Learn English
Object of a Preposition
Phonetics:
ɒbdʒɪkt
prepəˈzɪʃn
Pronunciation:
Mastering Prepositional Objects
Comprehensive Definition, Description, Examples & Rules
Introduction to Objects in English Grammar
The object of a preposition holds substantial significance within the realm of grammar, particularly concerning the comprehension of prepositional functions in sentences. Now, let me break it down for you. A preposition is a word that establishes the connection between a noun or pronoun and another word within a given sentence. It functions as a little connector that tells you where something is or how things are related. For example, in the sentence “I’m sitting on the chair,” the word “on” is the preposition that connects “sitting” (the action) with “chair” (the object of the preposition). The object in English grammar is essentially the noun or pronoun positioned after the preposition, thereby conferring a sense of completion to its signification. It’s the thing or person that the preposition is referring to or talking about. So, in this case, “chair” is the object of the preposition “on.”
Typically, prepositions such as “in,” “on,” or “through” necessitate a subsequent noun or pronoun, called the object of the preposition. This object helps complete the meaning of the preposition by giving it a specific direction, placement, or association. For example, in the sentence “I put the book on the table,” the word “table” is the object of the preposition “on.” It tells us where the action of putting the book happened. The object of the preposition can also be a pronoun like “it,” “them,” or “us.” So if I say, “I’m going to the park with them,” the word “them” is the object of the preposition “with,” indicating who I’m going to the park with. In a nutshell, the object in English grammar is the buddy that teams up with the preposition to provide more meaning and clarity to the sentence.
Here are some objects of a preposition example in sentences:
- I walked across the bridge.
- She sat next to me during the movie.
- The cat jumped onto the table.
- We drove through the tunnel.
- They went for a swim in the ocean.
- He hid the key under the mat.
- Please pass the book to her.
- We gathered around the campfire.
- The birds flew over the mountains.
- The kids played with their toys.
Types of objects of a preposition
Noun or Noun Phrase
So, when we talk about objects of a preposition, we’re basically referring to the nouns or noun phrases that come right after a preposition in a sentence. Prepositions are those little words like “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” and so on. They help us show relationships between different parts of a sentence. Now, the object of a preposition can be a single noun or a group of words acting as a noun, which we call a noun phrase. This means it could be something as simple as a word like “cat” or a more complex phrase like “the big red ball.” The important thing is that the object of a preposition helps complete the meaning of the preposition by telling us what or who it’s referring to. So, if we say “I’m sitting on the chair,” the word “chair” is the object of the preposition “on” because it tells us where the action is happening.
Pronoun
When considering the various categories of prepositional objects, our focus lies on the intricate connections to other words in a sentence. One type of object in English grammar that we often come across is a pronoun. Now, a pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun, like “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” and so on. Hence, when a pronoun follows a preposition, it assumes the role of the prepositional object. In the sentence “She sat next to him,” the preposition “next to” shows the relationship between “she” and “him.” Here, “him” is the object of the preposition “to.” Another example could be “They went with us to the party,” where “us” is the object of the preposition “with.”
Gerund
Alright, so let’s talk about the types of objects of a preposition, specifically focusing on gerunds. Prepositions often come before a noun, pronoun, or gerund. Speaking of gerunds, they represent verbs that have undergone a metamorphosis into nouns through the addition of the suffix “-ing.” When a preposition is followed by a gerund, the gerund assumes the role of the prepositional object. For example, in the sentence “I enjoy swimming,” the word “swimming” is a gerund because it’s a verb turned into a noun, and it’s the object of the preposition “enjoy.” Another object of a preposition example as a gerund could be “She apologized for yelling,” where “yelling” constitutes the gerund functioning as the object of the preposition “for.”
Infinitive
An infinitive, typically preceded by “to,” such as “to run” or “to eat,” assumes the role of a verb. When an infinitive is used as the object of a preposition, it adds some extra flavor to the sentence. It can be used to show purpose, like “I went to the store to buy some groceries.” Here, “to buy” is the infinitive that tells us why the person went to the store. Infinitives can also be employed following prepositions to convey circumstances or outcomes, such as “Without a map, it’s hard to find the way.” In this case, “to find” explains the difficulty of navigating without a map.
