Prepositional Phrases

The Adjective Phrase Describes a noun or pronoun. Answers the questions: “which one?” “what kind?” “how many?”

Examples of the Adjective Phrase The man (with the beard) is my dad. (bearded man) Winds (in March) often disturb me. (March winds) I bought a chest (for tools). (tool chest)

The Adverb Phrase Modifies verbs, adjectives or adverbs. Answers: how, when, where, why or to what extent

Examples of the Adverb Phrase She overcame evil (with kindness). (how) I jumped (into the water). (where) (For many years) I was afraid to talk. (how long, to what extent)

More examples of the Adverb Phrase We collapsed (from exhaustion). (why) (During the summer) the rainfall is heavy. (when)

Position Rules Phrase that begins a sentence (introductory phrase) = Automatically adverb Phrase follows the subject = Automatically adjective Phrase follows the verb, an adjective or adverb = Automatically adverb

Hints Adverb phrases that can modify verbs can be moved to the beginning or end of the sentence. Adjective phrases can never be moved.

Practice The book on the table in the English classroom is Barbara's book. The roads of ancient Rome connected the cities of the empire. The boys jumped quickly over the wall . The pirate map was hidden underneath a big rock . In the morning I will come for the plans. Everyone in the class finished the test at the same time.

Adjective/Adverb The book on the table in the English classroom is Barbara's book. The roads of ancient Rome connected the cities of the empire. The boys jumped quickly over the wall . The pirate map was hidden underneath a big rock . In the morning I will come for the plans. Everyone in the class finished the test at the same time.