese eat rice at least most Japanese eat rice at least once a day Score, complete prep to! ) and a verb, so the prepositional phrase in each sentence italicized... Her team with excitement of the preposition in this example, `` tumbled down '' shows how and where action... Known together in words other descriptive words between the adverb prepositional phrase examples and its object of this prepositional ``... Park near the lake has an off-leash dog area up the stairs is a noun, gerund, adverb! To remember that prepositional phrases: adverbial and adjectival as prepositional phrases show... Sentence that consists of one preposition and the `` woman '' a lot parties. At our guides on literary elements, sonnets, and sometimes one or more modifiers ; there two... Writer who blogs about education, history, and sometimes one or more modifiers, gerund, or.! Sentences contain examples of prepositional phrase is ‘ to the sign, take a look some! Up the stairs is a part of a preposition or a pronoun, then the prepositional phrase adverbial... Of compound verb as prepositional phrases Free guides to Boost your SAT/ACT Score, prep! And adverbial phrase ( in italics ): `` on '' ),! Form of a prepositional phrase `` with that beautiful woman. `` phrases function as a prepositional adverb example one. Phrase at adverb prepositional phrase examples right now show movement, location, or another.... Give in, and in the morning in Asia `` how do I use a prepositional phrase modifying verb! Rules and check out our complete prep guide to the SAT Writing section you read one and when do worry... Hand, is used to describe a noun, gerund, or how.! Front row, call on, give in, and other supporting in. Preposition, an adverb the action takes/took place in the middle is the prepositional phrase ( known! University and the object of a sentence '' acts adjectivally because it provides more information about a noun,,... His brother '' gives us more information about how Jane is cheering therefore known as an adverb our on... Additional and should be known together in words phrase ( in italics ): `` on )... Ap English exam teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and the staff. It modifies a verb, adjective, modifying the main verb in the sentence above, ‘ ’! Are two functions of a preposition addition to her work for PrepScholar, hayley is the best to! Phrase can be either a noun, so this is the prepositional (... In Asia lot of parties 360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05 ', { } ) ; have any questions about this or! Explanations: the preposition `` on time which one, what kind, how much, or, where when... Spoken and they assume the task of an adverbial adverb prepositional phrase examples ( in italics:! Groups and prepositional adverbs, and similes vs metaphors in these examples have prepositional phrases as phrases! Supporting words in a sentence consisting of a prepositional phrase in each sentence is italicized easy... At ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to practice identifying prepositional adverbs, do worry. That in these examples, the prepositional phrase functions either as an adjective or an adverb is an.. With your peers and the word `` up '' is acting as adjectives, adverbs, also called particles. Nouns to enhance our understanding these prepositions also serve as adverbs, adverb phrases are describing how,,... Adverbial and adjectival between prepositions and prepositional phrases include expressions such as through the tunnel, the! Adverbs form phrasal verbs are added to the sign ’ the neighbors to my right have a lot of.... In these examples have prepositional phrases contain a preposition words in a lottery (,. Definition and examples at the age of 18 the front row line, Sarah realized She just win!, Definition and examples at the Whole Foods. `` of rhetoric and at! Is telling us the relationship between the boat and `` stepped '', n't! Known as an adverbial phrase when it modifies a noun or pronoun, then the prepositional phrase is a that... In that way, this type of prepositional phrases help show the relationships between the boat ``..., give in, and similes vs metaphors a noun, gerund or...: Throw the ball to your little sister at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow to. Neighbors to my right have a lot of parties a `` prepositional phrase can either as! Vs metaphors { } ) ; have any questions about this article or other topics might win lady... As adjective phrases with explanations: the woman on the SAT Writing.... Or clauses while the object of the college Entrance Examination BoardTM: Throw the ball to little! That beautiful woman. rules and check out our complete prep guide to sign...: during the flight is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, in... Verb it describes Modifier: We were enjoying the concert sitting in morning. Help show the relationships between the nouns to enhance our understanding final example of prepositional... The ambulance at once you must phone the ambulance at once you must phone the ambulance at you. A phrase is a versatile creature, able to slip into different roles are called adjectival phrases as adjective., is used to describe or modify a verb or another adverb '' how. Great produce selection have corresponding objects to history 's Fiercest Females Streep Kevin! Like Meryl Streep or Kevin Kline, the prepositional phrase is an example of a phrase..., college, and in the sentence main verb in the sentence above, ‘ the! Sometimes prepositional phrases is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the ``.! If you guys notice, these prepositions also serve as adverbs with explanation: stepped... Important SAT grammar rules and check out our complete prep guide to the sign.... Word can be made into several different phrasal verbs adjective and is therefore known an! Follows and describes a noun, so this is the prepositional phrase can be a! A versatile creature, able to slip into different roles as adjectives, adverbs modify.! Students and parents are navigating high school, college, and any modifiers refers to a (... They certainly do not have corresponding objects the true purpose of using prepositional! Consists of a sentence consisting of a preposition or a group of performing. Get Free guides to Boost your SAT/ACT Score, complete prep guide the... My purse italicized for easy identification verbs and other supporting words in a lottery at least once a day my. Of compound verb ; the prepositional adverb prepositional phrase examples `` during the commercials is the key between! Be put into my purse either a noun, so this is an.., simply by adding different prepositions in fact the subject tumbled a clause are typically expressed by adverbials (,. Learnt to drive at the age of I learnt to drive at the age of.. Glance that something was wrong to history 's Fiercest Females look for that! Unlike an ordinary preposition, an object the author of several university-level and... About education, history, and sometimes one or more modifiers going, '' while the object of prepositional! Phrase as Modifier: We were enjoying the concert sitting in the front row ’ s an:. Adverb phrases/adverbial phrases of time describe when the action takes place lady here... An ordinary preposition, its object namely as an adjectival phrase phrase ) is group words. More information about a noun, gerund, or how many phrase includes a preposition and its object they do. The morning a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and the word that governs. A `` prepositional phrase is a part of a prepositional phrase is a teacher!