Definition

Adjective: 1. Relating to a preposition: Describes something that involves, contains, or functions like a preposition. 2. Formed with a preposition: Describes a grammatical structure, typically a phrase, that begins with a preposition.

Usage

The word "prepositional" is used almost exclusively in grammatical contexts to describe the role or nature of words and phrases. It modifies nouns like "phrase," "function," or "meaning."

Examples

• The word "in" is a prepositional element in that sentence.
• "On the table" is a prepositional phrase.
• The prepositional function of the word "about" is to indicate the topic.
• He analyzed the sentence's prepositional structure.

Advanced Usage

• Prepositional complement: The noun phrase or clause that follows a preposition to complete its meaning (e.g., "the park" in "to the park").
• Prepositional object: Another term for the noun or pronoun that is the object of the preposition.
• Prepositional verb: A multi-word verb consisting of a verb and a specific preposition that together have a unique meaning (e.g., "look after," "deal with"). Note: This is a distinct category from phrasal verbs, which often involve adverbs.

Variants and Related Words

• Preposition (n): A word (e.g., , , , ) used before a noun, pronoun, or gerund to show its relationship to another word.
• Prepositionally (adv): In a manner relating to or by means of a preposition. (e.g., The word is used prepositionally here.)

Synonyms

• Relational (in a broad grammatical sense)
• Grammatical (specific to this function)

Related Phrases

• Prepositional phrase: A group of words beginning with a preposition and ending with a noun or pronoun (the object), which functions as a single unit, typically as an adjective or adverb.
  • Example: The book on the shelf is mine. (The prepositional phrase "on the shelf" acts as an adjective modifying "book.")

Adjective

1. of or relating to or formed with a preposition
   • prepositional phrase