A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence. Some common prepositions include the following: about, before, by, during, on, and under: Prepositions formed from more than one word are compound prepositions. Some examples of compound prepositions are according to, in place of, because of, and instead of.
A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the object. The object of the preposition is the noun or pronoun that follows the
preposition.
The invention of the telephone changed life around the world. (Of and around are prepositions. Telephone and world are the objects of the prepositions.)
Finding Prepositions
Underline the preposition in each sentence. Remember that compound
prepositions have two or more words. Underline the object or objects of the preposition twice. 1. The students in Mr. Lin's class were having an argument.
2. They were arguing about inventions.
3. According to one group, the telephone was obviously the most important. 4. "The telephone enables communication across the country and even the
world!" insisted Mary 5. "I am thinking of the refrigerator, countered Zach.
6. "I would not enjoy summer without ice cream and popsicles." 7. Scott declared, "How can you consider anything except the car?"
8. "Prior to the car, travel was extremely difficult and time-consuming."
9. "I vote for the elevator," said Darrell.
10. "Because of elevators, people could build skyscrapers."
11. "In spite of your arguments, I think the most useful invention is the computer," asserted Heather.
12. "On account of the computer and the Internet, we can send and receive information instantly."
13. Troy responded, "Television must rank among the top inventions." 14. "Television provides us with entertainment and the latest news."
15. Linda stated, "I put the printing press above every other invention."
16. "The printing' press has spread knowledge throughout the world." 17. "Think of how we depend upon medical advancements!" Molly contributed.
18. "Using an X-ray, we can see through skin and muscles." 19. "I choose a simple invention, the zipper, over a complicated one," said Terry.
20. "We won't decide on one invention, so let's eat lunch," said Mr. Lin; and finally everyone agreed.

confused about this