Although noun phrases most frequently function as the prepositional complement in prepositional phrases, four grammatical forms can perform the grammatical function of prepositional complement in the English language. Both English-speaking and ESL students must learn and understand the four forms in order to form prepositional phrases correctly in both spoken and written English. The four grammatical forms that can function as the prepositional complement are:
- Noun phrases
- Prepositional phrases
- Verb phrases
- Noun clauses
Prepositional complements are defined as the word, phrase, or clause that directly follows the preposition and completes the meaning of the prepositional phrase. Prepositional complements are also called objects of prepositions and complements of prepositions.
Noun Phrases as Prepositional Complements
The first grammatical form that can perform the grammatical function of prepositional complement is the noun phrase. Noun phrases are defined as phrases that are formed by a noun or pronoun and any modifiers and complements. For example, the following italicized noun phrases function as prepositional complements:
- The grammar books are on floor six.
- Mothers often cry during the weddings of their children.
- My children ran into the house.
Noun phrases most frequently function as prepositional complements.
Prepositional Phrases as Prepositional Complements
The second grammatical form that can perform the grammatical function of prepositional complement is the prepositional phrase. Prepositional phrases are defined as phrases that are formed by a preposition directly followed by a prepositional complement. For example, the following italicized prepositional phrases function as prepositional complements:
- My mother thought about under the bed.
- She is worrying about in the morning.
- The maid gawked at behind the refrigerator.
Prepositional phrases frequently function as the prepositional complement of prepositional verbs.
Verb Phrases as Prepositional Complements
The third grammatical form that can perform the grammatical function of prepositional complement is the verb phrase in the form of present participles. Verb phrases are defined as phrases that are formed by a verb and any modifiers, complements, infinitive markers, and particles. For example, the following italicized verb phrases function as prepositional complements:
- The publisher thanks you for writing the book.
- My parents have been looking at selling their summer house.
- Your little brother took care of watering the garden while we were on vacation.
Traditional grammars generally refer to verb phrases functioning as prepositional complements as gerunds.
Noun Clauses as Prepositional Complements
The fourth grammatical form that can perform the grammatical function of prepositional complement is the noun clause. Noun clauses are defined as subordinate clauses that are formed by a subordinating conjunction followed by a clause. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as prepositional complements:
- His parents will think about that he wants a new car for his birthday.
- We will focus the investigation on whomever you identify as the perpetrator.
- The teacher listened to what the students said happened.
Noun clauses most frequently function as the prepositional complement of prepositional verbs.
The four grammatical forms that can function as the prepositional complement of prepositional phrases in the English language are noun phrases, prepositional phrases, verb phrases, and noun clauses. Both native English speakers and ESL students must learn the four grammatical forms that can function as prepositional complements to speak and write English fully and correctly.
Sources
Hopper, Paul J. A Short Course in Grammar. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1999.
Huddleston, Rodney. Introduction to the Grammar of English. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 1984.
Kosur, Heather Marie. "The Form-Function Method for Teaching Grammar: Learning English Grammar by Studying Grammatical Form and Function." Suite 101. 16 Apr. 2009. Suite 101. 18 May. 2009.
O'Dwyer, Bernard. Modern English Structures: Form, Function, and Position. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press, 2000.
Heather Marie Kosur - About Me I earned a BA in English studies with a minor in creative writing from Illinois State University in May 2007 and an MS in ...
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