What is a Prepositional Phrase Functioning as an Adverb?
When a prepositional phrase describes a verb, an adjective, or an adverb, then the prepositional phrase is functioning as an adverb.
Examples of Prepositional Phrases Functioning as Adverbs
Some examples of prepositional phrases functioning as adverbs would be the following:
Ross rode his brand new bicycle across the bridge. (“rode” = verb being described; “across” = preposition; “across the bridge” = adverb phrase)
Beatrice memorized the vocabulary words before the quiz. (“memorized” = verb being described; “before” = preposition; “before the quiz” = adverb phrase)
Our class filed out of the school building when the fire alarm rang. (“filed” = verb being described; “out” = preposition; “out of the school building” = adverb phrase)
With extreme caution, Jonathan pulled into the narrow parking space. (“pulled” = verb being described; “with” = preposition; “with extreme caution” = adverb phrase)
Prepositional Phrases Functioning as Adverbs in Context
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Watch this video to better understand how prepositional phrases can function as adverbs!
Why You Should Use Prepositional Phrases that Function as Adverbs in Your Writing
Prepositional phrases that function as adverbs add detail and description to your writing. Because the entire phrase works together to describe a verb, adjective, or other adverb, by nature, the prepositional phrase will add more detail and description.
Notice the difference between these sets of sentences:
Walter drove his car.
Walter drove his car through the puddle.
“Through the puddle” provides much more detail regarding where Walter drove his car. Notice how that entire prepositional phrase – through the puddle – works like an adverb modifying the verb “drove.”
The boys jogged.
The boys jogged before breakfast.
“Before breakfast” provides much more detail regarding when the boys jogged. Notice how that entire prepositional phrase – before breakfast – works like an adverb to modify the verb “jogged.”
Finally, be sure not to confuse prepositional phrases that function as adverbs with prepositional phrases that function as adjectives.
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