Prepositional Phrases helps you communicate about cohesive and precise formal or everyday expression. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can use common prepositional phrases to express manner, condition, relation and viewpoint.
- Recognise and build the form: fixed multi-word prepositional phrase.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Prepositional Phrases for cohesive and precise formal or everyday expression. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
The train arrived on time.
'On time' means at the scheduled time.
Please contact us in case of emergency.
The fixed phrase is 'in case of'.
The two products are similar in terms of price.
The fixed phrase 'in terms of' introduces an aspect of comparison.
fixed multi-word prepositional phraseKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- 'On time' means at the scheduled time.
- The fixed phrase is 'in case of'.
- The fixed phrase 'in terms of' introduces an aspect of comparison.
- 'On account of' means because of.
- The formal fixed phrase is 'in accordance with'.
Common mistakes
Not:The train arrived in time.
Use:The train arrived on time.
'On time' means at the scheduled time.
Not:Please contact us on case of emergency.
Use:Please contact us in case of emergency.
The fixed phrase is 'in case of'.
Not:The two products are similar on terms of price.
Use:The two products are similar in terms of price.
The fixed phrase 'in terms of' introduces an aspect of comparison.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
The match was cancelled ____ account of the weather.
on
'On account of' means because of.
The work was completed ____ accordance with the rules.
in
The formal fixed phrase is 'in accordance with'.
She spoke ____ behalf of the whole team.
on
'On behalf of' means representing another person or group.