1. EQ: How can I tell the difference between an adverb and a prepositional phrase?

2. In 99% of cases, a prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with a noun. The noun is called the object of the preposition.

3. Adverbs often end in “ly”: Ex: slowly, fiercely, doggedly
Adverbs often end in “ly”: Ex: slowly, fiercely, doggedly. There are exceptions – Ex: “lovely” is always an adjective

4. Adverbs describe a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.

5. Not is always an adverb. It is never part of a verb phrase or a prepositional phrase.

6. Adverbs sometimes tell direction
Ex: We walked around.
The bird flew up.

7. Prepositions start with a preposition and end with a noun.
Ex: We walked around the block.
The bird flew up the mountain.

8. Some words can be used as either prepositions or adverbs.
A preposition “points to” a noun, which is the object of the preposition.
An adverb does NOT have an object.

9. Some words can be used as either prepositions or adverbs.
PREPOSITION: Marge climbed down the ladder.
ADVERB: Marge climbed down carefully. (Notice – there is no noun following down, therefore there is no object of the preposition, therefore down is not being used as a preposition.)