Clause
The object of a preposition is the noun or pronoun that comes after it and demonstrates its connection to the rest of the sentence. Two kinds of objects exist: noun objects, which can be singular words or word groups acting as nouns, and clause objects, which are complete clauses serving as a unified entity. Noun objects offer precise significance to the preposition, whereas clause objects contribute supplementary details or explanations.
Here are a few interesting examples:
- I’m interested in what she said.
- We talked about why he was late.
- They argued over whether to go or stay.
Adjective
An adjective describes or changes a noun or pronoun. It provides additional information about the noun or pronoun referred to by a preposition. Consider the sentence “She sat on the cozy chair.” Here, “cozy” is an adjective that describes the chair. The preposition “on” indicates the location, while the adjective “cozy” adds specific details about the type of chair.
Adverb
An adverb functions as a term that provides a description or alteration to a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It is capable of modifying verbs, adjectives, or even other adverbs, and imparts supplementary details regarding the manner, timing, location, or extent of events. So, when an adverb comes after a preposition, it transforms into the very object of that prepositional entity. For example, in the sentence “She ran quickly to the store,” the word “quickly” is the adverb and it’s the object of the preposition “to.” It tells us how she ran. Other examples could be “They walked slowly along the path” or “He shouted loudly at the concert.”
Prepositional Phrase
Basically, a prepositional phrase is a group of words that starts with a preposition and ends with its object. The noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that comes after a preposition and provides its full meaning is referred to as the object of the preposition. Objects of a preposition can be classified into two principal categories: direct objects and indirect objects. The direct object, a noun or pronoun, promptly receives the action of the verb, and it comes after the preposition. For example, in the phrase “I walked to the park,” the preposition “to” is followed by the direct object “the park.”
Grammar Rules for Objects of Prepositions
Here are some basic grammar rules to follow for objects of prepositions:
- In sentences, the preposition typically precedes the object. It is imperative that the object aligns with the appropriate form or case corresponding to the preposition. Thus, it is crucial to bear in mind the necessity of positioning the object post the preposition and validating its conformity to the appropriate form.
- Typically, the preposition in a sentence is followed by the object, which should be in a compatible form or case with the preposition.
- Lastly, when dealing with pronouns as objects of prepositions, it’s important to ensure they match with the corresponding preposition in terms of number, gender, person, and case.
Tips for Using Object of a Preposition Correctly
Prioritize acquiring a comprehensive understanding of prepositions, denoting diminutive words such as “in,” “on,” or “at.” The subsequent noun or pronoun that follows a preposition serves as its object. To ensure accuracy, it is imperative to align the object with the preposition based on number (singular or plural) and case (subject or object).
Typically, these words serve as the direct objects of prepositions, contributing to the comprehensive understanding of the sentence. To identify them, one must simply observe nouns or pronouns that immediately succeed the prepositions.
Transform Your English Skills
Free sign-up for a personalised dashboard, learning tools, and unlimited possibilities!
Sign up Now
Key Takeaways
- The noun, pronoun, or phrase that comes after a preposition is referred to as the object of the preposition.
- Prepositional objects help complete the meaning of the preposition in a sentence.
- When identifying the object of a preposition, look for the word or phrase that comes after the preposition.
- Objects of prepositions can be nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases.
- Pay attention to the context of the sentence to determine the correct object of a preposition.
- Avoid common mistakes such as misidentifying the object, using incorrect prepositions, or failing to ensure agreement between the preposition and its object.
Quiz
Question comes here
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a pronoun can be the object of a preposition. A prime example of this occurs in the sentence “He gave the gift to her,” where “her” serves as the object of the preposition “to.”
Certain guidelines can assist in ascertaining the object of a preposition. Observe words that succeed prepositions, encompassing nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases. It is imperative to additionally contemplate the context and overall meaning of the sentence.
The object of a preposition is to serve as a complement, thereby enhancing the significance of the preposition. It facilitates the establishment of connections between various elements within a sentence, conveying notions of location, direction, time, possession, and other pertinent factors.
To form prepositional phrases with objects, you combine a preposition with its object. For example, in the phrase “in the box,” “in” is the preposition, and “the box” is the object.
Yes, the object of a preposition can be a clause or a phrase. For instance, in the sentence “She ran despite the rain,” “despite the rain” is a prepositional phrase where “the rain” functions as the object.
Common mistakes to avoid include misidentifying the object of a preposition, using incorrect prepositions, and failing to ensure agreement between the preposition and its object (e.g., saying “between you and I” instead of “between you and me”).
