Prepositions
Prepositions form a closed class
There is a restricted number of prepositions and it is difficult to add new members. Accordingly, like auxiliary verbs, numerals, determiners, pronouns and conjunctions, prepositions form a closed class of words.
Prepositions are relation words
Prepositions function as relation words that connect elements of an utterance together. Predominantly, they relate a noun phrase to another unit in the utterance. Consider the following.
the cat is on the mat
Here, the preposition on relates the noun phrase the cat to another unit in the utterance, the mat. Specifically, it signifies a relationship of place, i.e. the cat is on the mat. Other examples of prepositions signaling place include:
the car is in the garage
the boy is beside the fence
the wreck is beneath the waves
Anna is standing next to Dan’s camera
As well as expressing a relationship of place, prepositions can also express relationships of time and logic, e.g.
time:
they left after the meal
he cried during the funeral
Carl was drunk before the wedding
logic:
we’re upset because of his behavior
we won due to his skill
we knew from his own admission
Expressing several relationships
The use of from in the last example above was interpretable as expressing a relationship of logic. However, it is possible for prepositions to express more than one relationship (of place, time or logic). Consider the use of from in the following:
they came from her office [place]
let’s start from the beginning [time]
we knew from her actions [logic]
Linking verbs and adjectives to objects
Another function of prepositions is to link a prepositional phrase via a verb or adjective to the Object of an utterance. A prepositional phrase is a phrase made up of a preposition and a noun phrase, e.g.
prepositional phrase |
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preposition |
noun phrase |
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at |
four o’ clock |
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on |
the wall |
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with |
their three friends |
Linking verbs
verb |
prepositional phrase |
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Rutger |
went |
to the festival |
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he |
flew |
with his friends |
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Karen |
worried |
about Nina |
Linking adjectives
Finally, prepositions may also connect to an adjective:
adjective |
prepositional phrase |
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Anila was |
late |
for the meeting |
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her touch is |
soft |
on his skin |
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Jeff can be |
cruel |
with her |