Prepositions perform three grammatical functions within verb phrases in the English language:
- Infinitive Marker
- Particle
- Verb phrase complement
Both native English speakers and ESL students must learn the three functions of prepositions to properly and fully construct verb phrases in both spoken and written English.
Prepositions as Infinitive Markers
The first grammatical function that prepositions can perform within verb phrases is the infinitive marker. An infinitive marker is defined as a function word that lacks definite lexical meaning but distinguishes the base form from the infinitive form of a verb. Only the preposition to functions as the infinitive marker in English. For example, the following italicized prepositions function as infinitive markers.
- The caterer bought flour and cocoa to bake a cake.
- His dream is to become a musical engineer.
- You need to study more diligently.
- To give up on your future would be a mistake.
- Many children are afraid to sleep in the dark.
Prepositions as Particles
The second grammatical function that prepositions can perform within verb phrases is the particle. A particle is defined as a function word that also lacks definite lexical meaning but expresses a grammatical relationship with another word. The prepositions of phrasal verbs function as particles. For example, the following italicized prepositions function as particles:
- The disagreement should blow over shortly.
- That creepy guy hit on that shy woman.
- He nodded off during class.
- Our boss has passed the assignments out.
- The children used up all the milk.
Prepositions as Verb Phrase Complements
The third grammatical function that prepositions can perform within verb phrases is the verb phrase complement. A verb phrase complement is defined as a word or phrase that completes the meaning of the verb phrase. The prepositions of prepositional verbs function as verb phrase complements. For example, the following italicized prepositions function as verb phrase complements:
- His date decided on the filet mignon.
- The shih tzu differs from the lhasa apso.
- She longs for a wonderful man.
- We have prepared for the storm.
- He worries about his financial stability.
The three grammatical functions of prepositions within the verb phrases are infinitive marker, particle, and verb phrase complement. Both native-speaking and ESL students must learn the three functions in order to fully and correctly form verb phrases in the English language in both speech and writing.
Sources
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. 5 Aug. 2009.
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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