We know that a noun acts as the subject of a sentence. The subject does the action in the sentence.
A noun can also be an object in a sentence. Action happens to an object.
A prepositional phrase is the part of a sentence that tells where or when something happens.
The preposition and the object of the preposition make up a prepositional phrase.
The object of the preposition is always a noun.
Here are some prepositional phrases that show where something happens:
We watched the basketball game in the gym. The noun gym is the object of the preposition.
We are staying at a motel. The noun motel is the object of the preposition.
John put the flowers on the porch. The noun porch is the object of the preposition.
These examples are prepositional phrases showing when something happens:
We went to the game after dinner. The noun dinner acts as the object of the preposition.
We always have math before lunch. The noun lunch acts as the object of the preposition.
It’s been raining since midnight. The noun midnight acts as the object of the preposition.
Other prepositional phrases tell direction. Look at these examples:
Sam gave the book to Bobby. The proper noun Bobby acts as the object of the preposition.
My sister got a birthday gift from our neighbor. The noun neighbor acts as the object of the preposition.
She showed the gift to Grandma. The proper noun Grandma acts as the object of the preposition.
A noun is always the object of the preposition in a prepositional phrase.