Prepositional Phrases
Mastering Dependent Prepositions and Fixed Expressions
⏰ When do we use Prepositional Phrases?
We use these phrases to link nouns, adjectives, or verbs to other parts of a sentence. Unlike basic grammar rules which often have logical patterns, dependent prepositions (e.g., accustomed to, talent for) must often be memorized as fixed pairs. We also use fixed prepositional phrases as idioms to describe states or situations (e.g., out of work, at a loose end).
📌 Structure
We can categorize these phrases by what comes before the preposition or by the fixed phrase itself.
1. Dependent Prepositions (Adjectives, Nouns, Verbs) Specific words require specific prepositions to connect to an object, noun, or gerund (-ing).
- Adjectives: eligible for, conducive to, guilty of, justified in, upset about.
- Nouns: necessity of, talent for, risk of, hesitation in, fear of.
- Verbs: benefit from, compliment on, specialise in, pride oneself on, insist on.
2. Consistency Across Word Families Usually, if a word changes form (e.g., from verb to noun), the preposition remains the same.
- rely on (verb) → reliance on (noun) → reliant on (adjective).
3. Adjectives + for + Object We use this structure to describe necessity or normality for a specific person/group.
- Formula:
It is+adjective+ for +person+to-infinitive. - Example: “It’s common for people who can’t sleep to use relaxation techniques.”.
4. Fixed Prepositional Phrases These act as adjectives or adverbs and have a fixed meaning.
- at a loose end (bored/nothing to do).
- out of work (unemployed).
- in the face of (confronting a difficulty).
- by mistake (accidentally).
📝 Notes
“To” + -ing: Be careful! After prepositions like to (in committed to, object to, conducive to), we must use the gerund (-ing), not the base verb.
- Correct: “He is committed to solving the problem.”
Split Verbs: Some verbs with objects split the verb and the preposition.
- Example: “He complimented me on my talk.” (Verb + Object + Prep).
Comparison Table: Common Dependent Prepositions
| Category | Preposition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Adjectives | of | ashamed of, capable of, terrified of, indicative of |
| Nouns | for | talent for, hope of (exception), motivation for, implication for |
| Verbs | on | base on, depend on, insist on, pride oneself on |
| Fixed Phrases | at | at the scene of, at a disadvantage, at present |
💬 Examples
- Adjective: “He is guilty of not giving detectives the full story.”
- Verb: “Mum prided herself on how she brought up us kids.”
- Noun: “There’s no hint of the strike being called off.”
- Fixed Phrase: “Give me a ring when you’re at a loose end.”