Preposition phrases

A preposition phrase has a preposition as its Head word, usually followed by a noun phrase. Here are some examples of preposition phrases, showing a preposition + noun phrase sequence:

• in + boxes
• in + the boxes
• in + the big boxes under the table

The noun phrase can be a single word or a string of words, as the examples show.

Here are some examples of prepositional phrases in sentences:

• But they live [under the sea] you know. _{[S1A-055 #225]}
• The British obsession [with class] is quite remarkable. _{[S2B-035 #83]}
• [After much consideration] we regret that we are unable to offer you the post [on this occasion]. _{[W1B-019 #74]}
• [[In the 69th minute] Wallace broke clear [in the Liverpool half] and raced [towards the penalty area]. _{[W2C-004 #40]}

In some examples, we find complex prepositions made up of more than one word, like because of, on top of,  instead of:

• Nobody could hear us [because of the noise]. _{[S1B-046 #32]}
• Catherine placed her aunt's left hand [on top of the right]. _{[W2F-010 #62]}
• We use the lift [instead of the stairs]. _{[W2B-022 #11]}

Note that 'preposition phrase' is not a statutory term in the National Curriculum, i.e. it does not have to be taught at KS1 and KS2.