Learn on PengiElements of Language, 2nd CourseChapter 3: Parts of Speech Overview: Verb, Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, Interjection

Lesson 4: The Preposition

Grade 5 students learn about prepositions in this lesson from Elements of Language, 2nd Course, part of the broader Parts of Speech unit. The lesson defines a preposition as a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition) and another word, covering common prepositions such as in, beside, above, and on, as well as compound prepositions like in front of, instead of, and according to. Practice exercises ask students to identify both single and compound prepositions within sentences.

Section 1

The Preposition

Definition

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun, called the object of the preposition, to another word.

Explanation

Think of a preposition as a "position" word! It tells you where or when something is in relation to something else. Words like in, on, under, and after are prepositions. Remember, changing the preposition can completely change a sentence's meaning, so choose them carefully!

Examples

  • The dog raced across the field. [The preposition across shows the relationship between raced and field.]
  • My backpack is under the chair. [The preposition under shows the relationship between backpack and chair.]

Section 2

Compound Prepositions

Definition

Some prepositions are compound and consist of more than one word.

Explanation

Don't let the name fool you! A compound preposition is just a team of two or three words working together as a single preposition. They do the exact same job as a one-word preposition, connecting a noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence. They are teamwork in action!

Examples

  • We went to the movies in spite of the rain. [The compound preposition in spite of shows the relationship of went to rain.]
  • The new statue is in front of the school. [The compound preposition in front of shows the relationship of statue to school.]

Book overview

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Chapter 3: Parts of Speech Overview: Verb, Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, Interjection

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: The Verb

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Action Verbs and Linking Verbs

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: The Adverb

  4. Lesson 4Current

    Lesson 4: The Preposition

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: The Conjunction and the Interjection

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

The Preposition

Definition

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun, called the object of the preposition, to another word.

Explanation

Think of a preposition as a "position" word! It tells you where or when something is in relation to something else. Words like in, on, under, and after are prepositions. Remember, changing the preposition can completely change a sentence's meaning, so choose them carefully!

Examples

  • The dog raced across the field. [The preposition across shows the relationship between raced and field.]
  • My backpack is under the chair. [The preposition under shows the relationship between backpack and chair.]

Section 2

Compound Prepositions

Definition

Some prepositions are compound and consist of more than one word.

Explanation

Don't let the name fool you! A compound preposition is just a team of two or three words working together as a single preposition. They do the exact same job as a one-word preposition, connecting a noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence. They are teamwork in action!

Examples

  • We went to the movies in spite of the rain. [The compound preposition in spite of shows the relationship of went to rain.]
  • The new statue is in front of the school. [The compound preposition in front of shows the relationship of statue to school.]

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 3: Parts of Speech Overview: Verb, Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, Interjection

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: The Verb

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Action Verbs and Linking Verbs

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: The Adverb

  4. Lesson 4Current

    Lesson 4: The Preposition

  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: The Conjunction and the Interjection